Traveling... Part 3

"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2

We keep moving forward, driving from town to town, hoping for meaningful encounters. And we won’t be disappointed. Visiting a country without connecting with its people and their daily lives feels unthinkable to me. Still, it’s not always easy to find the right balance between being spontaneous and staying reserved, between trust and caution—especially after the rough start we had at the beginning of this trip.

We stop at a tea house and are thrilled to sip on mint tea with dried fruits after hours of driving through the desert. We pray quietly in that little tea room while enjoying the steaming tea.The owner invites me to the back room, where I discover beautiful paintings and we chat for a bit. I love asking questions and getting a glimpse into the world of the people I meet. As I leave, I tell him how peaceful the atmosphere feels, how at ease I am in his space. He smiles softly, and there’s a light in his eyes.The next day, we’ll find out he’s a Christian.

We head toward another village and pull over on a road in the middle of nowhere. It’s nearly noon, and the sun is scorching. I think of all the veiled and covered women we’ve seen since we arrived, and I realize that here—beyond religion—it’s a matter of survival.

It’s a desert landscape, but we spot a house that seems to be a pottery workshop. And sure enough—we’ve found a potter. And what a potter!

It takes me back to another trip, this time in Europe, where I walked down a street lined with shops selling the same mass-produced souvenirs, all stamped with the city’s name and all “Made in China.” And then, suddenly, I stumbled upon a leatherworker’s shop—the last of his kind, holding out against the flood of cheap, soulless goods.That encounter moved me deeply. It made me even more aware of the tragedy of lost craftsmanship in our modern world. He was retiring the following month, with no one to carry on the work of a lifetime.

I feel the same way here.This man’s passion for his craft is contagious. He invites us to walk on the clay, to touch it, to shape it on the wheel, to visit his kilns baking under the blazing sun. He’s thrilled to share his world with us, and I’m completely captivated by his explanations.To say we stayed longer than planned would be an understatement.Tea is served.

We talk about his family, and we offer to pray for him.He’s visibly moved by the words of the prayer. I pray for him with all the love and compassion I feel, even though I don’t know him.

We say goodbye, hoping—maybe, one day—we’ll meet again. Who knows? Some of the most unexpected encounters lead to the deepest friendships.

His hospitality and generosity left me speechless.

As Christians, we sometimes forget that hospitality is a command. Let me share this verse from the book of Hebrews in the Bible:

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

I’m not talking about a religious duty you’re supposed to fulfill, or the pressure that can come with it. I’m simply talking about your heart—laid bare before God—asking Him to stretch what might feel tight or closed off inside you.To ask Him for more love, more patience, if you struggle to love or tolerate those around you. If unexpected visits throw off your peace and routine, ask Him to help you welcome them with grace.

We can all grow in this area.I invite you to reflect on it and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what could shift in you—and to help you grow where you still feel limited.

I’ll end with a verse Nilza kept repeating throughout our journey—It’s been echoing in my heart as I write this. You can find it in the book of Isaiah, chapter 54.

“Enlarge the place of your tent."