Catholic

My mom lives in an apartment in town and has lots of neighbors.  She has never really talked to her neighbors until about a week ago.  Joseph and I were visiting her and hanging outside with her and we made all kinds of new friends!

We met one really kind lady who was new to our area from Ohio and she was an early childhood teacher and awesome to visit with.  Next, we a very kind gentleman from another country.  He told us that when he came to America he had chosen 'Nicholas' as his American name.  I told him how that is am honorable name and how it was a favorite of mine. We talked about St. Nicholas (as much as I could understand from his strong accent) and when Joseph introduced himself, Nicholas automatically said "oh, you are named after St. Joseph!  You are very lucky!"  We visited for a long while and Joseph told him about wanting to be a construction worker for Halloween.  He tried with great effort to encourage Joseph to choose a different career when he grew up because construction workers have HARD jobs,  he was a welder by trade.  We left that day having been so happy making new friends.  

So today while we were at my Moms's we visited him again while we were outside with my mom.  He came to bring her a few rolls of toilet paper (angel soft), some bottled water for cooking, and some soft drinks.  He explained he was  moving tonight to go to Texas.  As we visited, I just continued to be surprised at the depth of this strangers kindness of spirit. You know how sometimes you just meet others who you can see Jesus in, a God moment.

He kept visiting us, like this move was bittersweet.  He talked of how he enjoyed  seeing Joseph so smart for his age, he has a 4 year old who is much quieter and smaller than Joseph.  He seemed lonesome for him.  He showed us a picture of him, his name was Benjamin.  As we were wrapping up our visit he asked my mom "she is catholic, right?"  She was confused by his accent so he said "her faith, she is catholic?" My mom said "yes, she is."  He responded with "o can tell.  She is building him up."  This time I was a little confused and he explained to me "you are building him strong, faith.  He will be able to handle much in this world.  You are building him strong.  You are making him ready, he will be good.  You can see his strength in faith."

I just feel in awe of these words and just want to let them sit on my heart.  

Such is the kindness when we get to know the stranger near us and make them a friend.