Unexpected Makeovers
Many times in my life I just want to crack up over circumstances that occur. It is not a new realization to many, that I love people. And I love how God knows that this is an important aspect of who I am. So in many times of traveling He has brought people across my path to bless me and fill me up.
A theme that has shown itself to be on each continent thus far is the unexpected chance of meeting people as I am doing some type of beauty treatment.
For example the first time was in China as we were heading on a 24 hour express train to Beijing. After you have slept on the bunks and most likely in the clothes you had on the day before you feel quite gross. So there are quarters that hold sinks and mirrors. It gets quite busy as people are washing faces, combing hair and brushing teeth.
As I am doing this same morning ritual one of the attendees was also applying makeup and fixing her hair. I smiled and made a gesture that was a positive remark about her makeup and the way her eyes looked. Then all of a sudden I found myself in her bunk quarters applying face and eye makeup. Then it moved onto the hair.
There is nothing Asian about me except maybe my white German/Czech skin but nothing else. So to say the least the China baby doll look didn’t quite fit me but the process was certainly a blast and I made a friend along the way!
The second experience was recently in Mozambique as we were waiting to head back to Swaziland. You have to go to the bus rank early and wait for hours for them to fill up and then you head on your merry way. My nails were quite rough looking so I pulled out my amazing porcelain file and started the nail shaping process.
Walking toward me with a funny facial expression and interest in my beauty routine was a young guy(in mid twenties) dressed in upper layered clothing, wool hat, a unicorn beaded necklace, and moon boots; all in the heat of 80degs +. He was carrying a golf club, and had a stuffed animal hanging form his belt. He was quite an eclectic!
He sat down, took my file, said something, and started filing away! I literally cracked up! Everyone at the station was amused, and was astonished with the beauty parlor episode. He was actually doing an ok job. After the first hand he quickly moved on to the right hand, which was done a little to close for comfort and a bit more careless but it was still another opportunity to somewhat spark a friendship.
During the makeover process I did try to understand some of his communication but even my friend Orlando (who is fluent in 8 languages) couldn’t even understand what he was saying. Molly had slipped some money in my pocket just in case he wanted something at the end of the filing process. As he ended he motioned toward the file as to ask if he could have it. My initial response was no, and he soon said goodbye.
After a minute or so I remembered I did have another one (given as a b-day present before I left), so I ran up and gave it to him. He was surprised and looked appreciative. He had another trinket to add to his random collections. And I have another story to add to my makeover experiences!
The newest endeavor on the path to a new makeover success is the recent nomination for our team. I am a huge fan of What Not to Wear. And since our team has pretty much faced fashion disaster these past months I thought it would be so amazing to get refreshed for our reentry into the U. S. So about a month ago I logged on and saw an opportunity to nominate us for a reunion special. And of course we all have loving friends and family that haven’t seen us for a year, so I nominated us. It has been about a month so far and I haven’t heard anything yet. But our hopes are high and our prayers are fervent.
Who knows what the future holds. So far I have had unexpected makeovers in each continent. As we are coming nearer to our Central America destinations, and then back to the States, I am in anticipation of what could be ahead. So far, it has been a blast and an enjoyment to dive into these fun makeover and relational opportunities!
