After training camp, a few of us were given a ride by one of the amazing ladies from our squad. Once we made it to the airport, I checked my bag in and headed for the train that takes you downtown. When I arrived at the station called ‘Five Points’ I headed down to the visitor’s center, where I was given a map of the area. When I saw there was an aquarium nearby, I just had to go check it out because it was the world’s largest aquarium.
As I was walking down Luckie Street, looking around for a place to get some food, a man came up to me and asked if I was lost and needed some help. When I told him I was looking for some food and heading to the aquarium, he offered to show me around since he was heading that way anyways. As we were walking, I introduced myself and found out his name was Mike. He asked me what I was doing just walking around so I explained how I had just finished training for the World Race and told him all about the details of the World Race. He told me that he was really excited for me to go see the world and mentioned that he had traveled a lot back in the day too.
As we continued to talk, I noticed that he had a limp in his right leg so I asked him about it and he told me it was from an old football injury that caused him to lose his scholarship. As Mike continued to open up to me, he talked to me about his six kids that live with him on the streets. I was amazed by that because you could not tell from his friendly and positive attitude that he was homeless. I asked Mike if I could pray for him and he not only agreed, he also showed me the Bible he reads daily so he doesn’t go crazy on the streets. He also told me how he shares love to others when he gets into a fight or someone robs him for his money or food. Mike said he just tells them that there is another way and that he loves them even if they hurt him. Before we said goodbye, Mike even made sure to tell me all the streets to avoid and said that if I ever need anything, just find him and he’d be glad to help.
While I was flying back home, I sat next to a lady named Becky. After talking for two hours and sharing our stories, she now considers me her grandchild, and she is very proud of me for going around the world to help others. Becky told me that she is going to follow me online so she can tell everyone else about all her grandchild’s adventures.
God just blows me away when He places people in our lives like that. I am so glad that I met these amazing people and was able to impact on their lives and have them impact my life as well. Next time you are sitting on a bus, a plane or a waiting room, don’t be afraid to start up a conversation. You never know what may happen and what kind of impact you may have. God may have something unbelievably special in store for you, if you will just take that first step.
