The 7AM sunshine brings warmth upon my shoulders as I slide open the heavy metal gate guarding the Christian Surfers property. My morning walk begins with my blue and green Malawi purse slung over my body and computer embraced under one arm. My hair is wrapped up in a bun and I can feel the thick humidity grip the nape of my neck.
Across the street at Sabrina: Ropa Americana, a woman smiles in my direction and opens the doors for business. “Buenas dias!” I greet her and ask if Vanessa and her son, Andy were working this morning. After playing a bit of charades and exchanging broken English and Spanish, I was told to come back later to check. I kneel down to pet Tom, the cat, and make my way out the door. “Chao!”
The streets are already bustling with red taxis zooming by. They honk at one another in passing, not as an aggressive sign, but rather as a greeting to fellow cab driver friends. Continuing down the cracked sidewalk, Costa Ricans walk and bike by with sunny smiles and pleasant greetings. They always look straight in your eyes—acknowledging that they see you with a nod, smile, and cheery “Hola!”
The Tacobar comes up on my right and I glance in to see Alex and Nelly working. “Hola Victoria! Como estas?” My new friends and I discuss the upcoming concert at the local church. They’ll both be working that night, but really want to try to make it. If not, I’ll just have to tell them how went the next day. I wish them a great morning and continue on my stroll.
Jenna’s blonde hair sticks out in my view as she passes by on her beach cruiser. I call out to her and wave. “Hey girl!” she responds. She must be on her way to work, I assume, when I notice her shirt with the business logo. As a true local, she bobs and weaves through the traffic, disregarding any traffic hazards or laws.
Only a little further, after rounding the corner, I make it to my destination: Coffee Beach. The little shop is an open-aired, welcoming place. The chalkboard wall grabbed my attention to bring me in for the first time a few days prior. Little stools and tables hug the right wall of the tiny café.
“Buenas dias, Andre! Como estas?”
“Muy bien, Victoria! Y tu?”
Then we change back to English because Andre knows my Spanish is limited, but we’re practicing. He asks about our “digging project” amongst other things. After more conversation, I order my “cafe frio” and take a seat.
“AND CUT! END SCENE!” For what I just experienced in my 10-minute stroll truly felt like a scene in a small town set for a movie.
Why is it so different here?
Why do I feel so at home here in a matter of weeks?
Is it just because we are in a small town?
It’s partly due to the culture here: they don’t just glimpse at people, but engage with people. Our host explained to us that it is rude if you glance at someone and don’t make a point to greet them in some fashion.
As I think about my great big city of Orlando, Florida, my first thoughts were that this way of life isn’t possible. The city is far too large and greatly populated to connect in this way. However, I believe God changed my mind and wanted me to present a challenge to my fellow Americans.
We look at people all the time:
watching our neighbors pick up the mail
standing in the checkout line of the grocery store
popping in and out of the Starbucks we visit daily
How often do we take the time to engage these people—ask about their lives, who they are, or what passions drive them? Are we too wrapped up in our own lives or too selfish to give some time to those around us because it’s not convenient?
My challenge to you is to start changing the culture in your hometown. Be a person who seeks out relationship beyond your current circle. Learn the names of people who work at places you visit consistently. Ask your Target checkout guy about his life and when you see him again, follow up! Invite some work friends out for a bite to break that “work-only” barrier. Show interest. Show love.
Our Heavenly Father created us to be in meaningful community with Him and one another. The American way tends to push us towards harmful independence—to not need anyone and to work from our own strengths. Lets be a people who strive to counter-culture through intentional relationship.
I think of the words Jesus imparts on His disciples before going to the cross:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
What a testimony we would be for Christ if we started taking those words seriously and acting upon them! As the hands and feet of Jesus, it is our responsibility to really see people, connect with them, and show the Father’s love daily.
Stop looking and start engaging.
