Yesterday a friend took me into his home in San Juan and told me to act like it was mine. He let me rest, fed me, and allowed me to borrow a little electricity. After watching Guardians of the Galaxy, we went to a free concert at UPR, where he introduced me to his friends. We all went to eat together and walked around Old San Juan.
Today, we all went to church together. I met several brothers and sisters in Christ; there were lots of hugs and kisses (the norm in PR, as it should be everywhere). My friend had to work today, so my friend’s friend, who I met the night before, took me home with him. His family welcomed me for lunch. It was such a blessing. The food was heavenly, and the freshly blended juice tasted the way I always hope my smoothies will. I had the opportunity to hear some of my new friend’s father’s testimony and my new friend’s mom asked me to share as well. What a gift from God that opportunity was. After lunch, my new friend’s parents and I remained at the table (new friend no longer translating). They speak a little english and I’ve been working on my spanish. We discussed in spanish how salt water and fresh water don’t come from the same spring. They worked with me, and it was an act of God that we were on the same page. We talked about how the same mouth cannot offer blessing and curses. We talked about being real. We talked about “projecting” the love of God well to everyone, not just friends and family. We talked about how worthwhile living takes place as we represent the King well. This awesome discussion took place so soon after meeting; I want this to continue to happen often in my life. I was called family and told to return “home” when I return to PR.
My new friend and I went to Old San Juan and brought his 8 month old German shepherd Venus to dog-day by the old forts…it’s kinda a big deal. I saw more dogs today than I ever have in my life, which obviously made for a great afternoon experience; a huge malamute was my favorite. We returned to his house where my new family served dinner, and more discussion was had. The father called what we had santa cena which means holy dinner, and I agreed that the food was really good. He let me know that his comment wasn’t regarding the goodness of the food, but the fact that we gathered together for the meal; the fellowship was the part that was precious and holy (but still, the food too in my honest opinion). He also encouraged me to give thanks daily for the breath I am given; it’s another opportunity.
As we sit here watching Fury before I hop on a plane for home, I just wanted to acknowledge the goodness of God and the way He orchestrated all of this. He is ever faithful. Let Him work through you today. Let Him do a work in your heart. Let His Light shine through you. What a privilege. What an honor. If you have called on Him as Savior, you have been entrusted with His message of love, His invitation to the banquet, which is for all people.
Go. Bring it.
