As for Brian, Travis, and I we arrived in the port city mid-afternoon and instantly we stole the show. Adults and children alike stopped what they were doing for the day and came to watch us. Some of the kids were standoffish, but ten minutes later they were following us, giving us high fives, and having a great time. We tried to ignore the attention and prayed that these people would see past our white skin, but that they would see Christ in us.
A few days and a few blisters later we arrived in a smaller village where we met a very nice gentleman who spoke decent English. He entertained us and kept us occupied so much that it was hard to discern what we should spend our time doing. The next day we were invited to a wedding in the village, once again we hoped that we weren't going to steal the show with our fair skin.
After the ceremony it was party time, our translator ended up tell a few men that Travis studies music. Next thing you know he's on stage singing Our God and other worship songs at a Cousin wedding! This means at least 200 people heard about our God's love, grace and mercy. After Travis finished, a small elderly woman sang a song to us in her tribal language. The song was about when we came to the village, a light shone brightly to everyone that saw us. If that wasn't a God thing, then I don't know what is.
Our host in the next village was beyond friendly, not only did they fix us elaborate meals but they loved to sit down and talk. One night, there were nearly 4 generations of men ranging from 5 years old to 98 years old sitting in the room with us. Eventually the conversation started to go the spiritual route. I was able to share my testimony with these men and they listened with great intent and concentration. When it was over we asked if they have ever heard a story like that and the answer from each and every one of them was, "never."
All around the island, we built relationships and shared the Good News. Time and time again there were opportunities to hang out or just relax on the beach, but instead we chose to serve the Lord in all we do. If we strapped up the hammocks, we found a way to invite someone in it to hang out and talk. If we walked on the beach, we drew pictures in the sand. If we played soccer with the kids, we shared stories when we were resting. Towards the end of the trip, Brian started to come down with a cold. He had sinus drainage and was just dead tired. Despite his condition, he stayed up to talk about culture and ended up sharing. God truly opened doors in places we never thought possible.
About 200 miles south, Andrew, Evan and Chris arrived in the port city. They, just like us, experienced the same attention for having white skin. The kids flocked to them time and time again. Their stories seemed to parallel what we experienced too, except for one thing. During their time in the port city, they met a language teacher who loved to talk. The guys spoke to this man for hours and shared multiple stories as well as the Good News. He wanted more, he was longing for more but they had to move on.
A couple days ago, we're all sitting at a restaurant, and they receive a phone call. It was that same man, who is spending some time in city and wanted to get together to talk. He came over to the house and, again, they talked for hours. He's so close to understanding and becoming a brother, there's just a few small important things that needs to be completely understood. Pray that God will continue working in this man's life.