A Home for Traveling Strangers

I've been experiencing some sadness...

A couple of sweet girls that have been staying with us, moved on to their next adventure.

And now the house feels quiet, empty, and sad...

The morning they left was dreary and rainy, which matched our emotions about them leaving perfectly.

These girls were an absolute delight, and I have missed them greatly since they left.

I cried as I watched them pull out of our driveway for the last time...

I knew that these two young girls who I had opened my heart and my home to, were two young girls I would probably never see again.

But so it goes for the life of a missionary.

Always traveling to a new town... Ministering to a new church... Adjusting to a new host family...

"I realize that you are used to coming and going... But I am not used to it. My heart hurts. I will miss you!" I said to them as they stood by my door with suitcases in hand.

The night before we had stayed up laughing with them, praying over them, and talking about how we just couldn't believe that their two weeks with us was already over.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I knew that our church had scheduled a revival summit, and I had put it into my calendar so that our family could attend, but I didn't know the role I was to play while the revival team was here.

Our associate pastor called me one afternoon and asked if I would be willing to house a couple of the team's members. 

He said he was having a hard time finding enough families to host, and would I consider providing meals and beds for two of the girls on the team.

I instantly thought of Isaiah 58:7 which says, "Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the wanderer with shelter..." and I knew I had to say yes. 

I got to work right away on preparing the house for their arrival.

We technically have a guest bedroom, but it only has one bed and I didn't know how these girls would feel about sharing it.

So I decided to let them have Nola and Elsa's bedroom, because that way they would each have their own bed.

This is what their room looked like once it was made perfect for them...

I had so much fun getting this room ready!

I scrubbed and cleaned and washed up all the bedding...

I bought fresh flowers...

And put together a little toiletry tray and vanity for them to use...

Nola made this precious welcome sign...

And I stocked the room with snacks, chocolate, and water bottles...

Once they arrived and settled in, they made themselves right at home, which absolutely delighted me!

I said to Micah, "What if in ten years Nola comes to us and says, 'Mom and Dad, I have joined a revival team. I will travel the country and stay in stranger's homes.' I would be a nervous wreck! I want to approach this company with the mindset that we are taking in

somebody's daughters! I want them to feel at home here."

Micah agreed, and we did everything we could to bless them and take care of them.

Although in the end, I realized that they were the ones who blessed us!

They were always cheerful, and appreciative of everything we did for them. It was a treat for me, as a mother, to watch my kids open up to them and play with them as the days progressed. And I was so grateful to them for showing my kids what godly young adults look like.

"They were not your typical nineteen and twenty year-olds," I said to my dad after their two weeks with us was complete. "I was so impressed with how mature and joy-filled they were... Always looking for ways to bless us!" I said. "And to think, they are from the 'entitlement' generation!"

But my dad replied, "They are Christians. Christians are peculiar. They've always been. They never fit into the mold of the culture."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After they left I went into their room to begin the process of getting our 'normal' back, and I found this...

One of the girls left us this precious thank-you note.

It read...

Downs Family,

Thank you so very much for taking in a couple extra kids. I'm so grateful to have had the privilege to be a part of your sweet family and humble, lovely home. I felt truly welcomed since the first night. Thank you so much for sharing your space and treating us so kindly. I hope to have a home as cozy and warm as yours one day.

God bless you all!

Until next time, 

Emma

Oh, how that did my heart such good!

My only wish through the years has been to make a wonderful, restful home for my family and for visitors. I've never cared about trying to impress or make my house into a trendy show place. I've just wanted it to feel like home. 

God used her words to minister encouragement to me that I am on the right track.

Home is a powerful feeling.

It can restore and comfort you.

And what a treat it was for me to be able to share my home with others.

"Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:13

(Side note- In case you're wondering... Our family room renovation is still not complete! I felt self-conscious of that at first but in the end I learned a lesson. I learned that I don't need to wait to have the perfect house before offering hospitality. I made sure the girls' needs were met and I did the best that I could with all the other rooms. They made me feel like that was more than enough!)

I will miss their smiles and laughter, their presence around our dinner table, and the meaningful conversations we had, but I am thankful for the experience.

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10 

(I have decided not to include photos of our guests to be respectful of their privacy.)

Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog today friends!

I'll be back soon...

xo,

~ Courtney ~