We waited, squinting in the sun. There were no other options besides waiting and hoping. Forty-five minutes passed and with it returned an honest man. Our hearts leapt. A man, true to his word, returned taking pity on some wannabe hitchhikers. We shook hands and met Tom, a sixtyish talkative physical therapist. He said he could take us to Greenville, which was fifty miles away. His promise and air-conditioned car elevated our spirits.
After a little small talk, Tom offered an idea. He mentioned he had carpal tunnel in his hands and would be delighted if we could do some yard work at his house in exchange for some money and a ride to Greenville.
His house? Yeah, Seth and I were wondering if this guy had yard work or other ominous plans. It was difficult to consult one another and make a decision with Tom at the wheel.
Lesson 6: Sometimes you have to take a chance.
I prayed over the decision quickly. Before we met Tom, I had been feeling that our patience would lead to a divine appointment and breakthrough. I also noted that Tom picked us up next to a street sign that read – "Destination Blvd." Foreshadowing?
“Sure, why not?” I thought. I gave Seth my ok, and he slowly consented. Tom drove for nearly thirty minutes off the highway, which gave me plenty of time to conjure up all sorts of sinister scenarios.
Arriving at his house on Lake Hartwell, we were relieved to find it quite beautiful, built like a rustic stone German house. Tom introduced his German wife, Margret, who seemed pleasant and warm. It didn't seem to surprise her that Tom had picked up some strangers and brought them home for yard work.
Tom showed us around back to his own miniature arboretum with perfectly placed trees, bushes, flowers, cacti, and flowers. Our assignment was to dig and uproot grass and weeds for a future fountain. Moments ago we were looking at asphalt now we gazed into a scenic landscape.
Our skin leaked profusely as we worked hard under the hot sun digging up red dirt and weeds. Just when our only pair of clothes were thoroughly salted, Tom came back out with lunch. Under a tree, our stomachs rejoiced, as we scarfed down ham and cheese sandwiches with fresh grapes.
Nonchalantly Tom said he had been thinking it over and would be willing to take us all the way to Asheville, some two hours away. My pulse quickened. That would be our longest ride yet.
Then, he said something completely unexpected. It took a few seconds to register. I think I was in a state of shock. Tom said that he would get us a room at his favorite hotel in downtown Asheville.
Say what? A hotel? Really? I didn't know quite what to say. I was extremely grateful, but it sounded almost too good to be true. After all, we had only met Tom a little over an hour ago. He seemed genuine enough so we thanked him and let the possibility of sleeping in a hotel take root in our mind.
Then, it hit me. The moment. Our story was forming. God was providing. Joy was beginning to spill over in my spirit.
Lesson 7: Accept kindness from strangers.
Before heading to Ashville we all swam in the lake with some extra suits from Tom. The sun danced on the water as my spirit did a jig. What a nice way to spend a Saturday –a little bit of yard work, swimming, and staying in downtown Asheville. Maybe I should do this more often.
In the car ride up we exchanged conversation on all sorts of topics: economy, travel, politics, religion, and our stories. I discovered that long ago Tom had been groomed to become a Lutheran minister. He studied Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, and many other religious manuscripts. At some point, he became disenchanted with the church. He experienced religion that took over relationship and bureaucracy that stepped over felt needs.
Tom was true to his word and got us a room at the Downtown Inn. At the front desk with red dirt on my shirt and no luggage, I felt like a homeless impostor pretending to be in the right place.
We walked next door for drinks at the Thirsty Monk. I could tell that our example of missional living and simple faith resonated with Tom. Seth and I talked about the needs of the world we had been confronted with. Women trapped in human trafficking in Thailand and Cambodia or even in our backyard, Atlanta. We recounted stories of the children that have been orphaned and wander city streets frightened.
Tom expressed how much Seth and I were an inspiration and encouragement to him and how blessed he felt to meet us. It was mutual. Tom is a very genuine, caring person –like a grandfather. We felt respected, cared for, and blessed by his life.
Before parting ways, Seth and I prayed over Tom at the car. It was in that moment, I could feel a transaction in the spirit, the passing of a spiritual blessing to Tom. Us to him and him to us. We hugged and then went our separate ways. Tom drove back home and we walked to our extravagant provision for the night.
Lesson 8: Hotels are a hitcher’s jackpot.
In the hotel room, praises of thanksgiving poured off our lips. I felt an immense love from the Father, for caring and giving way more than I needed. A clean shower, air-conditioning and big soft bed rehabilitated my body and exhaustion.
But the journey wasn't over yet. We had miles to go, uncertainty to battle, and an injured friend to rescue. The next day started unexpectedly.
