pie in the face.

Of all things the things on the Race so far, I think one of the most bizarre things I’ve witnessed is love. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I just don’t get why people love us. We’ve been at places for literally 15 minutes and had complete strangers offering us places to sleep and buying us groceries. I just can’t wrap my mind around it. 

The most recent display of undeserved love brought me to tears. But it wasn’t a stranger I just met that blessed my life; it was 2 of my teammates.

Friday night we had a guy/girl youth group at the church, and I was feeling kind of dejected as I walked up the stairs to the kitchen after trying to teach the women about truth. As soon as I walked in the kitchen Joe came flying at me and demanded that I close my eyes. After much protesting I complied, all the while asking if this was some kind of prank. “No we promise its not a prank!” they chimed in. “Okay okay but I better not get a pie in the face or anything,” I responded, confused at why they all started laughing at my comment. 

“Okay open your eyes”

I stared in disbelief at what I saw. Joe and Heather, with huge grins, were offering me a plate. On the plate sat the prettiest little apple pie baked in a mess kit bowl! They had baked an apple pie. Just one. Just for me.

Not knowing how to respond I starting laughing, but quickly had to turn around as I was brought to tears in complete confusion as to what in the world had made my brother and sister do something so special and unique just for me. Joe said he got the idea a couple weeks ago and had been planning ever since.

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Earlier this month a group of us went to Pozega, a small nearby town, and worked with a church for a week. While we were there we were blessed to meet Joe and Alice, a missionary couple form the States. They were so encouraging and truly touched each of our lives. The second day we were there, Alice really made an impact on mine. Why? She made us lunch.

I know what you’re thinking…Really? Lunch impacted your life?

Yes. Because she made us MEXICAN FOOD! She made TACOS! And these weren’t weird-because-you’re-somewhere-no-where-near-the-border-tacos. These were legit, like the kind my mom makes back home. I was already head over heels in love with this woman when she pulled out the big guns: When we had stuffed ourselves to the point of busting with delicious tortilla awesomeness, she set before us APPLE PIE. Real, authentic, homemade apple pie. And this was honestly the best apple pie I’ve ever had. Maybe I was overly emotional from the amount of tacos I’d stuffed in my belly, but I actually almost cried at the meal Alice had prepared for us. I was so humbled and so grateful.

Well when we got back to Osijek, we shared with the other team what had happened throughout the entire week, including my near emotional breakdown at the sight of Alice’s pie. Evidently it was at this moment that Joe’s mind started devising a plan. Hey, I know how to make a pie. And wouldn’t it be cool to make Lauren so happy that she cries!? (or something close to that) entered his mind and, once Heather jumped on board, they set out to surprise me.

Unfortunately for my dear brother and sister I began fasting within the next few days. Having spoiled their plan, they patiently waited for the fast to be over. Looking back on my fast, the two were particularly interested in how I was doing and how much longer I would persevere. I had figured they were just holding me really really accountable every time they asked!

Once my fast was over they set out on their top-secret mission. Well, as of Friday night, it was successfully completed, tears and all. 

                               

        Heather and the pie.                                                  And Joe with his masterpiece.

                                            

I’ll never be able to thank my brother and sister for blessing my life that night. It’s amazing how much one little pastry can humble and make you feel so loved.