It is interesting the type of people you meet. You can say that about your whole life, but my encounters with people, while here in Quebec, have struck me the most. You don't often think about the people you might randomly talk to while waiting in line or eating lunch unless you see them again. When you do think of a person that you did not see again, it is because they did something special that made you remember them. I don't know why, but I have been finding my encounters with strangers to be a little more special now.
Some of my conversations on these encounters become English conversations. That can be a special surprise to know that this person can speak your language. Your ears are always alert when you hear English being spoken. I had a nice conversation with one lady while waiting for the bus during my first few weeks here. Just last week I had lunch with a man who had once lived in California. I also met a nice woman at a Brethren church that I visited a few weeks ago. She wanted to speak in English with me, which was great! I find it interesting where you will meet people who are fluent in English.(Especially when you live in a place known for being picky about speaking their language all the time.)
There are also the conversations in French that happen as well. Those tend to happen to me less frequently with strangers because I am not very confident in my language skills. But when it happens to me, I find it special because these people who are listening to me take the time to try and understand me when they know I can't speak their language. People can be more patient than we think they are. Several weeks ago, back in November, I met another woman while waiting for the bus. We started talking about the weather getting colder and eventually led to me explaining why I was here and what I was doing for the church. She and I cross paths on the bus frequently and she has been coming regularly to our English Conversation activities. That is a nice friendship that has grown from that one conversation.
Just today I had another conversation with a woman on the bus. She noticed that my coat wasn't warm enough. That was my fault because I have a warmer coat, but I had hoped it would be a little warmer like it had been yesterday. But it wasn't. I nearly froze just standing there waiting for the bus. But she kept me company. She was patient with me, there was a moment where I just had to change the subject because I couldn't remember this one particular word! But she bore it with me.
Strangers can also make a remark or an observance that you hadn't thought about before. Several people have remarked on how courageous I am to come here on my own. People have expressed that they were shocked that I would come so far from home when I didn't know anyone. I guess leaving the comfort of your home and family to go to a different country, where they speak a different language, and where you know no one, would be terrifying. I can see how doing that would be considered courageous, but I don't see myself as courageous. Still, some things are terrifying, some are wonderful, and some are not as "romantic" or fanciful as one would think. But despite all of that, I don't let it get to me. I can't.
I was reminded today, by my best friend, of something I am going to tell you. When the decision has been made, you follow through and do it knowing that this is God's plan for you. You put your trust in Him knowing that He will be there with you. Matthew 28:20b says, "and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." God is with me. Psalm 56:3-4 says, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?" God is with me, He protects me, why should I be afraid when I trust in Him? That is why I am able to be here in Quebec City, because I believe in God and have put my faith and trust in Him.
Almost every time I meet someone new or am just having a short conversation with a stranger, the question as to why I am in Quebec always comes up. I am always able to give them a response as to what I am doing for the church. I am not always able to bring in the gospel, but I hope that their "funny looks" and "questioning glances" will help them think about it. I know it reminds me of what I am doing here. It also helps me pray for these people when I know I may not see them again. That is why I am thankful for the random conversations with strangers. I get an opportunity to share what I am doing and I am reminded of why I am doing it.
Whether your next random conversation with a stranger will become a friendship or not, you shouldn't be afraid. Don't be afraid to talk to someone. Show them God's love through your love. Share with them His good news.
Romans 8:31b "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
I hope you have a wonderful New Year.
God Bless,
Jennifer
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