“Patio Parties”

Laura from Michigan wrote about her “Patio Parties” which connected her with some of her neighbors.

She writes: “Many of us are residing in jam-packed little neighborhoods with a bunch of people that we do not even know! This did not sit well with me. It was on my mind for several months. Complacency and comfort were binding my hands, heart and feet to make any difference.

Why do I live in a NEIGHBORhood and feel so distant from my neighbors? Why don’t we just pack up and move out to the country?

I was ready to make an effort.

I made out a flier and passed it out to my neighbors, inviting them to come over on Monday night after dinner for snacks and socializing. We figured, what was the worst that could happen? No one would show because it was a lame idea and we’d have a family night playing games in the backyard. No harm done.

Monday night came and the people started trickling in. 1, 3, 4, 6…. 19 people showed up, with snacks in hand, to see what this “Patio Party” was all about!

Aside from going away to school and living in Berkley for 5 years, I have lived in this home for 30 years! I met neighbors that remember me running around outside in my diaper when I was 2!

Everyone was so happy to be here. We hung out until the sun set and decided that we would rotate “Patio Parties” every Monday night this summer.

Last night, we met again across the street. Neighbors told neighbors and we had 30 people show!

Today, I know my neighbors and relationships are being built! I looked outside this morning and saw 2 neighbors chatting on the sidewalk that lived 3 houses away from each other and never met. I look forward to going on a walk tonight and possibly running into some of the new people that I’ve met. I pray that I can show God’s love regardless of our differences.

Making a difference, one backyard at a time…”