As we were driving back from spending the day with our daughter, between villages we passed by a boy hitchhiking. So we pulled over. He ran to the car and opened the car door saying he needs to go to Lita, two villages down, a few miles of windy road, but he felt the need to add that he has no money to repay us. The thought to ask for money didn’t even cross my mind.
So we made small talk. I felt chatty after spending the day with a little girl.
– What’s in Lita? – I ask.
– I’m looking for work. He answers.
I looked back and I ask in disbelief:
– How old are you?
– 12.
– Do you have any brothers and sisters?
– 10.
– Older, younger?
– All younger.
– Sheesh!
So I translate for Conrad, then I pull my wallet and told him to buy something for his siblings when he goes home.
He refused! He said he doesn’t take money. He is looking for honest work… it left me speechless.
Conrad asked him then:
– Cum te cheama?
– Alex.
– Conrad. Imi pare bine.
He answered likewise.
We told him we will be driving that way a lot more the next few weeks because we are adopting a little girl.
I was still left with the money in hand. So I decided to insist. I told him it is a gift, nothing else. And that I really enjoyed our conversation. He reluctantly accepted as we arrived at the crossroad he needed to get off.
He was small for his age. But he looked me straight in the eyes as we talked. A beautiful boy. He spoke with clarity, respect and confidence. And waved at us until we couldn’t see him in the mirror.
People don’t want pity or charity. They want the opportunity to work, to develop, to grow.
As I arrived home I realized our encounter with Alex marked me…
Dear God, please open doors for him to find work today. And give him strength in his journey. Also give me wisdom to influence his life for the better, should we meet again. I hope we meet again.