A Job Application at the Ft Lauderdale Airport

Airports are interesting places. There is a constant ebb and flow of people, young and old.  A myriad of languages and accents swirl through the air. A few lounge napping, others work on laptops, some make friendly conversation but most walk with hurried purpose toward some other destination.

 

This has been my day. 

 

Currently I have been in the Ft. Lauderdale airport for about 12 hours and there’s another dozen for me to look forward to before I board a plane bound for Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. The past week has been a whirlwind of epic proportions that has left my head spinning. Less than a week ago I had no funds for this trip and within a few days I’m only shy about $500 of being completely covered for my time in Haiti. I even have return tickets for May 29! It has been further confirmation for me that this is where I am supposed to be at this point in time.

 

But would you like to know the highlight of today?

 

As I sat in this uncomfortable navy seat that is certain to permanently bear evidence of my prolonged stay, one ear bud was in listening to Brooke Fraser when I glanced up to a young lady approaching. I had seen her crisscross the room a few times already. When our eyes met she asked if I had a few minutes to help her, to which I replied, “Today I have time in abundance. How can I help?”

 

She took a seat explaining that she needed help filling out an employment application because she was slow and couldn’t write well. We chatted as I helped Tracy fill in her information. She dropped out of high school several years ago and is now taking classes to get her GED. She has not worked a job since 2004.  All said the encounter was maybe fifteen minutes out of my never ending twenty-four hours airport visit, but it was the look in her eyes as she stood to leave that did it.

 

When she approached there was that hint of desperation, the kind where you can see tears inching toward the edge ready to burst forth in a moment’s notice. When she walked away to hand in her application, seeking a position in food prep, she did so with a smile and seemed to walk a little more confidently.

 

I don’t know if she will get the job or not. I hope so but regardless I pray she finds more people willing to spend time with her and show her she isn’t stupid as she has been told.

 

These seemingly random moments seem to happen more frequently these days and I LOVE it!!!! It doesn’t matter where we are there are people around us that God wants to show His love toward and He wants to use us if we will be available.