Sitting in the barber chair

Hello my beautiful people! Today I thought I would write a little bit about my personal life and not so much culture. I would like to give you a bit of Mexico through a simple must-do.....GETTING A HAIRCUT.

In Guadalajara, we have a ton of barber shops! Everybody and their mother is a barber and has their own spot. And they all have that classic barber look with the building painted red and blue and the red and white spinning spiral thing hanging next to the door. It is old school but yet modern, something from the city I guess you could say, considering I grew up in a small town. Each place has a bit of a different personality, they normally don't take appointments, so it is first come first serve. There is always people haning out, waiting, chatting away and it creates a cool a little community. So, think like a missionary for a few minutes, would this not be a good spot to build relationships?! The answer is YES! Plus, being a gringo they all want to know what's my deal, why I am here, where I am from and what do I do for a living. Then the English starts flying out too, a word here, a word there then a swear word, then HEY, how do you know so much Spanish? It is always a good time in the barber shop. The hard part is finding a good spot where I can engage with guys but actually get a good cut. I have like 4 colics, super light hair and I'm losing it so, it is a challenge to say the least. Oh, and it is very different than cutting someone's hair here. I had a friend that cut it for long time but he lost his touch and it wasn't cheap so I have been bouncing around for months trying to find a good one. I also want a spot I can invest in that's close to my house. I have met so many people and shared my story so many times I have lost count. I have also heard more stories in the barbershop than any other place. I have learned to ask good questions and just listen. We seem to end up talking about God somehow every time. Not one barber has showed up to our church or asked to sit down for a deeper talk but I have hope that one day it will happen. We have a men's group now so I hoping that will make it easier to invite guys to and more relaxed. Needless to say I have recieved many different tips for my hair and it has been cut in many ways. I hope soon to find a chair to sit in every month that is the same. Sitting there listening away, while they fight my colics, really is a blessing. It is fun to give them attention and learn about them and others that chime in. Side note, the service no matter where you go is amazing, hot towels, head message and they always use a straight edge to make everything look crisp. But back to the chair, I have learned about music, the pueblo I live in, all the kinds of food here, how these men view women, family, money, time, religion and The States. (we do not have a good reputation here) To be honest, it is one of my favorite ways to learn about culture and relax. It has given me more compassion for the people I serve and taught me how to approach them, love them and pray for them.

Please pray for my times in the barber shop, first that I find a good one to invest in and second that these guys could become friends and know Our Savior.