By Emily Rietema
“Keeping up with the Gomezes” is a phrase that has found its way into ordinary speech in our home. Rather than the pursuit of manicured lawns, new cars, or competition for “the best,” our neighbors the Gomezes have instead spurred us on toward generosity and hospitality. We can only try to keep up!
The Gomezes, like many of our neighbors in KCK, are immigrants from Mexico. They came to the US decades ago in search of work to support their family. They have had to live separately from other family members in Mexico which has been extremely difficult.
Although they have other relatives here, the Gomez family has welcomed our family into their home and their lives as well. Fernando taught each of our kids the proper way to roll up a tortilla before they could even talk. Pureza was their babysitter. We celebrate birthdays together, exchange garden produce and listen to what’s going on in each other’s lives. I always feel as though they have time for me. They are a gift.
The extreme generosity of our Mexican immigrant neighbors extends far beyond what is seen at face value. They have shared not just food at their table, but their culture, their traditions, their stories, their pain, and their hope. They have taught me that hospitality goes beyond hosting dinner. They have made room for us with their time, care and attention.
The Gomezes live in a way that embodies their belief in God’s abundance. Each and every time I thank them for inviting us to something, Fernando and Pureza always, always respond, “thanks to God for providing.” There is a constant recognition and gratefulness for God’s provision.
This attitude of abundance is so challenging to me. It’s a truth about God’s kingdom that I constantly need to learn. We do often think about abundance at Thanksgiving time. When you’re planning your gatherings, I encourage you to include immigrants at your table– or go and join theirs! Maybe you are an immigrant family– is there room to welcome more? My view of the world and my relationship with God have been influenced greatly by the hospitality of immigrants. We have an abundant God who gives to us so generously.
Regardless of who your neighbors are or where they’re from, offering hospitality is a way to act out our faith in a God who is generous. Here are some tips to encourage intentional neighboring.
- Introduce yourself and share a small gift- cookies, plant cuttings, etc. Leave a card with your name and make it a point to memorize your neighbors’ names.
- Offer help and support. Be proactive in offering assistance when you see a neighbor working on a project or going through a difficult time. Small gestures can make a big difference.
- Be vulnerable. It can be harder to receive help than to give it. Be the first to be vulnerable. Ask for help. Borrow tools. Share about a hard day.
- Do what you normally do, but do it together. Going to a community event? Go with your neighbor. Spending the afternoon baking? Invite a neighbor.
- Say yes. When you’re not so sure about the invitation to attend a party for National Square Dance Day, go anyway! It’s another way of being vulnerable and showing hospitality.
Intentional neighboring like the Gomezes requires effort and commitment, but the rewards are immeasurable. Our family is a testimony to how hospitality can be transformative, and our communities themselves can reflect the character of our abundant, generous God.
About Emily Rietema: Emily lives with her husband and three boys in Kansas City, Kansas. She is an experienced educator with a special interest in social justice. Emily is deeply committed to her neighborhood and engages in Christian community development practices to help build a strong and connected community. She enjoys running, baking, and tending the garden.
Emily serves on the Youthfront Christian parenting and caregiving resource team.
