Saturday, June 1, 2013

Block Party

Every time we feed the missionaries they ask if we have any neighbors they could teach. 
Well, after 3 1/2 years of living in Texas I really only know about 5 people in my neighborhood. 
It was time to get to know the neighbors and to do some missionary work. 
Okay, so the thought is that by getting to know my neighbors it would open the door to missionary work in the future. Do you see my vision?
 This was out of our comfort zone for sure.  Inviting total strangers (at least some) to our house for a barbecue seemed like the best approach.  We offered shaved ice of course. 
 We advertised it as bring your own main dish (grill available) and a side or dessert to share. 
 The kids were really excited and thought it was great fun to deliver the fliers. 
 They were big helpers in carrying stuff out to the front yard and holding things down as it ended up being a really windy evening but very pleasant temperature wise. 
 The girls had found Arabella's make up kit and were all dolled up for the occasion. 
The start time came and went and there was nobody.  We decided to go ahead and start the grill for our own dinner and as we did so a family (from the house that got our last flier) came walking down the street. A very nice couple that have two children (boy 9 and girl 2).  The boys got along great and it was wonderful for Joey. Lily loved having someone her size to play with.  The neighbor from 2 houses down came out with his daughter and had some shaved ice and visited.  And that was the end of the guests; we passed out 40 fliers. I know it was Memorial day and there were plenty of people with plans.  I had prepared myself going into this that it could be a big flop.  The evening ended and I felt completely content. This couple is catholic (they brought up religion not us) but their son goes to school at the school she teaches at so he does not know any kids locally.  He and Joey hit it off and I have prayed for Joey to find a friend. So, maybe this can turn into a missionary opportunity but if nothing but a friend for Joey comes from this I am more than happy and feel that Heavenly Father is fully aware of my family and our needs and efforts. 

2 comments:

Megan said...

shell, i think that is a really neat thing you did for the neighborhood. too bad it didn't turn out quite as you imagined. but you are right, if joey made a new good friend out of it, that is super amazing. you are a good mom and you have really great kids. love you all!

Brady and Lindsay Wood said...

that was super brave of ya'll. i like it. i agree a new friend for joey is worth a million bucks. i hope they have some fun together this summer. you are truly a great mom and i dont know how you do it all. way to go! oh and tell jon that ryker talks about him almost daily... he is pretty much his idle right now!