We say banana; he says banahna.
Tomato, tomahto; banana, banahna.
But we're not calling this whole thing off.
A couple of months ago, we signed the boys up for British Soccer Camp. The World Cup had added to the soccer hysteria in our house until it was nearly at a breaking point. When it was over, it was like the after-Christmas blues. Thankfully, the boys had the end-of-summer soccer camp to look forward to and that cheered them.
A week before the camp was to begin, we received a call from the company asking if we'd be willing to host the coach. I was hesitant. I love to have people over, but I wasn't sure about having a complete stranger living in my home for a week. And a college-aged one at that. I tend to live cautiously, guarding what is mine . . . my feelings, my friends, my family. My husband and boys with their bigger, wide-open hearts were excited at the prospect, so I agreed. With reservation. And hoped for a girl.
He wasn't. (Even though he was willing to wear pink wings for the kids.)
In one too-short week, we all fell in love with our coach. We laughed at miscommunication (who knew English could be so difficult and different-but-the-same?), we learned from each other, and we made a new friend. So now pieces of our hearts are driving around the Midwest finishing up a job and soon to fly across the Atlantic. We're hoping for a friendship that lasts across an ocean and years.
And I'm thankful for the lesson I learned from my family: An open door to a house can open a door to a heart.
Above all, love each other deeply . . . Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. ~ 1 Peter 4:8-10
An endless list of gifts continued #168 - 185:
a new lesson learned
reward for risk
a new friend
enlarged hearts
a sad goodbye means we care
Lots Of Laughs
cool drinks when summer is the hottest
watching my boys learn
. . . and love
. . . and have fun
learning new English -- ice lollies, banger and mash, bobbles and flat batteries
my dad can jump a car
. . . and another
a tour around a Midwestern zoo guided by a Brit
new soccer games
a home to offer hospitality
a God whose love throws doors wide open
forever
17 comments:
How fun, and what an education for your whole family! As they say about the UK and the US: 'Two countries separated by a common language.' :-)
you were hoping for a girl??? :)
i like british accents... i like to watch BBC shows just to listen to them talk!
What a fun story! I really enjoyed reading your Multitude Monday. :) I came here through Women Living Well.
What an exciting opportunity for the kids! And I'm so glad it turned out well - I love being hostess but have the same worries :)
Stacy
Unexpected blessings happen when we open our heart and our home and allow God to be God. I completely understand that guarding thing you talk about here and I pray often that He will give me courage to step outside my comfort zone. Thank you for sharing.
Oh how sweet! Love this story. Love that he wore the wings. That is priceless!
Loved your story! I grew up in Canada where there's a strong British influence, so I feel right at home. (LOL, I never knew that a "flat battery" was unusual to Americans. Thanks!) My sister lives in London now, so her phone calls are laced with odd phrases--which makes life run and interesting. ღ
"I tend to live cautiously, guarding what is mine . . . my feelings, my friends, my family"
How i see myself in those words! but your reminder of the rewards for risks gives me hope. I've experienced risk and the rewards. Let's keep on taking and receiving each in their turn, eh?
blessings,
eleanor
What a great chance to learn about another culture! So glad that all turned out well. Your list of thankfuls is a great reminder to be adventurously open.
What a sweet story! I loved your statement..."An open door to a house can open a door to a heart."...we just never know...
you're so honest, friend. i love that. love to you. xo
I bet the kids had a blast having him around! A college aged guy willing to rock the pink wings is pretty hard to come by!
Now, on to the real business: Is he single?!? ;)
I think I would have had the same reservations that you did...I'm usually cautious like that, but I find that those times when I open up and I am hospitable, it turns out great. Glad that it turned out great for you!
Vicki -- I'm thought I'd be more comfortable with a girl around the house than a strange boy. It obviously turned out fine. (And we loved his accent too.)
E-Mom -- we call them "dead" batteries.
And SIF, you're lovin' those pink wings, aren't you? I told him he should find a nice American girl and visit the states more often.
What a fun experience! My fave parts of your list are a new friend, a new lesson learned, and especially a God whose love throws doors open wide. Lovely! Thanks for visiting today!
LOVE IT! Your writing captivates me! Keep it up! :-)
Stopping by to follow and say hello! Lovely blog you have!
Love Your Sister In Christ,
Traci
http://www.ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com
A nice read! :)
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