On Saturday our team hit one of the busiest shopping streets in Galway for a little face painting/ hair wrapping ministry. We set up our station right on the street – complete with a bright blanket and big comfy pink pillows – and got ready to work. Adam, one of the guys in our squad, played the guitar and sang for the meandering shoppers (and even racked up 15 Euro doing so!) A few of us owned the face painting and a few others took on hair wrapping. At one point we busted out a hand written “FREE HUGS” sign and got some great hugs… and other interesting responses!
At first, I was a bit skeptical about doing the face painting – mostly because I am not the artistic type. At all. It took me a few minutes but then the Lord helped me realize this day wasn’t about being able to draw the perfect shamrock or rainbow on a face. It was about the people and being able to have good conversations and opening the door to share about Christ. So… I got over myself and jumped in. I ended up loving it! I got to talk with young teens who thought it’d be fun to get their faces painted. They opened up to me and shared they’d be going drinking for the rest of the night and I inquired further about why they were wasting their time with that. Hopefully they walked away questioning.
Two girls in particular stand out to me – Aille and Martina. They were about 14 years old and extremely chatty and bubbly. It was like we became friends instantly and before I knew it I was inviting them to church and exchanging emails to keep in touch.
Overall, the day was awesome and really encouraging – I let God take me out of my comfort zone a bit further and He was glorified! Plus, I learned how to face paint a pretty legit Irish flag!
We’re off to Romania tomorrow (Tuesday) which also happens to be my birthday! We’re told the Internet will be scarce… but I promise I’ll blog when I can. Miss you all and so appreciate your prayers!
