We recently returned from a wonderful honeymoon. We flew far, far away into the middle of the Pacific and landed in Hawaii. We kayaked in the sea, feasted on free wild mangoes, saw some of the highest sea cliffs in the world, snorkeled, hiked, rested, rode the bus (more than we intended to), made friends with our neighbors, camped on the beach, and met Gardo.
It seems that we continue to experience meetings such as our encounter with Gardo. We see these encounters as miraculous blessings. Others see them as normal, chance, or coincidence. But as we live in the Kingdom of Jesus, we are able to realize the beauty and complexity of the things unfolding before us.
After a day at the beach in one of the ritziest areas of Oahu, we were ending the day as we usually did: trying to figure where to catch the right bus home. I questioned whether we were heading in the right direction, and so John decided to ask a guy who had just turned the corner in front of us where the bus stop was. A dread-head, ty-dye, beer carrying 30 something turned to answer us. As we walked John struck up a conversation with him and found out that he was heading to a house party. "You guys want to come?"
But, of course!
We learned that our new friend's name was Gardo and he was from Brazil. We soon arrived at the mansion where the party was happening. I knew the people were fancy before we even entered the house, because the guys that greeted us at the door kissed me on the cheek. Only rich, fancy, or foreign people kiss as a greeting. The house was cleared out of furniture and the grand piano covered, leaving plenty of space to dance to the blaring techo music.
Gardo is 36 and moved to Hawaii to surf. He is a DJ, and had a very sweet spirit and generous heart, only a little misdirected - he offered us acid, pot, and beer. Gardo danced in place to the um-ch-um-ch-um-ch beat the whole time we talked - yet, we were able to have a really good conversation. I say we, but really John talked the whole time, and I just observed and enjoyed the experience.
John was able to ask Gardo what he thought about God, and after talking about the crazy state the world is in, had a brief discussion on where or whether there is hope.
The coolest part of the story, however, began in East Asheville under a torch.
Our friend, James Yaun, is a renown glass artist (www.jamesyaun.com). John buys his glass jewlery periodically and it has proved to be a great way to bless others.
John recently bought a bracelet with a really trippy design. The environment of ecstasy, acid, and DJing would easily appreciate James' art. John showed the bracelet to Gardo and slipped it on his wrist as a gift. The crazy part is that this particular bracelet was hard for even John to fit, and Gardo was much bigger than John. Yet, it was a perfect fit and John was able to put it on, and as he did he pulled Gardo in to whisper "Jesus loves you." They broke apart to leave and John said "Did you hear me?" Gardo responded, "Yes, Jesus loves me. He loves you too!"
We realized later that as Gardo goes to parties, he might wear that bracelet. If he does, others will no doubt notice the intricate design and inquire or comment about it. Everytime that happens Gardo will be reminded of the truth that Jesus Christ loves him.
We were blessed by this experience and glad for the reminder that it is much better to give than to receive.
This is our favorite story, among many, that the Father blessed us with while in Hawaii. We would love to share more stories with you over coffee at our little cabin in the woods. If you need a mountain retreat, our house (that we moved into - together!) is always open.
We are currently in FLA visiting family, but will soon be updating about our future hopes and plans for life and ministry, so stay tuned.
Grace & Peace,
John & Nicole
Sermon Jams & Relevant Revolution
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