So, I love a good coffee shop or café. Shops like Stumptown in Seattle, Lyon Street Cafe in Grand Rapids, Calvin Fletcher’s in Indianapolis, or Rocket Bean Roastery in Riga (Latvia). They foster an atmosphere of good conversation, work, learning, quality time, and of course… bonding over the world’s best drink. Coffee.
Here’s a little history.
In the 1600s, businessmen would meet at pubs and taverns to talk business outside of work. They couldn’t be very productive, and they would get tired… so some Englishman had the idea to create a coffee shop. People could come there, drink a caffeinated beverage, and talk business in a environment conducive to conversation. Without the partying and the craziness, people were able to exchange ideas, learn about important cultural concepts, and grow business relationships. As this idea developed and became more widespread, it relaxed a little. Now, coffee shops are places where first dates happen. It’s a place where friends go to catch up. It’s a place where people can go to get some work done, too. It is a beautiful opportunity and business venture that this Englishman stumbled upon.
Fast-forward to now. Well… a few months ago.
In Vietnam, my first team (Team Avanti) was privileged to be at a place called Vision Cafe in Da Nang. When we got there, the Vision Cafe team was in the process of moving to a new location. They were working hard to decorate, plan, and renovate so the first floor of their home could become the new cafe. Let me tell you, it was not a small feat. They were working hard to create an open atmosphere for people to gather, connect, and learn. Let me tell you… it worked. We were blessed to have some good conversations about religion, politics, and everything else. Things that were difficult were still good!
My second team (Team KiMBERLiTE) was also filled with avid coffee drinkers. Our goal was to be a team of intentional listeners, friends, and teammates. Spending time in cafés and coffee shops helped us to have some really good conversation. We spent time learning new things about each other and having some good laughs. Our love for coffee helped us explore different cities, learn about the news cultures, and experience Indonesia and Latvia in a different way.
My current team (Team Third) is made up of coffee connoisseurs that love to share in a good cup of joe. It can range from Nescafé instant coffee to the best shot of espresso, but we appreciate it, nonetheless.
Every country I’ve been to, we have found coffee…
but it’s always a little different.
[Thailand] the coffee sometimes came with ice cream and cinnamon.
[Vietnam] the coffee was strong and the milk was sweet.
[Latvia] the grounds were left in the bottom of every cup… or they used a fancy syphon to brew a cup. The range was huge.
[Ukraine] it came from a small espresso machine and in an even smaller cup.
[Romania] it came from a machine at the front of every store. Only 25 cents, but completely ready to burn your tongue.
Here in Macedonia, the focus isn’t necessarily the consumption of the coffee though. We spend time with new friends and old friends, laughing and joking and getting to know each other. Coffee drinking is not about having the perfect amount of sugar or getting your daily fix of caffeine. Approximately 12 people sit around a small table, Robert and Kire (our hosts) make us this amazing concoction of instant coffee and milk, and we simply do life together. It is wonderful, every single time.
I like coffee.
I like spending quality time with people.
But why do I love these times so much?
People are free to tell their stories. They are free to share a laugh. They are free to share their struggles and ask for accountability. There’s a reason that people “grab some coffee and catch up.” People are free to have a bad day or share some exciting news. I love it. Just like Jesus had power in His stories and His words, people share their stories with weight and power. It’s an amazing thing to learn how God has brought someone through struggles and pain. It’s encouraging to hear someone’s victories. Our conversations are rooted in Christ, but sponsored by coffee. It’s my favorite, for sure.
I see Jesus in the conversations.
There’s definitely been more days with coffee than without on the Race. We cherish each cup of coffee we get to share with the people we come in contact with. Most of the time, you just need a little time, a cup of joe, and Jesus.
Favorite Quote of the Moment: “Having help from someone doesn’t mean you failed. It just means you’re not in it alone.” – Life As We Know It
