Connections

A few days ago I read a post on a friend of mine's blog about tender mercies. Here is what I know of them: the Lord knows us very well. It may be safe to say better than we do. Sometime's he places little things in our days that is just what we need. Something we can appreciate, something to help us through. That night I was thinking it over and remember that blog post. I decided to pray that I would notice these 'tender mercies'.

For the most part, I am absolutely loving my time here. But one of the most difficult things is the language and moreover, the communication and connection - or lack of. I miss that ability to connect. Don't get me wrong, I have had many connections, but sometimes I find it so difficult when you can't fully understand what the other person is saying.

Yesterday I was on my way to pick up the children. Just after the ZubiZuri bridge there often is a man who plays the accordion. He plays the Godfather, The Entertainer and a few other recognizable tunes. I always enjoy it. But one thing I keep thinking is he never smiles, I have seen it a couple times when the kids give him a little money, but he is pretty deadpanned when he plays. Such a shame I keeping thinking to myself. Well as I was walking by him yesterday out of nowhere I decided to look him in the eyes (I try to make as much eye contact as I can with these people) and then smile. He looked at me, and smiled back.

I was so happy. I laughed the second I was out of his vision. I don't even know why. It just made me so giddy.

Well today I was walking down Gran Via, the main large road in Bilbao, to meet the mother to grab the kids pullovers. I passed a boy (25 something yr old) who looked like he was trying to stop people to sell something. He asked me if I had a moment. I did what I am always do and said no and continued on. After I picked up the pullovers I went back the same way. I saw the boy in my peripherals and assumed he wouldn't try again. He did. I have no idea why but after he said 'just one little moment' I let him continue talking.  Not only did I let him, but I let myself stand there and hear him speak, not really understanding most of it (something about building some store to help with humanitarian aid) for almost 5 minutes. Eventually he asked me a question that I didn't know and I had to break it to him that I don't really speak Spanish. After being asked, I told him I was from Texas and we continued to chat about what I was doing here, how [according to him] I spoke Castellano very well, how he speaks terrible English and a bit more.

I allowed myself to be late to pick up the kids,  and not understand a boy for almost 5 minutes just so I could have that connection again.

Once again, after I left him to get the kids, I couldn't help but smile and laugh giddily. And its not because the accordion man or humanitarian boy were necessarily dreamy looking Spaniards, and its not because we had some great conversation. But when you pass hundreds of people everyday the smallest connection, the tiniest moment can be so wonderful.