Two things I love(d) about my (ex) job

The people. The people I worked with are seriously some of the best people ever. Which is pretty amazing when you consider the kind of people they are. None of them are members. Standards are not only non-existent but completely unheard of. In every single aspect I was in the minority there. It was challenging to say the least. When I first realized how many great missionary opportunities this could possibly bring, I couldn't help thinking that that was what I was there for. Perhaps the He put me in this job, so I could help someone find the gospel. Did I? Well, I did my best. I set a good example, I was very open about my religion and didn't try and hide the fact that I would not drink or smoke. But at times I wondered if anyone even noticed. I didn't bring anyone to church. I didn't get anyone to start taking the discussions. None of them were baptized. So what was I there for?
To be honest, I don't really know. And I don't think I ever will fully understand.
But,
I did have a beautiful experience, when I was able to testify of His eternal plan of happiness to someone who was feeling completely lost and alone. I was able to comfort someone by sharing what I have been so blessed to know my whole life. 

I was able be an instrument in His hands. 

 I didn't bring anyone to church. I didn't get anyone to start taking the discussions. None of them were baptized.
Yet. 

Maybe, hopefully, when the missionaries knock on their door, they will remember a girl they once knew. A mormon girl, different, but happy, so so happy, and just plain good. And maybe, hopefully, they will let those missionaries in. They will let the spirit in. They will let Christ in.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the 2nd thing..

The (other) people.  The most important ones, the customers. Like I have already said, I talk to a lot of people each day. The first 4 months in NZ was awesome, but if you really want to get to know about a place, talk to the people. Spend all your time sitting outside supermarkets, hardware stores and warehouses (a store that is similiar to wal-mart for those who are wondering) and you get a really good feel a country. For example people in Gisborne are so awesome. So layed back, mostly quite poor, but very generous, and every other person is either stoned or drunk, no matter what time of day it is. Hilarious. I have had a lot of really funny conversations. And met a lot of rude people. But you learn to laugh at both. For example...

Me, "Before you head past, help out our Surf Life Savers?" 

(these are the various responses I get)

Them, "Oh yup, I always help them out." and then they walk away. Okaaaaay, thank you. very much.

Them, "Can you watch my bike?" Yeah sure. Can you buy a pin? No? oh okay then. Don't come after me then if some little punk runs off with your bike.

Them, "Haha I'm trying to save my own life!" ha. 10 points for originality. I've only heard that one 6 times today. 

The best is the nervous laugh, I translate it into "haha oh snap she caught me looking and now she's asking me if I want to stop and I don't know what to say to her because I totally wasn't expecting her to talk to me and now I'm really nervous and don't know what to say.ha.haha oh quickly walk away" Funny. 

Or even better is the prolonged aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh as they quickly walk through the door. No answer required. Excellent.

Them, "I got one last week" And the person walking behind them, "Oh yeah, me too." Yeah, right.

"Oh I already do help them out, my great uncle's step brother's cousin's neices son is a life guard. Right, hunny, that's what timmy does out on the beach right?

Them, "Oh yeah, I'll come back later." Suuuure you will.
Really people, if you don't want to, a simple 'no thanks' would suffice. There's no need to lie and make up dumb excuses. Like..
A middle aged man walking past, "No thanks, I'm late for my photo shoot." True? false? Who cares.

Some random girl asks me, "Did my sister come in this morning? She looks kinda like me..." Yes. Because I remember every single one of the 300 people that have walked in those doors.

An old-ish man, "haha, can't stop and talk, I went out without my teeth!" at least I'm pretty sure thats what he said. It was a little hard to understand.
A guy with a massive bushy white beard, "I'm already a life saver.... In the dark. I'll save anyone out there, I don't need no fancy uniform. And I know how to do mouth to mouth. Yup, I'm the lifesaver in the dark. Like if batman was a lifeguard, he would be me." If I'm ever drowning, I really hope you are not around.

Sometimes I just feel like yelling at them, "If you are not wearing one of these stupid, overpriced pins made in china, the Life Savers WILL NOT SAVE YOU!! They will leave you out there to drown!! So you better make sure you have one of these pins! Oh yeah, you want to give me $100 now huh? I thought so! How much do you value your life? Your son's? Your daughters?? Just buy the stupid pins!! pleeeease.

Sigh. But I don't. I don't say any of that. Why? Cause customer service comes first. Because, no matter what, we can not offend the customer, because every customer must leave with a smile.

By the way, guys. This is a classic example of a negative attitude.We try to avoid that at all costs while working. Which is why I am posting it today, they day I officially quit work. 

But really, it's funny. Did you find it funny? I did. Maybe it is one of those 'you had to be there things'. But I was gigling the whole time I was writing, just as I remembered each experience. Cause that is one thing that this job taught me. Just laugh it off.  Yeah, that guy was a jerk to you, yes that lady accused you of being a fraud, yes you will probably get ignored and rained on and all your stuff might blow away. But you just need to forget about that. Remember the old guy with no teeth. Remember the drunk that sang to you. Remember that guy who walked around with his cat sitting on his head. Remember the funny things, the positive things. Cause at the end of the day, you just gotta laugh it off. 

ha. haha. hahahaha ha.

 See, better now, right?