A different kind of summer

With my mother’s trip canceled and teams unable to join us, God has opened up news way to use our time these coming weeks. With the launch of summer this weekend, most schedules follow a different rhythm which has offered new bridges and opportunities.

The immediate building complex I live in is made up of about 130 condos payed out in two story buildings. My courtyard connects 16 of these homes representing at least 8 different countries. I believe God is helping me cultivate His presence here. Please join me in praying for favor and deepening of relationships.

My upstairs neighbors, Linus (Swedish) and Helen (Scottish) will marry next month in a very simple service at the state house. They come weekly to our conversation group on Monday nights and we often hang out at random moments through the month. This past Friday, we were invited to celebrate Midsummer with them and Linus’ family. Linus suffers from migraines and other hurdles he has yet to share the details.

A Pakistan couple in their 80s lives next to them. Mohammad and Anis moves here in the 70s for work. Anis came very close to death this past February, but has regained strength and taking it day by day. One of their sons, who recently separated from his wife, has moved home to live. Mohammad gets out almost daily with his walker to fetch groceries and is always ready for a chat.

A couple from Thessaloniki, Greece moved here 30 years ago to raise their family. Children and grandchildren live close while they care for their father who is suffering from Alzheimers. The wife is learning new things this summer such as grilling for the family on weekends.

The orthodox Syrian neighbor across from will every now and then stand in the court years and call my name until I answer. She is very persistent. This passed week, her need was to request I tutor her nephew who needs to strengthen his English this summer.

My other Syrian neighbor, Nellie, just had her fourth child…a baby girl. Nellie has a dream to move her family to California as it seems like everything would be better if they were there.

Please join me in praying that I would present to my neighbors these weeks. That rather than I just be known as the person who is always having people over, that I would also be known as someone who cares for them. Pray that I would notice and be proactive to care. Pray that I would bold in conversation and not feel insecure about my Swedish. Pray that God would lead me to a family of peace that is already desiring to know who God is. Everyone here has brokenness in their lives and a need for hope.