We'll be looking for you, George and Lili!

This week is the city of Austin's bulk trash pick up in our neighborhood. From dawn on Sunday pickups with trailers have been trolling the neighborhood to glean treasures before the city trucks start rolling. It's turned into quite a swap meet and something of a block party. Who knew God would be involved?

Our pile would be diminished -- the vacuum cleaner and trash compactor were the first to go, quickly followed by the huge water jugs for the aquarium that we got rid of about ten years ago. The dog crate went, along with other random items, but as the day wore on we kept adding to the pile with enjoyment in the knowledge that somebody was going to be getting use out of something that was just taking up space. This kind of purging feels so good.

We had just put out an old hose when a nice looking black SUV drove up and the passenger rolled down the window. We assumed they were asking directions, but instead the driver said, "We are the ones who come along before the city trucks get here." We told him to come on and take whatever he wanted. So he got out and claimed the hose and told us he was up in our neck of the woods visiting friends, who told him that it would be good to drive around and see if he saw any good stuff. That's when he told me he lived in Kyle.

That's when I told him I'm pastor of a church down by Kyle. And that's when the fun began. His wife got out of the car and they introduced themselves. He is George, from Kenya, and she is Lili (I may not be spelling that right), from Mexico. They know the church. George works in Onion Creek. He asked what kind of church it is, and when I told him we are Episcopalians, he announced that he is Anglican and that they will be coming to church.

So, my St. Alban's friends, be on the lookout for George and Lili. I don't have to worry about you giving them a warm welcome, because that's what you always do. But you already know that they are coming because they were on a treasure hunt. Only they didn't know the kind of treasure they'd be finding. Or that they would be a treasure to us as well.

And, George and Lili, if you see this, you know we are just waiting to welcome you and send you home with a whole new family and a loaf of home baked bread to boot. And you thought it would be all about a hose.