Broom Sticks...

The ti-dye shirt and rainbow colored sneakers seem to have been a bad idea now that I look back at my Friday in Poland. Ti-dye is apparently 40 years behind the times. Rainbow shoes on males seemed unheard of. Skinny jeans are for girls. I had my canadian flag sticker on my vest but I don't think they needed to see that to realize I am not from around here.

Yesterday was a pretty eventful day. First I have to say Candace Huck is an incredible piano player. Boom. Sam's throat is getting healed. My hand is better. Everyone is having fun. Shwab still seems to be a bit home sick.

We played a few concerts at a highschool and our third show got postponed which is awesome because we would have been so tired! Thanks Peter! We carried all our gear up eight flights of stairs (four floors). It doesnt sound intense but trust me it was quite a workout. Especially when you have to carry heavy gear. God gave us the strength and helping hands so it went well.

People would literally point and laugh at me as I entered the hallways in what seemed to be a clown outfit. I have come to realize that I love to make people laugh and I will do whatever it takes. Back home I can say stupid comments to make people laugh but if I say stupid comments here no one laughs because of the language barrier. Through intense meditation I figured out a solution to my problem: look stupid. Candace likes it because now she gets a double bonus. She hears the stupid comments and gets to look at a goof. Boom. Broom Sticks!

After we played our concerts we had to go into town to get a few things. I decided to check out a few stores to see what the latest polish trends are. I totally forgot that I was wearing my ti-dye shirt and buzz light-year shoes but remembered quickly after when I walked into the first store. Everyone working there (all females) literally exploded in laughter. They started talking to each other as I browsed and just followed me with their eyes. I have to admit. I do not get embarassed that easily. Generally I can hold myself together and just laugh with people. Their laughter continued to grow louder and louder. In all honesty, it was the first time in long time that I began to feel a bit uncomfortable, almost embarassed. Naw, who am I kidding. It was awesome. I got Peter to translate to the lady at the front desk for me: "I know I look crazy. But I am normal." She laughed and told Peter that they were not laughing at me. I knew right away that was a lie from the pit. But, Whatever.

When we arrived home we were all super tired. Every opportunity we have to sleep we take it. As much as I wanted to sleep I didn't. I feel like I didn't come to Poland to sleep. I can do plenty of that when I get back home. Although I know I shouldn't put God in a box and say he couldn't use me in my bed, I just felt he needed me to be amongst the people. So I went into downtown Kudowa where we are staying. I brought an acoustic guitar and for the first time in my life I busked on the streets. I got so many different reactions. It was quite the experience. I had lots of conversations with some beautiful people.

I have to admit I was so nervous when I sat down and pulled my gutiar out. It was such a new experience for me. I started strumming my guitar and playing one of my latest songs:

"Don't let your yesterdays
Rob your tomorrows
Don't let your hurt and shame
Fill your heart with sorrows
And rejoice for the Kingdom of Heaven is near
Rejoice take heart and have no fear"

I kept repeating the end "Take heart and have no fear" and my nervousness slowly faded. Before I knew it I was singing at the top of my lungs. People would stare from all directions and I didn't mind it. Before I knew it people would be walking across the street just to throw some money in my open guitar case. My response was always "dziękuję" which means "thank you." Some smiled at me as they continued walking through their daily routines. Others stopped and spoke to me. Some in broken English. Some in strong Polish. Beautiful people. I made $60.00 in Polish money which converts to about $20.00 Canadian dollars. I didn't do it for the money. I did it because I just wanted to sing God's light into the community. I plan to busk every chance I get.

My constant prayer in my heart is this:

Where you need me, Father lead me to a place where I can stand
In a world gone wrong I will sing Your song and be Your loving hands.

I am excited to see where he needs me to go today.

To all my readers: I hope this encourages you as you journey through your day wherever you are in the world.

Boom. Broom Stick.

Andrewm.