Invitations: An Inspired Deployment Project

So this week, I was inspired.

Having read before about Sarah Smiley’s book “Dinner with the Smileys“, I was intrigued about the idea of inviting community members to join us for dinner or adventure during my husband’s current deployment.

Our last posting and the deployments we endured at it were made bearable by the people we knew.  The community that supported us.  And while there are people here who have welcomed us so wonderfully, it is a much quieter place.  Our home is not the open door of activity it had been when we were living in our old community.

But who’s fault was that?

Dh has big shoes to fill and we would never replace him.  He couldn’t be replaced.  He is their dad, invincible and bigger than life in their eyes.  As it should be.  He adores them and they adore him.  Nothing will ever change that.
But there is a chance here to fill his temporary absence in my kid’s lives with the wisdom, support and encouragement of their community. 

So the kids and I brainstormed.  We had an opportunity here to learn about our community and grow in our relationships in it.  There was a chance to learn, about occupations, about people, about supporting each other and making connections.  And since even here on this blog I’ve written about filling those empty chairs with the people around you looking to fill one, it was time to step up.

With dad away, we have many months of time that we could be intentional about inviting people from our commmunity to join us.  Who would we start with?

So we made a list.

There were some people close by.  Our neighbours.  The kids teachers and sports coach. 

Some I could find.  Drama wanted a female environmental engineer since that job interests her.  Thankfully I know one.  Freckles wanted an MMA fighter.  I know a few of those, too.  Monster wanted a rock star and a local rock band musician was found via a twitter friend.  Missionaries, doctors, Police Officers, Firemen….  I think I can find those.

Then there were some bigger goals:  Freckles wanted to invite the local hockey team manager,  our Member of Parliament and MLA.

Drama wanted to invite the Mayor.  Maybe daddy’s boss.  A journalist from TV.

Monster wanted to invite…. the local Car Dealership guy from the commercials on the radio. (To be fair, Monster also wanted to vote him for Mayor at our upcoming election.)  Thankfully at least we own a Nissan from his dealership, which might make it a little less awkward.

At least I can find those people to extend invitations.

Then there were the ‘other’ goals.

Drama wanted to know if we could get Col. Hadfield to come.  Then Freckles figured why not the Chief of Defence Staff, which led Monster to decide maybe the Prime Minister.  Or the band Walk Off The Earth….

That might be more tricky.

But we’re working on the invitations as we speak.  If anyone has any connections…. you know…. let me know….

Today was the first Sunday of our Project.  We ended up sharing dinner with friends that I met through this blog.  We chatted over tea and the sound of 6 children. 

The kids spent a very exciting afternoon at play, both at home and at the park, with their pet bunny Hoptimus Prime (in case you needed FURTHER proof how awesome this family is, their other bunny’s name is Luke Skyhopper)

Hoptimus was an older bunny living in his last days. And after our return from the park, he lay down in his bed and passed away.

No kidding.

So if we wanted to start living in community, there it was.  Two families of kids sharing in the grieving process of losing a family pet.  Right there in the living room before the butter chicken was served.

So while I am hoping that the rest of our dinners will not result in the death of anyone, rodent or otherwise, I am sure one thing:


Community was what I was looking for, and it most certainly can be found.


I don’t know how well this will go, or even if we will be able to find people willing to let me feed them each week.


Sarah Smiley is much more eloquent with her words, an accomplished writer and clearly, actually cooks.


Friends, I don’t even like feeding myself every week.

But I am still so looking forward to this journey.

Because living in community is how this is all going to work best.

__________________________

Let me know, friends.  Who would you invite?


Anyone have a direct line to the Prime Minister?

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