Welcoming Well

     When our family first moved on campus, it was in the middle of my first snowy Chicago winter. It was also two weeks before Christmas, when nearly all our neighbors were traveling to see family for several weeks. The next few months continued to be challenging. My pregnancy with our third child was high risk requiring weekly 4-hour hospital visits. We were still adjusting to living in the US. I missed my extended family in Florida. My husband was getting used to the workload of his program. We lived an hour away from our beloved church family. I was lonely and it was cold.

     Now eighteen months later, things feel much different! I love the seasonal changes in the weather here. We adore our cozy apartment. I finally know where to do my grocery shopping for the best prices. My kids have a great pediatrician. We have developed wonderful friendships among our neighbors. We have joyfully settled into life here, but as I start to welcome new neighbors this summer, I want to remember how difficult those first few months can be.

     Some of our new neighbors may have just moved halfway across the world and speak very little English. Others may be newlyweds learning to live together for the first time. Some may have left a lucrative career in another field and be adjusting to a major lifestyle downgrade. Others may be barely making ends meet with their combination of scholarships, student loans, work, extreme couponing, and WIC. Some may have several precious children running about. Others may be silently grieving the loss of their baby from a miscarriage.

     Our new seminary neighbors will come from diverse backgrounds and have different circumstances. Regardless of the differences, we should love and care for them as brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us commit to warmly welcoming them when they arrive!

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (Romans 12:13 ESV).

 How can you provide a warm welcome to new neighbors?

1) Introduce yourself. This one is basic, but essential. When you learn of new neighbors arriving, go introduce yourself. Take them a treat. Offer to help them unload their moving truck or unpack their suitcases. Give them your phone number or email address. Let them know who you are and that you are here to serve them. I know that this first step can be incredibly difficult if you are shy or introverted, but let us think less of self and more of loving others.

2) Explain life.  Explain the essentials of living in your neighborhood. Take them to the best grocery stores for their budget or dietary needs. Explain the toll road system. Show them the nearest banks. Offer recommendations for doctors and dentists. Invited them to church with you. Help them figure out how to do life at your school and in your neighborhood.

3) Enjoy them. Invited them for dinner. Host a game night. Plan a BBQ. Take them sightseeing. Have their children over for a play date. Host a Bible Study. Have fun together and delight in the blessing of new friends to do life with!

4) Pray for them. They just left their old home and are adjusting to many new things now. Pray for their sadness. Pray for their joy. Pray for their marriage. Pray for their training at seminary. Pray for their finances. Pray for their children. Pray for the Lord to continue to grow them in godliness.

5) Pray for yourself.  Pray that you would truly love your neighbors. Pray that you would not be too busy to warmly welcome others. Pray that even as you grieve old friends, your heart would be open to forming new friendships. Pray that you would bring glory to God by warmly and selflessly welcoming your new neighbors.

By Lexi Zuo

 

Lexi is a sinner saved by grace, wife to Jeremiah, mother to  three little ones, and an avid reader. She blogs regularly at www.MrsSeminary.com.