November 26, 2017

"Hey what's your name?"
"I'm Mark. What's yours?"
"I'm Rob."
I reach my hand out and Rob opens his arms and gives me a hug. (I think introductions should be followed by a hug more often.)

I met Rob in between services at church. I had my camera around my neck because I had the opportunity to take photos of the baptisms that Sunday. He approached me and asked me about my camera.

I showed him some of my photos on my Instagram. After scrolling through a few of the portraits I took at Skid Row in Los Angeles, he shared with me that he just met his mom after 20 years of not knowing her. They found each other on Facebook and they met in person in Los Angeles where she's currently living. He considers her a friend. Rob was raised by his uncle for most of his life, but he also shared that he spent some time living in the streets.

Rob is going to college soon and is excited to see where God leads him. I'm excited for him. I'm reminded of Isaiah 40:31,
"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles."