A few summer photos

 

“don’t worry about it”

Apple Pay is great. 

A way of turning your phone into a method of payment. Great when you don’t have your wallet. Or better superseding the wallet altogether.

I’ve got a bit used to using it. I’m not convinced about using my own bank card yet but have a Mastercard that allows me to preload a small amount in times of emergencies.

Today was one of those times. Whilst at the local Tesco in pursuit of a pizza for tea I went to the checkout wallet-less. I was still smug enough to feel comfortable that I had my phone and Apple Pay as my payment option.

I even was able to cash in on my club cards points via an app. Get in!

What I was not prepared for was the payment app blocking me to use it due to requiring an IOS update to happen. With less than 20% battery it was never going to happen. 

Cue the ground opening embarrassing moment of saying I can’t pay to the shop clerk.

I was out of options and just had to yield that I had run out of things that I could pull out of my sleeve to simply make this work. The truth was: I couldn’t pay.

I was ready to start my sentence about coming right back when a customer behind me slowly tapped the payment.

Shocked I said let me take your details and pay you back. I was completely thrown by this. Lost for words and he just said “don’t worry about it.”

Floored by an act of kindness by someone I’ve never met in the checkout of Tesco Metro. 

Thank you.

"Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

- J.M Barrie

From Jinja to Sevenoaks (part 2) - interview with Ben (19/3/22)

Nearly 9 years ago, Papa told this journey to the church that helped him. I was privileged to be standing next to him as he proudly shared.

A few weeks ago I shared it to my church in St Johns. This time I was alone.

We also were able to hand out some special bracelets that are made by Syrian friends about something that meant a lot to us during a time of crisis, friendship. 

Amazingly these were sponsored by a handful of friends to give away to each attendee with the message that friendships are a powerful thing that we can each bring to displaced people. Certainly our family can testify to this power. 

If ever you are wondering what to do during a time of disaster: choose to be a friend.

Ben Solanky · Jinja to Sevenoaks - Ben Solanky at St John's Breakfast - 19 Mar 22

Wonder Space

I was recently interviewed by a friend Steve Cole on his podcast about wonder spaces. A great podcast series exploring wonder.

I'd love to hear any comments... let me know!