Tico Tuesday, March 14th

When I moved into this apartment in October, I said I would get to know my neighbors. I'd met my upstairs neighbor when I came to look at the apartment and managed to meet the ones next to me somehow (perhaps because our doors are right across from each other--although I didn't realize they had another son in addition to their strong-lunged baby until a couple weeks ago). But, there were still three other apartments whose inhabitants I did not know. It was getting to the point of embarrassment. Then, I decided enough was enough. Shame or not, I would introduce myself to my neighbors. And then the series at church was about to start. Suddenly, I really had no excuses. So, armed with oatmeal raisin cookies (like a good gringa) and fliers to invite them to the series (with a brief note with my phone number on the back), I went door knocking and met a young couple, a family of four who actually left their old church and started attending mine in January (who knew?), and a woman who is 8 months pregnant and I'm pretty sure she lives alone. It was very nice to meet them, even if just briefly. I can even tell you all their names, though I almost forgot one.
For all too long I've been very good at living in the bubble. In college it kind of drove me crazy because it was so hard to get out of it, but at the same time, the bubble is so cozy and comfortable, it can take a lot of motivation to get out and be intentional in showing the love of Jesus to people who might not know much about him. I don't know if any of my neighbors came to church this weekend, but the ones who weren't home when I dropped by came knocking to thank me and I definitely feel more of a sense of warmth with them now.
I've been sensing a lot of nudging from the Holy Spirit lately to be more intentional about reaching out to others. Complacency is not ok. God has been so good to me, how can I keep him to myself? It takes effort, it takes getting uncomfortable, but the joy I felt at just getting to meet my neighbors and show them I care for them--and seeing an opportunity to reach out further to my pregnant neighbor--was sweeter than those oatmeal raisin cookies.
Thanks for keeping me in your prayers as always. Lately I've been desiring them more than ever, so please continue to intercede for me! You are always welcome to write to me and let me know how I can pray for you!
With gratitude,
Carrie