The 8:52 Bus

For those who don't follow FaceBook, this is from my post on Facebook last Friday.  There's not much to add, so I'm just going to leave it as is.  It was quite the day, to say the least!!

I had one WILD day!! It started with me running for the 8:52 bus. I jumped on and the bus driver said something in German, seemed like he was joking telling me I had plenty of time. I looked at him and said in german that I don't speak german. He said something else and I heard the word American, then I said "oh, yah, American". He continued and I heard the word Texas, to which I responded "oh, Florida". Clearly he was wanting to converse so I pulled out my phone and started up Google Translate. 

He started up the bus and we were under way for the 16 minute trip to my destination stop. I spoke into the microphone "I'm here for two months doing volunteer work" and then held it up to his ear (all while he was driving) and he heard it in german. He thought that was really cool. He answered back and I held up a finger and said wait, then I switched it to german, pushed the microphone button and held it up for him to speak. He did, and I read what he said. 

For at least five bus stops we went back and forth in conversation using Google Translate. I learned he was from Kosovo, their language is Armenian, and other cordial conversation things. He actually handed me his phone and wanted me to download the Google Translate app for him! His samsung phone didn't have it available so we used my phone. 

By the time my stop came and the bus stopped, I noticed he was writing something on a piece of paper. I thought, oh no, he's not. As I walked out the door and said good by in german, he handed me the paper with his name and phone number on it!! Oh yes he did. I thought really?! How exactly do you see this playing out? First of all, I don't call men I just met, and secondly, how would we even communicate, LOL?!! The girls in the office got a kick out of it! 

On the ride home we continued our conversation and he went so far as to tell me what a beautiful woman I am. I told him in german "no flirting!" and laughed. Still, it was nice to hear.  And, he was a kind gentleman.  Cute too!  About my age as well. 

The interesting part of this experience was that I woke up this morning and was a feeling a little blah. I did everything I know to do; prayed, got in the Word, worshipped, got on my face and asked the Lord for help. And how did God choose to cheer me up? The 8:52 bus!! For those of you who don't know, God has a hilarious sense of humour!! I am still laughing at today's bus trip. I love it when God puts stuff like this in my path. And don't worry Mom and Dad, I don't share where I live. It takes two buzzes to get into my building anyway.

Today is Wednesday.  I will add that today was the first time I've been on the bus and seen him since our last "conversation".  I smiled and said hello.  Then I looked up in german and asked how his day was.  He answered in german something and I just nodded.  I had no idea what he said.  When I got to my stop, I told him my name.  Then he surprised me and asked for my phone number.  I just smiled and said no, then said good bye in german.  I'll continue friendly conversation, but I don't see how any other communication could take place.  Dear Kastrati, the Perchtoldsdorf bus driver.  The Lord used you to cheer my day and I wonder if you even know Him.  

Be blessed!
Michelle (Missy)