This Advent the Stake Primary president, who happens to be in my ward came up with a wonderful idea: throughout Advent people could choose days when they welcomed members of the ward in their homes. We started advertising a little late, but from December 2 to December 26 there were open doors waiting for our brothers and sisters at least once a week. There were no requirements of feeding your guests or taking anything, or even letting the host know ahead people were going, but us being Hungarians we ended up doing all three. I mean why have people over if you don’t feed them?
One of the greatest thing, for me, in this activity was that I got to get to know people that I hardly ever talk to a little better. Particularly one brother in my ward, who is amazingly smart, speaks like seven languages, including English, Russian, and Swedish, and is definitely someone who is seeking to grow in the gospel. We have, however, not talked much before, because most of our interests are on the opposite end of the spectrum, with the exception of family history. When I saw his name on the list, I decided that I’m definitely going to visit him. Then I put my own name on the list for Christmas Eve, which is when Hungarians really celebrate Christmas. He approached me if I really meant it, and I was really happy to tell him that yes, he is welcome to come spend Christmas with my dad and I. And with the missionaries. And with this other couple. And the afternoon with two big families.
Visiting him, and him spending Christmas Eve with us has given me a completely different experience with him from what I get at church. We had such a pleasant time together, and I am super happy I could get to know more about him. I’m excited to continue to get to know him better, and I wish I had made the effort and taken the time to talk to him earlier.
We are already talking about what we’ll do this year, and how we’ll change the program. Maybe extend it to the other wards in Budapest, maybe put up the sign up calendar before Halloween, maybe add a theme for each visit. One thing is for sure. We want to do it again, so we can get to know each other better, and keep our homes and hearts open to others. Because there is always place in the inn.
So This Woman 