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Elizabeth  Mamen's avatar

As always, this was a beautiful read. And a great reminder that being kind to those around us usually leads to more kindness. An important reminder!

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Joy Nicholas's avatar

Thanks so much, friend!! 💕

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Krista Steele's avatar

This was such a delight. Give me all the awkward and wholesome neighbor interactions!!

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Joy Nicholas's avatar

Thank you so much!! Given who I am, who our family is, our quiet village and very quiet street where we are basically the circus 😂, I’m sure there will be more!!! 🤣

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Ashley L Case's avatar

I was dying during the cookie exchange translation—dying! 🤣 I would be the exact same way. I loved this whole piece, especially your insights at the end on how to love your neighbors.❤️

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Joy Nicholas's avatar

Thank you so much!!! Honestly, just thinking about it (*after* the fact!!! 😅) made me laugh so hard too!!

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Kendra's avatar

Joy I loved this!!! This was so feel-good and relatable even to me, the person who has never lived anywhere long term but rural Maine 😆 What a reminder that being kind and loving our neighbors is such a precious and needed thing. Even if we feel awkward! Even if Google translate does us wrong---again!! 🤣 The bidet translations sent me LOLOLOL

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Joy Nicholas's avatar

I’m so glad you liked it!! Thank you!! 💖

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Erin Mount's avatar

That bidet! What the heck?! 😆 I loved this and admire your dedication to obey that still small voice you heard. You have such a way of blending humor and insight.

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Joy Nicholas's avatar

Oh, that’s not even the wildest “translation” I saw! 😵‍💫 It’s just one I remembered to take a picture of. I will give Google Translate this, though: they kept our lives very entertaining. 😂 Thanks so much! 💕

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Laura Jean Bazal's avatar

I LOLed at your transliteration of your last exchange with Friedrich!!!

I have told people that learning a little German goes a long way with German people, and ultimately kindness is well-received once you break the ice there. That's been true for me when living there, and it was nice to read about that here.

Ultimately, this was so fun! Like a huge, happy sigh of relief.

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Joy Nicholas's avatar

Yes, but breaking the ice can be so scary! 🫣😆 Another thing: in Korea, taking gifts to neighbors without obvious reason could be scene as bribery (ie bribery not to complain). It’s tough to navigate all the differences in cultures! Thanks so much for reading! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

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Bethany's avatar

Oh the trials of being neighborly! I have definitely felt this with many neighbors. Also - there is nothing more vulnerable than the act of reaching out to another human in good faith. What will they do?? Meet you halfway or punish you or embrace you completely? Of course you are the person who makes the hard steps forward to meet people where they are - what courage.

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Joy Nicholas's avatar

This vulnerability is such a good point, part of that weird intimacy, right?

Thanks so much for reading!

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Megan Hogg's avatar

The bidet translations (and your caption!) had me rolling!! Too good. Also, that is my fave PB cookie recipe!

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Joy Nicholas's avatar

Thank you! Am I the only one who didn't know this recipe yet?? It's my favorite too!

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Kym VdP's avatar

Oh I loved this story! And your translated exchange was so good 😂👏🏻 and what a true thing - neighbours see parts of family life that no one else does. It's always a good reminder that we have to shine our light, even in the house when we think no one can hear 🙈 we have a very uh... Loud and deep-feeling middle child who likes to rage-scream and every neighbour we've had has commented (nicely!!) on how loud she is. But thankfully they've always showed understanding in the fact that she's just a kid 🙈😅

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Joy Nicholas's avatar

I love that your neighbors say it with kindness! One of my kids used to rage-scream as well. So thankful that era seems to be over. Thanks for reading!

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Rosalie Duryee's avatar

Oh the conversation with Friedrich... I'm told "you speak Spanish perfectly" all the time and I still have conversations like this.

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Joy Nicholas's avatar

That’s so good to know! Thanks for reading!

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Lindsay Swoboda's avatar

Joy, I laughed out loud several times during this piece, gosh, thanks for bringing a smile to my face and warmth from the sweet experience of these moments with your neighbor. Also- the bidet translation 🤪 classic. So good friend.

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Joy Nicholas's avatar

Right?! 😂 It’s definitely one of those IYKYK things, isn’t it? 🫣 Thanks for reading, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

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Rebecca Marie's avatar

Joy. This was delightful! You’re doing amazing. I only speak one language and I butcher it! Sharing food has to be the universal language of friendship though 😉

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Wendy Bones's avatar

Oh Joy, I did so laugh but also smile at how God draws us to the people He chooses and blesses all involved. This has been such an encouragement and at the same time brought a smile to my face .

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