I've done something crazy, and now I'm super excited and terrified all at the same time.
A few weeks ago, a Reece's Rainbow family posted a message that they were going to be moving across the country and were looking for places to stay in the midwest along the way. Without thinking much about it, I offered our house. We have plenty of room and since we're in a major city I thought there was a good chance they would passing our way.
And then I thought nothing else of it.
T emailed me this week to ask if it was still okay if they stayed with us...all 11 of them. :) :)
And the panic set in...we don't have enough beds, we don't have enough chairs at the table...
But I am so excited to be able to provide hospitality for this family. I am quite sure their lives have been very chaotic the past few weeks, and even more now with driving cross-country with lots of little ones. I've been planning out a menu for dinner and breakfast the night they are staying, and mapping out sleeping arrangements. Friends have offered extra tables and chairs to supplement what we have.
And I warned T that our house is ugly. :) :)
Honestly, that's been the biggest panic. They'll see our ugly paint that we haven't fixed yet, and the floors that still need to be redone, and the horrible carpet runner on the stairs that we haven't taken up, and the half-finished bathroom, and...
But we have a roof, and God has graciously given us enough space to share with others. This is one of the reasons we wanted a bigger house! So when the ugly thoughts start to overwhelm me, I remind myself of a mother traveling with 9 little ones, and how nice it must be just to know they have a place to stop that won't cost anything, and a night to relax and play and enjoy with new friends.
Thank you, God, for the opportunity to love others!
Thursday, October 07, 2010
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4 comments:
How absolutely wonderful of you to open up your home and hearts! I am sure both families will have a fabulous time enjoying eachothers company, exchanging stories and just getting to know eachother.
I love your craziness. It's a beautiful thing. And I understand your fears, as I felt the same way with having 15 people in our tiny house every Wednesday night. But you're totally right. It's a roof. It's shelter. And there is much love in your heart in all of this. I'm sure God is quite pleased, and they will be too.
I totally understand where you're coming from! We have a small house, so something like this wouldn't be possible for us. I admire you a lot for doing this. I have a motto now...If you're coming to see me, come any time. If you're coming to see my house, give me at least 48 hours notice!
Trust me, it will be chaos, and a hugely fun time. I love staying with friends, it's like a slumber party, with none of the pranks! We had 9 extra people in our house last fall, two days after we had been evacuated for the Station Fire. So, yes, it's stressful, but we had a great time. Make sure to update after they've come and gone!
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