While His word is the authority of
my life, I often forget that everything in creation reflects the character of
the Creator. What has surprised me on the first 48-hour leg of my journey is the
extreme kindness of people. The first instance was on the cramped bus to Roma
Termini Station—an old man went out of his way to allow me onto the bus and
then proceeded to place my luggage in a corner and give up his own standing
space so that I could grasp the side rails more easily. Next, God’s goodness
showed up in the form of Geremy—the couchsurfer* I stayed with in Ancona. Who
knew that in the course of 36 hours we would be SAILING on the Adriatic (and with
a puppy dog!), talking about his non-profit company, sharing life stories,
getting late-night gelato with his friends, cooking food from our respective
countries, and taking a road trip to obscurely hidden and thus absolutely gorgeous
beaches? Besides giving me a local’s experience of Ancona, this “stranger” graciously
and fearlessly allowed me into his home. When it was time board my ferry to Croatia I
actually wanted to cry; however, this was cut short by a friendly crewman who
chatted with me while carrying my luggage to my seat. As we pulled away from
the breathtaking port of Ancona by moonlight, I couldn’t help but smirk
remembering something I wrote in my first blog—“I hope to see the divine in
everyone I meet.” Maybe God reads my blog :P. In any case, this Bible study has
transformed from text to real life and I cannot wait to experience more of
God’s goodness in the ones I meet soon.
Goodbye Ancona :(
Hellooooooo Split :)
*couchsurfing – a movement of people who share what they
have in return for the same when travelling. Visit Couchsurfing.org
