We have arrived in Snohomish, Washington and after spending time with our host Zack and asking the Lord how we could best water the seeds and plant more in this soil that he has place right in front of us. We came up with the idea that we would make cookies, and write encouraging messages, and/or scripture notes and take them to the neighbors, with an invitation to come hang out with us for bonfire and games later this week.
“The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39
Not sure if this is true where you live, but it’s not often you hear about truly knowing your neighbors and getting to know them. But I can remember growing up on my street in California and I knew the names of both the neighbors next to us, and many of the kids in neighborhood I would play with outside for countless hours. I remember me and my siblings and neighbor friends riding our bikes up and down the street not going passed the dip because that was the limit our parents set for us. I think I could probably tell you all the neighbors I had as a kid growing up. As I have become an adult I have noticed less and less children outside playing. Times have changed. We don’t see to many kids riding bikes in the streets or running across the streets to the neighbor’s house. In fact it’s very rare that you know your neighbors name.
For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. Galatians 5:14
The team set out to go meet Zack’s neighbors and to “love your neighbor” armed with cookies and lots of prayer. Brittany (Britt), Zack and I started out down the street, and up the driveway of the yellow house down the street. We were greeted by the women of the house, she was delightful and thought we were selling something, and very encouraged by the fact that we were giving her something, we ask if she had any prayer needs and if we could pray for her there on the spot. She ask if we could pray for her son to find a job that’s the best fit for him. We departed ways and continued down the street.
As we walk up to another the front door, this sweet little girl was standing just off the walk-way. Britt starts talking to the girl asking if her mommy or daddy were home and if she could go get them. She walk us up to the porch and help us ring the doorbell. After a few moment with no response, she invited/ ask us if we would like to see her backyard. As we walk towards the garage her mom walks around the van to greet us. We introduce ourselves and found out that mom’s name and daughter’s name. (I have changed names Sweet Little is the daughter, Big Sis, and Mom). Sweet Little quickly asked if we wanted to see her backyard, once Mom gave the ok, we were ushered in to the backyard. We walk into this lush green backyard, with a fenced in garden that is thriving with life. As walked through this amazing garden, with just about every herb, vegetable and berry you could think of. We are encouraged to pick and eat, taste anything we would like. After a few minutes of getting to know Mom and her us, she mention needing to harvest her raspberries and that it would be a huge task for the day. Zack quickly ask if we could help her pick the raspberries. She was surprised and yet very grateful for the help, being that she and her family would be leaving for a family vacation in a few days. As we picked berries, Sweet little, would bring us her creation of mint leaf tacos with raspberries, a hint of fennel and pinch of dill. Meanwhile, getting to have meaningful conversation with Mom.
By the time we finished picking all that we could pick and eat from the raspberries it was like we were old friends. Around that time, Sweet Littles older siblings had come home from camp, so we go to meet Big Sis, and hear all about her camp experience and Zack and Britt kept engaging with Mom and Big Sis in good conversation. While me and Sweet little, bonded over playing with toy horses and Barbie’s.
Being that I have been blessed with a talent to engage young children, it came natural for me to connect with Sweet Little as we lost ourselves in the world of imagination. We went from exploring the Wild West with horses to becoming queens at a tea party. Let me just tell you the imagination was strong with this one! It was a blast!
A little back story Zack, had mention that it would be awesome and surprising if we were invited in to one of his neighbors’ homes because typically everyone just keeps to themselves. In praying beforehand we ask the Lord if we could be invited into a home to connect.
So with that being said, after hours of spending time in the garden we were invited in to their home for cookies and beverages. With that invitation came deeper conversation and sharing of stories. This resulted in Mom’s hope in the God and the church being restore to that she was willing to give it a try.
Here is what I have learn in the last week of being here and being purposeful with neighbors and people. I have learn that people are more willing to talk to you than you think. God wants to use you to restore hope, and awaken His sons and daughters. That with a genuine love for your community you can see the atmosphere change and God mighty hand begin to change those around you. I have learn that just stepping out and saying hello, or asking the person you see walk to the mail box every day, what their name is and little by little learning things about them. Being willing to share your stories and share different life experiences.
So here is my challenge to you, find a neighbor that you may have waved at many times, and go up and ask their name. Invite them to share a meal with you in your home.
Now GO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR!!!
