Jesus in a blue dress

Today I met Jesus!

I had prayed that through this experience that I might meet God in a new way and perhaps get to see Him in the eyes of the people here. Today was that day! and it couldn't have happened any sooner :)

We always walk the same path to school, down one busy street with many people and kids. Today was different though. It was just Amber, Stacie and I and the street didn't seem as hectic. We were walking past, just like any other day, speaking of our evenings the night before, when a woman called out to us and slowly made her way toward us.
Her name is Mercedes! Which she explained is the most expensive car in the world :) She looks about 65 or so. She asked us if we were tourists or missionaries and we told her that we were volunteers. She proceeded to tell us that she teaches Hililgaynon to missionaries and wondered if we'd enjoy taking classes from her. She then started teaching us how to introduce ourselves and each other. All the while, she was holding my hand!
She said that she's been watching us pass by and has been wanting to meet "those children". She then said God bless you and we went on our way to class.

The past few days have been difficult for me. I'm not exactly sure why, but I have been irritable, indifferent, and slightly emotional (more than I've been the whole time here. I've only cried maybe twice). So meeting Mercedes this morning was more than just meeting a happy face. I got to see my Lord in her eyes. Her unconditional love and peace pierced through her eyes into my heart. It is moments like this that make you realize what life is about. It is about reaching out, creating relationships, and loving each other.

Thank you Mercedes for calling out to us and meeting us on that dirty road to class this morning. Your smile and joy mean more than you know.