It was one of the early cool fronts of the season. At breakfast on that first chilly morning, I asked Bill if it froze outside. He said there might have been a little frost. Even now, in my senior years, having grown up and lived most of my winters in the tropical warmth of South Texas, the concept of "frost" is a little weird. I told Bill that Frosty the Snowman is a total stranger to me. I have never met a snowman in person nor have I ever made one.

       It's easy to compartmentalize "stranger" and "unfamiliar" and "distant" as weird. Like most people, I tend to build relationships with those who are somewhat like me. Admittedly, that self- limiting behavior tends to shrink my world of experience. Donald taught me a lesson about that. Donald was the barista who fixed up my latte at Starbucks. He gave it to me saying it was on him. He added, "Just say a prayer for me." Donald struck me as a handsome, self-assured black man with everything going for him. He said he was a veteran, a beneficiary of  Starbuck's initiative which creates opportunity for veterans as they transition from military service. He said when he came back from Iraq he was really messed up; then Starbucks found him and he found a new life. He found hope. I found inspiration through Donald's story.

       Mary took a great risk in saying yes to the angel who announced that she was chosen to become the mother of Jesus. Maybe we can take a risk in saying yes and befriending a stranger.                                     --by Jan 

                                                     --by Bill