Because we tasted his goodness, we asked about his name.
This Sunday started with the sole pursuit of getting laundry clean. Laundry overseas is always quite the journey, and this day was exactly that.
Our host told us about this cool laundry cafe that you can wash and dry clothes and get coffee! Lucas and myself needed to do laundry, and Janice needed to get out and do some things on WiFi. The cafe only takes cash, so we had to go to the mall ATM first. We arrive, and it’s closed. Slightly discouraged, I reason that I have enough cash for us.
We get the next Uber to the Laundry Cafe. On the drive, we see new exciting parts of town. Then, we arrive, and it is also closed.
Colombia quarantines on the weekends due to COVID. The first weekend we were here the city went on lockdown due to protests of the government, police, and taxes. Our doors were shut, and we could not leave. This weekend lightened up.
Still not completely.
Now, we are in this new part of town holding our dirty laundry.
Our new goal is to find WiFi to at least be able to work on the other things on our to-do list. In addition, coffee is always the goal. We began to walk down the street because we thought we saw some other places open.
Only one place was open for takeout, and all they sold was burgers. Janice decided to ask the man working if he had any recommendations for WiFi. He directed us to a local park, but also offered the shop’s WiFi password if we wanted to just use theirs.
None of us wanted burgers, so we were hesitant to receive this kindness. We knew it was our best option, so we sat on benches near the shop. We really wanted coffee and asked if we could order them some with ours. They were grateful and placed their order.
Then, they invited us to their shop and set up new tables for us to be more comfortable. They also moved the barrier to pick up to-go orders, so we would not be bothered.
We continued working, and they encouraged us to move tables for protection. We were right near the road, and we had our electronics out. They moved the tables for us and welcomed us in more.
Then, it began to rain. All our other previous WiFi options would have had no covering, but because they welcomed us in, we had this nice roof over our heads.
People would pass by and eye our electronics or try to talk to us. We did our best, but one man was more persistent. The two men at the burger shop immediately got up and placed themselves between us and the man on the street. They still kindly got him to leave while ensuring we were safe.
At this point, we were not customers. We could not fathom why these men were so kind to us.
We have now been at this place for hours, and the men’s kindness combined with the pictures of yummy burgers made us want to order. We asked but only could use cash. The cash we could not get out earlier.
Then, they guided us through the online pickup order, so we could use our card and get a discount. They tell us the best burger to get, and we order with full trust.
They bring these burgers out, and they look incredible. With the first bite, we know these are the best burgers we have ever had. We had become quite friendly with the men at this point. We are talking about how good the burger is and ask the name of the one who made it.
His name is Jesus.
Like what?!
We could not go any further without acknowledging the character of Jesus in these men. So Janice began speaking Truth into their lives. Neither of them currently have a relationship with God, but we could all share our gratitude of the relationship formed that day.
We shared the work our foundation does and plan to return with more friends and business.
Then, we go to order an Uber and notice the name of the neighborhood we are in, Corazon De Jesus, which means Heart of Jesus.
The whole ride home and remainder of the night, myself, Janice, and Lucas could not find an end to the goodness of God this day. The amount of “no’s” and failed plans that led us to the fullness of God was baffling.
We could not believe the extent Jesus provided for us this day. We thought we needed to do our laundry, but Jesus simply wanted to invite us to His table, give us a roof over our head, protect us, and serve us the best food for the greatest deal.
This is the Heart of Jesus.
