We have learned that every interaction is unpredictable and plans don't always work. Every conversation starts with a smile and Ello! Beyond that anything can and will happen. While walking through the city, most conversations are brief or stall out. But, we have to press on through those to the unexpected ones that last. It may feel like an endless stream of random greetings and then finally someone says an entire English sentence back. Those moments where communication occurs are so encouraging and intoxicating. We never know what will come of each simple smile and hello. But, we are learning to be faithful through the difficult ones and seek out the persons of peace.
Last night was a rare night in that we had a plan. The guys were supposed to go play frisbee on the boardwalk with a group our supervisors usually hang out with. After about 20 minutes, no one showed at all. We sat down and decided just to lift up the city and situation again. A few seconds later a rare white guy said hello and asked what we were up to. He and a national sat down with us and both of them heard the story through us. We didn't see it coming and actually thought about just leaving the scenario. However, we paused and sought the Lord and He showed himself faithful.