Welcoming the stranger

Tonight I am thankful for a family that showed us an amazing amount of hospitality. We met one member of the family on Thursday night. When he found out we were new to Santa Cruz, he invited us to Church with his family. This morning, he picked us up, introduced us to his family, and took us to Church. After Church, we were invited to a large meal with other family members. There, we were greeted warmly. After lunch, we were taken to the home of this family who lent us, their clothes to go swimming with them. After a long swim, we came back for a snack and a game of chess.

These past few weeks have been good for Drew and I, however, we live and work in the office. The office, once full of all employees, includes Drew, Juan, Eva, and myself. We enjoy the company of Juan and Eva, but have looked forward to meeting new people. In a new city where we don't know many people, or our way around the city, it can feel a bit lonely.

Today was refreshing to not only get out and see new things and eat new food, but also to spend time with a family who so warmly welcomed us into their lives for the day. As we left the house this evening, the family gave us all their phone numbers and an open invitation to their house. They said that one of them had to spend 3 months in the States because of a son's health issues. Those 3 months were difficult because they didn't know anyone, and didn't have anyone to turn to if they had a question. They understood what it was like to be a stranger in another land.

I was reminded of the theme in:

Leviticus 19 :33 “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. 34 You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

and Matthew 25 :42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’

Even in a foreign land, I can do a better job of welcoming the stranger, extending kindness and generosity. And tonight, I am thankful for those who welcomed us with such open arms. I was blessed.