Talking To Strangers At Niagara Falls

Yesterday, I took a walk by our most famous neighbour - Niagara Falls. 

The power and beauty of Niagara Falls.

I always marvel at the range of people who gather by the Falls.
All ages, all races, all languages …
Multi-generational families, bustling tour groups, dreamy-eyed couples …
Yesterday, I even saw a tour bus of Buddhist monks in their gorgeous saffron robes. 

Over the years, taking photos for people, I always ask where they’re from. They love to share the story of what brought them there, how it’s been a lifelong dream to visit. 

No matter where people are from or what their life has brought them,
everyone stands in wonder in the mist of the Falls.

On yesterday’s visit, I detoured into the souvenir store. As I made a small purchase, I casually said to the cashier, “I guess you meet people from all over the world working here?” 

What a cliched question! I felt silly the moment I asked it.

Someone told this little guy to "Guard the Falls!",
and he was taking his job seriously!

“Oh, yes!” She beamed. “I’ve met people from Asia, Europe, the Southern States, all over Canada …”

She proceeded to list countries and parts of the world with a huge smile on her face. Finally, she showed me her lanyard. It was heavy with various enamelled pins and charms.

“I buy extra pins from the store and keep them here. Then, when I meet children or people from far away, I give them a pin to take home for themselves or for someone who couldn’t make the trip. And see, they sometimes give me pins back!”

She slid her fingers over the shiny trinkets, each imbued with a special memory.

“Australia has become very special to me ...” She told me about an Aussie woman who fell in love with Canada’s maple trees and wondered if she could buy a maple leaf cookie cutter for her Christmas baking. They didn’t have any in the store, so this cashier offered to send her an extra set that she had at home! Long story short, they now exchange Christmas cards, and she’s hoping to visit her family some day.

All of this from just being friendly. From asking strangers, 

“Where you from? How’s your day going?”

What a lesson for all of us! 

We often talk about the ministry of our CD table, of the many stories that have been graciously shared with us because a song we sang opened a door with someone. 

The desire to connect with one another is deeply ingrained in each of us. Our fast-paced world doesn’t always encourage us to slow down and just chat, but these are moments when magic can happen. When we can see and be seen. Where our common humanity rushes to the surface and we can no longer deny - we are all connected. 

As her story came to an end, she reached up on her lanyard.
“We’ve had such a nice chat; I’d like to give you a gift.”

My gifted pin...

She detached a small Niagara Falls pin, featuring the iconic rainbow and horseshoe of the Canadian falls.

“This is so you can remember your visit here today. And I hope you always enjoy your travels, wherever they take you!”

I felt humbled by the tiny gift. I pinned it on the collar of my jacket, and after saying goodbye and thank you, walked back outside, into the crowd of people taking selfies and marvelling at the wonder of the Falls …

And reminded, once again,
of why I love talking to strangers.