We were greeted by Ramida’s father with such warmth as he turned back to us from the front seat of his car. In the little English he knew, he exclaimed, “Welcome to Kyrgyzstan!” And we began our drive out of town and towards their small village. A few days earlier, we had met Ramida at an English class, and she so graciously and hospitably invited us to her home that weekend.
We stepped into the home, greeted her kind mother, an appetizing aroma, and to our surprise, a large amount of food and drink spread before us on their table. Biscuits, bread, candies, potato pastries, homemade jams, fresh fruits, and homemade juices were all laid out for us to partake in. And of course, this was during the month of Ramadan so they could not even eat any of the beautiful food and drinks that they so lovingly prepared.
Our new friend!
Susanna, Emily and I began eating and enjoying conversation. We talked a bit about our beliefs as well. They passionately explained to us about their beliefs in Islam, and we listened to them and followed the conversation wherever we felt Holy Spirit lead. God was so evidently present in the room. Though our conversation was cut off before we liked, we still very much felt God’s heart for these people.
We finished eating, and they took us for a drive out to see the lake. We took in the views, the fresh air, and the company until we made our way back to their home. They had even more food prepared for us (so full!) and we all shared in even more conversation about America, about God, and about how difficult the English language is.
After this beautiful time, our Kyrgyz dad drove us back to our hostel. Emily, Susanna and I began quietly singing worship songs in the back seat, only for him to tell us, “sing louder!”. We sang Reckless Love over them, believing that the Lord is pursuing this family passionately as a shepherd pursues his lost sheep. He sang along and danced to the song as he drove.
Then, he turned to Ramida and shared, “I asked God about having American guests at our home. Do you know what He said?”
“What did He say?” We asked.
“He said, ‘These are my guests. Treat them well!’”
Wow.
This family may have physically prepared the food, but it was God that set that table for us. And not once, but twice! A few days later, we were invited back to celebrate the end of Ramadan with her family, visiting multiple homes in their neighborhood and eating SO much food. We prayed for them, sang more worship songs over them, had more sweet conversations with them.
This man treated us like family.
It’s easy to get distracted by what we should/shouldn’t say, how we should act, what is okay to share and what needs to wait. As you read and as I write, it also can be easy to get caught up in what I did and didn’t do. But let’s never forget Who is the One truly speaking to the hearts of men and the One who goes before us. Before we even met that man, God carved out a place for us in his heart.
Regardless of what you do today or who you meet, will you trust that it is the Lord who goes before you?
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
