"...Amarán, pues, al extranjero; porque extranjeros fueron en Egipto "
-Deuteronomy 10:19
I've been a 'guest' for the last 4 years and 4 months- years as a college student in the Southeastern United States (believe me, y'all...it's a different country) and months as a seminarian and English teacher in Argentina. In other words, I've been (and am) on the receiving end of hospitality a lot. Here are some hospitality gems I've picked up along the way that I want to remember and put into practice as I love the foreigner in my community (from my present vantage as an extranjera).
1. Offer to go with me when I do paperwork (especially for the first time).
Hospitals, DMVs, and Social Security offices are daunting places since I don't know how they work compared to what I'm used to. Bureaucracy can be intimidating, so it helps to know that someone has my back (or, right now, my foot).
2. Take me out to lunch.
Unless I'm really embarrassed about my economic situation (especially if I'm a student or don't have a job yet), I'll rarely turn food down. Or better yet...
3. Invite me over to your house.
Even if it's just tap water and stale saltines, being in a home refreshes my soul. I don't care if there are rings on your coffee table, your 3 year old is having a meltdown, or if there's more dust than carpet on your floor. You have no idea how blessed and honored I feel to be welcome in your space.
4. Let me do something for you.
Chances are, I came to your country/region because I'm pretty good at something unusual (anything from fruit harvesting to musical talent to a PhD in, say, Slavic linguistics). I want to share what I have. Also, I have hobbies- I might surprise you with a recital or bring you some questionable looking dish from my home. I promise, it's delicious!
5. Forgive me.
My sense of timing, humor, manners, and appropriateness might be totally different than yours. I really don't want to offend you, but it might happen without me realizing it. Sorry!
6. Learn a phrase in my native language. Or just how to pronounce my name correctly.
You have no idea how good it feels to my ears and heart.
7. Listen and share.
Especially if my second language isn't very polished yet, this might take some patience on both our parts. But I want to get to know you and be known- that's the core of humanity and hospitality. Either way, it's bound to break stereotypes and build understanding on both sides. You've got some pretty awesome stories to tell.
How about you? Have you ever been on the giving/receiving end of hospitality? What did you learn?
-Deuteronomy 10:19
I've been a 'guest' for the last 4 years and 4 months- years as a college student in the Southeastern United States (believe me, y'all...it's a different country) and months as a seminarian and English teacher in Argentina. In other words, I've been (and am) on the receiving end of hospitality a lot. Here are some hospitality gems I've picked up along the way that I want to remember and put into practice as I love the foreigner in my community (from my present vantage as an extranjera).
1. Offer to go with me when I do paperwork (especially for the first time).
Hospitals, DMVs, and Social Security offices are daunting places since I don't know how they work compared to what I'm used to. Bureaucracy can be intimidating, so it helps to know that someone has my back (or, right now, my foot).
2. Take me out to lunch.
Unless I'm really embarrassed about my economic situation (especially if I'm a student or don't have a job yet), I'll rarely turn food down. Or better yet...
3. Invite me over to your house.
Even if it's just tap water and stale saltines, being in a home refreshes my soul. I don't care if there are rings on your coffee table, your 3 year old is having a meltdown, or if there's more dust than carpet on your floor. You have no idea how blessed and honored I feel to be welcome in your space.
4. Let me do something for you.
Chances are, I came to your country/region because I'm pretty good at something unusual (anything from fruit harvesting to musical talent to a PhD in, say, Slavic linguistics). I want to share what I have. Also, I have hobbies- I might surprise you with a recital or bring you some questionable looking dish from my home. I promise, it's delicious!
5. Forgive me.
My sense of timing, humor, manners, and appropriateness might be totally different than yours. I really don't want to offend you, but it might happen without me realizing it. Sorry!
6. Learn a phrase in my native language. Or just how to pronounce my name correctly.
You have no idea how good it feels to my ears and heart.
7. Listen and share.
Especially if my second language isn't very polished yet, this might take some patience on both our parts. But I want to get to know you and be known- that's the core of humanity and hospitality. Either way, it's bound to break stereotypes and build understanding on both sides. You've got some pretty awesome stories to tell.
How about you? Have you ever been on the giving/receiving end of hospitality? What did you learn?
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