The World is Here

Checking in to my second hotel in as many days I was struck by the fact that the world has arrived to America.

Case in point:
Mary (from Austin) greeted me at the counter and checked me into room 217
Lousakas (from India) was behind me in line
Eugene (from Africa) was there as a Hampton Inn engineer on call
Nina and her co-worker (both from Mexico) were cleaning the rooms next to where I would be staying
Aniko (from Japan) found me on the elevator as I went back downstairs to get a USA today
Vikie (from Canada) was working the desk when I made it back downstairs

In my first 10 minutes at this new hotel I met 7 new friends, all from different points around the world. I didn’t talk long to each of them, but long enough to learn their names and where they were from. Through the conversation was brief, it was sincere and encouraging for all involved.

I am realizing more and more that this life I live on mission for Christ doesn’t require me to board a plane to learn from and hopefully make a difference in other cultures. A simple checking in at a local hotel does the job quite nicely!

This weekend look around you. Engage the different faces you meet. Listen to them. Ask great questions (’what makes you come alive?’ or ‘what do you miss most about your country?’) Become a learner as you appreciate the how God has allowed the people of the earth to come into your life. You won’t regret it, and you will make some friends from all around the globe.