We Thank God for You!
"Please don't make me host."
This was my usual plea whenever my husband wanted to have people over. I just didn't have the right mindset. I thought it was about the size of my house, or if it was pretty or clean. I was a utilitarian maximalist for some time, which really meant that I couldn't keep after all of us and our mess - creative, distracted, and messy people that we are. I only had useful hand-me-downs rather than unified decor - I was just embarrassed and fearful that guests would be uncomfortable and I would be exhausted trying to "entertain."
And then...
We gave most of our things away. I realized that the things we collected had meaning because they told a bit of our story and now they were gone. We arrived in Ecuador with eight suitcases, mostly clothes, and books. We had to bring books. We didn't even have the basic things for the kitchen and bathroom. But my grandmother wasn't done blessing me with loving gifts. We arrived just three weeks after she passed away. What sorrow to not be able to see her in person again, and yet, we inherited some of her possessions. It's the little things that make a home. And we were thankful for the cutlery and the tea towels, the linens, and the washing machine was received with so much joy and meaning. We lived in my grandparents’ small but efficient apartment for a year, and it was like we were hugged by them daily. What a privilege to care for their place!
Starting from practically zero was something that we did as newlyweds. It was hard but we saw the hand of the Lord through it all.
Now we have been given stewardship of a house that has all that we prayed for...space! We have studios for each of us, a family room, and a hosting room, a patio, a yard, a place for workshops, and a place to put our GOYA Smart Boxes together. It's old and rustic, it's quirky, there are things that don't always work, and sometimes the water doesn't heat up in the sinks. But we are so grateful. We have been here for about a month and we have already hosted several groups from teens to adults for ministry debriefs or creative book sessions.
We have celebrated a young missionary's birthday so she can process a huge milestone in her life. There was no way she could have done it in her tiny apartment. It went exactly as she hoped. We hosted friends who are at the forefront of a prayer movement in Ecuador so that they can be served instead of always serving. We have had open creative studio times and in the near future, we plan to have discipleship groups and Bible studies.
Here's what I learned. It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be "you." Your unique home is interesting and a blessing. Most importantly, hosting is a ministry.
Even if you only have water or tea, what people need is someone to listen, to pray, to let them feel at rest, and at home. I am energized by the idea that each mug, throw, or chair is there to make room for Jesus.
We will have many outreach times where we go to homes, churches, or ministry sites, but this feels like "in-reach," where we are opening the door and each person is an honored guest.
This all began as you "adopted" us, welcomed us into your homes, listened to our story, and included us in your prayers. Thank you.
~Nancy Rodriguez
