Riding on the Omnibus

Every weekday, we catch the bus 116 outside our apartment to go to the office.  On the way home, we catch bus 121 because is not as crowded.  We have figured out the schedules so we are usually able to find a seat, and often we are able to sit together.  However, at times, I am sitting next to someone who doesn't have earphones and I talk to them.  I am not that good at Spanish yet, even now, but they use their creativity to  understand me, and I understand them.  That's huge!!  The gift of tongues is alive and well!!

I usually size them up to figure out how to ask them a question.  Either they are a student or they are working in the downtown area.  So, that's easy.  One time, I asked a student about his studies.  He was sitting in the back corner of the bus.  He was obviously a very nice young man, but was a little ragged around the edges like he had started experimenting with undesireable things.  He didn't look very happy.  He was 16, and had one more year left of school.  (The students are in the middle of their school year here.)  I told him about Jerry and I and that we are helping people find jobs, etc. 


We talked for about 10 minutes before he had to get off.  I don't think I will ever forget the smile he gave me.  After he got off the bus, he turned and waved at me and smiled a wonderful, bright smile.  I felt like I had made a difference in the life of one person that day already.  I hope he knows people care.

One lady gets on the bus and greets me.  We talked several months ago, when we first got here.  I still don't exactly know where she works, or what she does, even though she told me (in Spanish.)  She went to the United States on a trip for 3 weeks, and when she got back, she wanted to speak English.  We talked for 15 minutes straight.  She has 3 young adult children who are working and going to school.  They are so busy, trying to get their education and work on the side.  She is trying to support them in their lives, and work at her job also.  It reminded me of our family a few years ago.  I told her about our office, and invited her to tell her kids about our services.  When she told me their schedules, they are busy during our office hours.  I know that's true for so many people.  It was good to talk to her, and we greet each other when we happen to be on the same bus. 

I met an architect who designs schools.  She was very friendly, until I bore my testimony that the church is the true church on the earth.  I found out that she is Catholic.  I told her the Catholic Church does a lot of good things and smoothed it over with her.  I gave her a pass-along card with a picture of the temple and the church's website on it (mormon.org).  I hope she looks into the church further. 

I met a student who has 4 more years to study to be a doctor.  She was so friendly and kind.  I told her she would be a good doctor.  I told her about the church and encouraged her to look at the website on the pass-along card and find out more.  I met a man who is in charge of a museum of natural history here in town.  He has a Mormon friend, and I told him it was important to know if the church was true.  When he got on the bus 6 weeks later, he greeted me.  I didn't think he would remember me.  That was nice.

So, there are all sorts of wonderful people, not to mention the Jewish man who said he would never change, but got all the young people sitting near us into a conversation that steered toward the church.  How amazing was that?

On the way home, we sometimes have entertainers who are looking for a tip.  They board the bus for free and play, collect tips, and get off.  Here is one of the guitarists.  He was singing and playing a typical Uruguayan folk song.  The clip is really short.

When he started his second song, he enlisted the help of the "guard" who is the ticket-taker on the bus.   This clip is short also.  It begins with the guard who is wearing a knit hat.  I wasn't sure if the video would pick him up or not, so I switched to the guitarist.

I love the applause at the end.  The Uruguayans are very polite, and they love music, especially their folk songs.  This is a memory we want to keep, but it also gives you a flavor of the country.   

There are opportunities to share the gospel all over.  We need to open our mouths and say something.  People are curious.  Even people in Idaho Falls would like to know a little bit more about the church.  We can give them a pass-along card with the website on it.  I love pass-along cards!!  They are so welcome.  The person feels as if you have given them something harmless, yet valuable.  Let's try to hand some out.  First, you have to get some from a missionary or the distribution center.  Then, keep them on your person.  Be prepared.  Let's see how many we can hand out!  Keep track and report on the blog (or email us) about how many you pass out next week.