Some things you don't see every day...and you should be glad

Last Friday, I came home from work to have lunch with CT. We had a nice, pleasant lunch, but I was reluctant to go back to work (no surprise). So, I wasn't really all that broken up when I go stopped in traffic by the train. There I was sitting there minding my own business. Of course, I wasn't alone. I was surrounded by other commuters mindlessly fiddling with their radios and munching on fast food. There were families riding their bikes on the sidewalk and a jogger pacing at the crosswalk. We all waited...and waited to go on with our day. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a large man on a much-too-small motorized scooter slowly making his way up the block. Now, you would think that this sight would be a little entertaining to watch in our collective boredom. Well, you don't know how right you'd be. The entire traffic jam united in simultaneous double-take. The puttering middle-aged man was wearing nothing bu his tighty-whities. That's right, nothing but his Hanes. I cringed, but could not look away. He tarried along at 5 miles per hour with his captive audience staring after him in shock. Before you ask, no I did not think to grab my camera phone and I have no proof of this oddity. But these are things that I can't possibly make up. It wasn't a pleasant site, but it definitely made the day interesting.

Nerves and Hugs

This past weekend, PK, CT and I went to PK's hometown to visit his family's church. We spoke about our mission and asked for prayer and financial support. PK has trouble ordering at a drive-thru window, so I was the speaker. But after the service, PK stayed in the lobby to answer questions and show our DVD. I was very impressed. He wasn't nervous at all and everyone could tell how excited he is about El Sembrador. I, on the other hand, was shaking. I felt a lot of pressure not to embarrass PK or his family. Still, everyone said that I did a good job and that it wasn't noticeable. I'm pretty sure they're just being nice...or they're scared of me.

We didn't raise very much money, but the experience was priceless. It was friendly and positive all around. And we were able to give out our donation form, so maybe we'll get a few more contributions in the coming weeks. Most importantly, I think PK's parents were much more open and comfortable with the mission following the talk. PK's dad even gave me a hug afterward. And he does not hug. I mean, really, he does not hug. I think he'd rather have a root canal performed by an ape and his orangutan assistant than give a hug.

So, now we're looking for other churches to visit. We've asked a few friends and family members to connect us with their pastors. So far, we've been a little frustrated with the pace of support coming in. I guess this is where we learn to have a little faith and trust that everything will work out like it's supposed to.