Just last week, Vania met a new couple in our neighbourhood. Okay, they're not new, they've been around for a year and a half and we've never met them. There's a reason we've never met them, we hardly ever go out our front door. And the reason for that is that our parking spots are underground right outside our basement door. Since they live a couple of houses infront and to the left of ours, we've never crossed paths. Until we met at the local McDonald's Playland and then again near our house. Anyway, they have two kids ages of our younger two, and didn't realize that our complex is full of kids. They were so excited to find out they invited us out to their older boys birthday party.
Why is this significant at all. They're of hindu or muslim background. And so for the first time in a long time I found myself the outsider. A very uncomfortable feeling. Going to the party was crazy, thrying to master their names on the way, wondering how it would all be. In the end, most of them were dressed in traditional outfits (no not suits and ties) - but were very warm and welcoming - especially Saudia (that's the mom).
A neat aspect - and you'd have to know to understand - but not so long ago, my wife and I (being portuguese) saw a Brazilian show (like a miniseries that goes on for about six months in a story format) on the Arabic, Muslim lifestyle. We learned lots of phrases during that time that we could only guess at what they meant, but being at the party we kept hearing them over and I guess they were really surprised when we used them such as, "As-salaam alaykum" - Peace be with you & the response "Wa-alaykum as-salaam" & with you peace.
As a couple they're really friendly and really glad to have made our acquaintace - and so we look forward to our future interactions.
The first interaction was a lesson for me on what it must be like for someone else to knowingly cross lines to our territory and spend some time there - waiting to be engaged.
And yes, they're aware I'm a pastor (I think Vun let it slip) and are the ones that want to proceed the relationship. Neat eh?
Posted by ed | TrackBackIsn't it neat how the Lord directs our paths? Grab your biggest bible and bang their heads. lol...just kidding. No..No..don't do it..No..STOP!
It's good to read your blogs. I don't always comment, but I couldn't resist. Niki and our family say hello. It's too bad we can't get together more often, because of physical distance, but if you guys don't mind the drive up here, we would like to have you over for lunch or dinner sometime.
I hope the occassion comes up when you can share your faith with them. Both Islam and Hinduism are religions on the broad road that leads to destruction.
Posted by: TrishPeter, let me know where you are exactly, wouldn't mind making that drive sometime, it might take sometime to get it together, but if we plan I'm sure we'll do it sometime...
Posted by: edtesting to improve comment spamming
Definitely looks like a Divine appointment Ed, especially after learning those phrases. God of course knew you were going to meet. I don't know about you but I find so often when I pray for opportunities to witness sure enough, they present themselves. I have to admit sometimes I don't rise to the challenge for fear of rejection or because I think they're going to be turned off. When that happens I feel bad about a missed opportunity. I think God places people in our path for definite reasons and waits to see how we will respond.
I wonder when we get to heaven if our missed opportunities will be pointed out to us.
I'll pray for you Ed as you rise to the occasion.