It had been a great day. My team and I had visited the capital of Bulgaria (Sofia) to explore the land. The mall was top priority on some of our lists, and it didn't disappoint. Looking through the store's windows without beads of sweat running down our face was more than enough for us, especially since we are all on a strict budget.
Kristen and I decided to stay back in the mall, while the rest of our team witnessed the Deaflympics just a couple of blocks down the road. What we thought would be us exploring all that the mall has to offer, turned into us sitting at the Starbucks sharing our hearts for Jesus. It was the first time she and I were able to really invest into each other and our friendship. It was beautiful.
As we left the mall, I couldn't stop thinking about Stacy, my best friend in Kentucky. We had arranged to have a Skype date later in the evening, and I couldn't wait to get back to the house to tell her all about the day's events.
As we entered the metro station, I noticed that something was all too familiar- the smell. My senses were going crazy. It was the smell of dirt, grease, and gasoline…. the smell of a hard day's work, accomplishment, and manual labor…. the smell of fire burning in an old wooden stove in the garage: Dad's fortress.
It reminded me of the many hours Dad and I spent there, sometimes working on a boat, stacking wood, or talking about typical life stuff. My need to talk to my friends and family was greater than ever.
As I hurried through the doors of our house, I was reminded that our team had feedback. I'm not sure how I forgot, but it was fine. I still had plenty of time to call my people back home.
Before I knew it, the time had come. Feedback was ending, so I thought if I hurried, I could make it. I ran up the stairs and signed into Skype frantically. I called Stacy several times. No answer.
I was devastated.
I knew I missed her. I kept hitting the green video call button with tears streaming down my face. I couldn't stop them. So many emotions were flooding through me. I felt helpless.
After snapping myself out of it and realizing it's only month two, I walked out of the room to dry my eyes and to pull myself back together.
When I returned to the room, I didn't know what else to do. I had planned my entire night around this call, and it had fallen through. Then, I remembered the metro station.
I called my parents.
I could feel the emotions surfacing once again. I tried my hardest to contain them. I couldn't let my parents think I was homesick, even if I was.
As soon as my mom's face appeared on the screen, my eyes started watering. Her first statement was "We have a surprise for you!" Before I could ask what it was, I could see my grandmother's face on the computer screen.
Cue the flood works.
I couldn't even form my mouth to make words because of the tears. My grandmother asked what was wrong as I sat there, speechless and sobbing.
I wasn't sad or lonely. I didn't feel forgotten or misunderstood.
All I could feel was love. Seeing my grandmother on that computer screen was exactly what I needed in that moment of time. Jesus knew that, and it was with a divine appointment that I called and she was there.
I love when Jesus shows up unexpectedly. I love when I can feel His love. Praise Him.
