Lobby of Love

Their smiles beamed a previously normal life - if not hovering on the mundane. They were eighteen years old. Their families loved them. They were smart too. Both girls (who had just met one another,) were slated to start their tour guide careers but October 7th changed everything. Government war programs placed them at our hotel but not as refugees. Their life plans were put on hold. They were three weeks into a fresh, unwanted calling - caring for displaced Israeli children living at the Grand.

I saw them walk through the lobby. They dodged seven year olds who had turned the once grand marble foyer into a soccer pitch. They came our direction. We had set up in the corner to avoid the kid-madness.

Mark & I’s plan was to play calming music that was based in scripture but light on shunning- lyrics. Our model was David. He so marvelously soothed the thoughts that tormented Saul. Israel’s thoughts were dark these days. Once innocent minds now raced with unimaginable images and ears couldn’t drown out the sounds of slaughter.

The one girl, slender in body frame and with glasses, led the way. She kept her gaze on me. Her grin was big. She was confident.

“Hello,” they said in tandem on approach. Our precious friendship had begun.

For the next three songs, the young ladies stood so close to me that they read along on the chart. One played the guitar a bit back home so she was interested in my markings and what a G/B chord meant.

Thank goodness our simple chilled down tunes were only easy and on repeat as not to deter my conversation with them. I kept playing the loop. By the time the set finished, we knew much about one another and I already loved them.

I cannot wait for you to meet them.

(To be continued onboard the bus. Gotta grab our gear and lug it downstairs. I couldn’t wait to tell you last night’s ordained adventure since so many of you are praying for these dear people. And us. Safe travels for today requested please. Heading north.)