Wondering why our neighbors who were "moving in a week" were still coming over everyday, we finally got word from the oldest boy that they were staying! This immediately had Josh and I both thinking two things: 1- YAY! We have more time to build intentional relationship with these kids and 2- Oh dear, we really need to set up clearer boundaries! We still haven't figured out good guidelines. We for sure decided that 8pm (our kids bedtime) is the latest they should be over. This became clear as last night they were over getting help on homework until 9:30pm. It just gives Josh and I no time to unwind and spend time together. At the same time we need time as a family for dinner and time with the kids. It is a tricky balance. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know!
The great part of them not moving is how many opportunities we have to share God's love with them. Yesterday the youngest boy came over asking for help on a paper he needed to write. The topic was "What is the main reason for Christmas?" HELLO! How much more can God open the door to witnessing about Him!! It was great to hear him say that Christmas is Jesus birthday and that is reason he wanted to write about. However, it quickly became clear he was a bit fuzzy on some things. We had a wonderful conversation about God sending Jesus to earth on Christmas because he loved us. John 3:16 became his intro sentence and it was wonderful discussing in how many ways that gives us the reason for Christmas. Two hours later he had a completed paper. While it may be frustrating at times balancing 'neighbor' time and family time, I do have to praise God to have the privilege of sharing in His work of loving and serving others.
In a total tangent, I am SO excited for this weekend. My really really good friend is coming to visit for the weekend. This means Elf party fun is coming soon (a yearly tradition centered around food, dear friends, and watching the movie Elf). I have been waiting for 6 months for this weekend and I am so excited that it is almost here!!!
Oh my gosh, how great you already were able to share the gospel with him! that's so great Kelly.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what to do about the balance, that is tricky. You could possible say something like you guys are welcome to come over on tuesdays/thursdays till 8 or something like that. But yeah, you do need to have some time for just your family for sure, and don't feel bad about needing that.
I am very excited for the Elf party and Lois's visit as well. Sleepover party!?!? :) you are getting one though I guess :)
Yeah, we were tentatively thinking maybe between 7-8pm. Part of the problem is Josh typically doesn't come home until after 6pm and then we have to eat dinner. The kids are in bed at 8pm. It really doesn't leave a very big window of time. The other thing is that the every day thing is just a bit too much. Maybe say they can come 3 or 4 days a week?? However, then I feel bad if they need help on homework and can't get it. The problem is that because there is 5 kids, that each day it's a different combination of kids! UGH - definitely need to pray and think this through some more. :)
ReplyDeletewow, 3-4 days is still so generous of you guys to be giving of your time and energy! maybe some of the time can be you teaching them how to use other resources like the internet, or see if their school has tutoring?, but yeah, partially it just sucks they don't get the help at home :( I was 'babysitting' Damian last night, he's in 9th grade now, and his mom does SO MUCH to help him, it's like she's a teacher now. But most people can't do that, it stinks they have so little support at home. You guys are so awesome to be mentoring them
Deletewhoops *because there ARE 5 kids*
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