Say Hello Summer Is Coming: A Season of Small Steps

Summer is almost here, and with it comes a beautiful opportunity to practice simple, intentional welcome.

This summer, Say Hello will be sharing ideas to help women and families grow in curiosity, hospitality, prayer, and cross-cultural connection.

Think of it as a gentle summer bucket list — not a list of things to accomplish perfectly, but a collection of small invitations.

Each idea is meant to help us slow down, notice people, learn from others, and build bridges of friendship with Muslim women and families around us.

Explore. Taste. Listen. Create. Pray. Welcome.

Throughout the summer, we will invite you to take small steps in six simple areas:

Explore.
Visit an international market, attend a cultural festival, learn about another country’s traditions, or walk through a neighborhood where another language is commonly spoken.

Taste.
Try a recipe from a Muslim-majority country, visit a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean restaurant, make a summer drink inspired by another culture, or invite someone for tea.

Listen.
Listen to stories, music, or experiences from another culture. Watch a film, read a children’s folktale, or ask thoughtful questions with the posture of a learner.

Create.
Do a family activity or craft that helps build curiosity and compassion. Try henna-inspired art, paper lanterns, calligraphy, friendship bracelets, or geometric tile painting.

Pray.
Take a prayer walk. Use weekly prayer prompts. Pray for Muslim women and families locally and around the world. Ask God to prepare your heart.

Welcome.
Create space for friendship through coffee, tea, a walk, a meal, a kind conversation, or a warm hello.

These ideas reflect the heart of the Say Hello Summer Bucket List, which includes food, kids’ activities, media, prayer, language learning, and cross-cultural exploration.

You Do Not Have to Go Far

You do not have to travel across the world to grow in love for Muslim women and families.

You can begin right where you are.

You can learn how to say hello in another language.
You can visit a local international grocery store.
You can invite someone for coffee or tea.
You can teach your children to notice and value people from different backgrounds.
You can ask God to make your home, your table, and your life more welcoming.

The goal is not to become an expert in someone else’s culture. The goal is to become more faithful in love.

We want to practice the posture of a learner. We want to move toward people with humility, kindness, and truth. We want our friendships to reflect the love of Jesus in ways that are genuine, respectful, and full of grace.

Let This Summer Be an Invitation

This summer, let each small step become an invitation.

An invitation to notice.
An invitation to pray.
An invitation to learn.
An invitation to welcome.
An invitation to say hello.

Lord, use this summer to grow our hearts. Teach us to be curious, kind, prayerful, and ready to welcome others in Your name. Amen.

Say Hello Summer is coming.

Let’s take one small step at a time.