Finding Connection Through Climbling
My time in Fotizo was unlike anything I had experienced before. Everything about it seemed foreign and new. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone nearly every day and trusted that God would guide me. Going into this journey, I knew that God was going to push me, but I didn’t anticipate exactly how He was going to do it.
Exploring new sites.
The first month in Fotizo started slowly. I didn’t know how I would make connections, and I was still adjusting to the culture and life there. I began to intentionally look for ways to form connections more easily. After coming across a climbing video online, I thought it might be fun to look for a climbing gym near me. Luckily, I found one just a 12-minute walk away. I had essentially no climbing experience and had little idea of how it worked, but I left my apartment and headed to the gym for what would be the first of many climbing sessions.
I was greeted by an employee who seemed to be about my age. He helped me get rental shoes, a day pass and some chalk. After putting on my gear, I began to climb, but I felt a little unsure. I found my way over to the bouldering area and stared blankly at the wall. Seeing that I was confused, the employee came over to help. He helped me figure things out, and I started climbing. It being my first time, I wasn’t very good, so I asked him for tips. We talked about climbing for a while and I started to ask about his life and interests. We exchanged phone numbers and by the end of my session, I had not only gained a new hobby but also a friend with whom I could share the light of Jesus Christ.
Over the next couple of weeks, I frequently visited the climbing gym, especially on the days my new friend was working. Our conversations gradually shifted from being about climbing to talking about his family, his life goals, and eventually, his beliefs. After a few climbing sessions, I asked if he’d want to hang out outside of the climbing gym. I was happy he agreed, and we set up a time to meet. Being a foreigner, I asked him to take me to his favorite cafe nearby and show me around the city.
Stepping out of their comfort zone led to a new friendship.
While walking to our next form of public transportation, I asked him questions about his beliefs. This led to a discussion about why he believes what he believes, and why I believe what I believe. He told me he sometimes has doubts and is still searching for the truth. I asked if he’d ever read the Bible and told him that in Christ, we can be sure of our beliefs and no longer feel like we need to constantly search for what is true. He said he would be interested in reading scripture again because the last time he did, he didn’t understand much of it. Though the conversation was brief, it’s one that has stuck with me since returning home. I never would have had this experience if God hadn’t pushed me to be uncomfortable.
Climbing went on to be one of the best things I decided to do with my time in Fotizo. I made many more connections and gained new skills, all because I stepped out of my comfort zone. God uses us for his kingdom in many ways, and climbing just so happened to be how he decided to use me. If you ever feel like you are at a loss for ways to serve the kingdom of God, perhaps try something new.