Walking up to the counter
Walking up to the counter, I felt as though I had never talked to another person before. Knives were chopping veggies and meat – some of which I had never seen before, and hope to never see again. I look to my right to see a student with glasses who was no taller than my shoulders, looking directly back at me. Just as terrified he stood, but not at the prospect of ordering lunch, but rather the giant American standing beside him. Realizing the fear welling up inside of him, I say hello, and ask him if he speaks English. He can say very little, but wants to help. Using such words as chicken, rice, and noodle – we order. With this short and scared student, my roommate, Acorn, and I order an inexpensive meal.
Going now into the cafeteria, with our newly purchased food in-hand, we look for a place to sit. It appears as though we have entered a sea of students, and there are no good places to go. However, God provides! At a four person table sit two students engrossed in some conversation, and Acorn walks up to ask if we can join. Not only do they agree, but they speak excellent English, we sit and prepare to dive headfirst into food. We talk about school majors, girlfriends, and the Olympics. We talk as old friends, not as total strangers, who should have a full language, and an ocean between us. The meal comes to an end. Phone numbers are exchanged, hopes of having lunch again are passed, and I come to the realization that we have just made our first true connection. The feeling that I had spring up inside me is one that I can only imagine is typically reserved for Super Bowl MVP's and new fathers!
I am not only able to see the potential for what I am here to do, but I also feel a strong sense that I am exactly where the Lord wants me. There are times in our lives where we can feel God's hand on our lives, but right now I feel God's presence in this whole place, and I know that we are here for such a time as this. No matter where I go from here, no matter what else God calls me to, I will never forget that feeling of the first connection for Him. In this place, God is ready to make me into an MVP, all I have to do is be willing.
I would love to write more, but Acorn and I are off to lunch with our two new friends!