Today I gave my cross away!!
I gave away a cross that was given to me at launch. We were given a knitted cross to pray over and give to someone who impacted us and were able to be intentional with. Well today, I gave mine away at the top of the mountain.
Today I was able to ride on the gondola with a few squad-mates, give or take 19-20. (We travel in herds!!) Well for the first gondola ride I was with Sarah, Jon, Emilie, and Valerie. I got on and the others followed. As I was getting on there was already a man and a woman on the gondola. We all had the privilege of meeting Rafael and Elona. Elona, was born in Hungary but now lives in the United States. She told us that she had faith in a God who loves all. We found out that she had grown up in Hungary when there was a war going on. There was so much killing going on that it changed her belief of a God. She had also traveled so much that she knew people all over the world claimed to be a Christian and believe in God, but used that identity to kill off people of their choice just because. But luckily she believed that the true God is the God of love. So we all informed her that we believed in Jesus, and we were on a mission to bring his light and love to the world. After that conversation, we turned to Rafael to learn more about him. We learned that Rafael is married to Elona’s best friend. They all like to travel together. We then asked Rafael if he had a faith which he then informed us that he was an atheist. I didn’t really know how to respond to that but we all just kept the conversation going with both of them. We were all so interested in being intentional with them. (The blessing of traveling with multiple squad-mates. Haha.)
As we were approaching the end, I asked if there was anything we could pray for them about. Elona said a boyfriend, and Rafael responded that he didn’t need a boyfriend. All we could do was laugh at those responses as we exited the gondola.
As we were headed to the next ticket booth, all I could think was that I wish I could have done more. I wish I could have continued the conversation more or encouraged them more or learned more about their travels, but I just had to be okay with the impact we had already made.
As I was standing in line with Valerie and Emilie about to get on the gondola that would take us to the top of the mountain, I started to wonder if anyone would join us. I mean 3 people on a gondola would be fine but there is room for more. So I turned around to see if anyone would be joining us, and sure enough, here came Elona and Rafael. I smile at them both and say, “So we meet again.” They both just laugh.
So we all get on the gondola and the conversation just starts up again. They begin to tell us of the history of Colombia and some of what happened in the past. We continued to talk about the travels that both of them have done and so on. They have both probably been to or seen over half of the countries in the world. It was so inspiring, especially since I have a heart for the world as well. I asked if they had a favorite country that they had been to. Elona responded by saying that the countries all have such different characteristics that it is so hard to choose just one. Again, I was blown away because that is exactly how I feel about the world. Both Emilie and I agreed that they were both role models and an inspiration for us.
At this point my stomach started to get tight and we were only halfway there. I definitely knew God wanted me to do something. I just didn’t know what yet.
So as they continued to talk about the different life experiences, we just listened. Emilie made a comment that tightened my stomach even more. Emilie said, “I think you leave a piece of your heart in each country.” AGAIN, THAT IS ME!!
As we were approaching the top my stomach was still tight.
At this point we had finally reached the top. So as we were exiting the gondola, I knew I needed to do something. So I looked at Valerie and Emilie and said, “I am not done yet.”
So I walked ahead toward Rafael and Elona and Valerie and Emilie followed. I caught up with Rafael and Elona and asked if I could pray for them. They both agreed.
After praying, I knew what I needed to do. I looked at them and said, “ I have a gift for you.” I opened my bag and retrieved my cross. I handed it to them and Elona took it. I told them we were to give the cross to someone who was very impactful. And to bless them with this small token to remember this time. It was such a blessing. I would like to think that it was more of a blessing for me than for them, but I also hope that it was a blessing for them as well.
Their adventurous spirit was contagious, and I believe that their adventurous spirit is what made them both open to all of us sharing God’s love with them. I will forever remember this experience, and the time that I allowed the tightness in my stomach to become my obedience and my yes to the Lord.
Just say yes!!
Aleesa
