Barber Shop

So I've been getting my hair cut from the Barber that is literally down the street, and for the past 9 months it's been pretty brutal.  The guy has been super unfriendly, he literally grunts when I go in and say hi, just so you know he's not a grumpy old man, guy's only a few years older than I.  But it has been, quite frankly uncomfortable and even awkward at times going in there.  I've tried on several ocassions to strike up conversations and just about each time it goes no where.

I have actually at times just stop trying. I thought to myself, "if he doesn't want to talk, that's fine with me, now I don't have to work through communicating. But as of recently I have invited him to the gym and and I think I actually saw him smile.

Today however, was the greatest break through! I brought my boys to get haircuts and we had an amazing conversation. We were all actually laughing hard at one point.  The reason was because I was trying to let them know I wanted the boys' haircut to be short because it grows so darn fast.   And the word I used fir "grow" was "sprout".  That's when they all had a good laugh.  It was around that time I was able to have my longest conversation with the Barber and his wife.  We had a good chat and I was able to find out where he was from, how long he's been cutting hair and how many siblings he had, and that he doesn't really like Muay Thai--which I think is a first because most Thai guys love to at least watch it.  Come to think of it I have never seen any other foreigners, except Andy Owen, go in their to get their hair cut. They fell in love with my boys, which is no surprise. And at the very end my boys said "thank you" in Thai and gave them a big hug.  As I was walking out I thought to myself, "Lord, you know there were many times I just wanted to go to another place that would be easier, more friendly and accepting, but I'm so glad I didn't. Thank you Lord for giving me the perseverance and endurance to keep at it and now, finally, I was able to, somewhat break into his life."

Thankful that Jesus pursues us like that.

Cecil