New Neighbors

If one has ever moved to a new town, they know it can be a difficult adjustment for everyone. A new house. New neighborhood with new neighbors. Usually, a new job for the head of the family. A new school for the children.

When people move into our towns it is up to us to welcome them with open arms. Let them know that they are accepted. Let them know that we are happy to see them. Let them know that we are there to help in any way.

It is all a part of loving thy neighbor. There was a time when we did this without giving it a thought. A time when neighbors greeted new families and helped them move in. Introduced them to other citizens. Gave them information on where to go to church. Where to shop. Where to do their banking.

The local schools were discussed. When children got to school, teachers were quick to introduce them to the other students and find out a little about them. It was all about making new families as comfortable as possible.

The neighbors are most important in this. They are usually the first to see a new family when they move in. The new family will usually make their first judgement about the town based on their neighbors.

The neighbor’s responsibility is to first introduce themselves. To let the new family know that they are welcomed. Then lend a helping hand if needed. Maybe the new family has not had time for a meal. The neighbor can offer them something to eat. Everyone can lend a hand in helping to move things if a moving crew is not available.

Once the neighbors have welcomed our new family, then it is up to the community to welcome them. As mentioned earlier, offer them a church to attend. This is a good place for our new family to meet other members of the town and introduce themselves. It also makes the town folk feel good that the new family is God fearing.

If there are organizations that the adults can join let them know. If there are clubs or teams that the children can become a part of, we should help them to become a part of them. Let the new family know about the local parks. Tell them a place where they can go to have their car fixed. Tell them about local eateries that they might want to try. What the town folk do for fun.

New families can always use help when adjusting to a new town. The nicer the people of the town are and their willingness to help the transition goes a long way to helping our communities succeed.

And that is what it is all about.

Helping each other to succeed.