It was a multi-layered contact. The short, somewhat plump middle-aged woman, with brown skin and dark hair covered by a scarf, began her contact by asking in very limited Dutch, which way the train would be heading when it arrived in the station. I pointed toward the North. With much hand-gesturing, she explained that she had boarded a train heading south, by mistake and ended up in Amsterdam. I asked her where she wanted to go. She named a place, somewhat unintelligible that I took to be the next stop, once the train left the station. I agreed that the expected train was the one she wanted. It arrived. To my surprise she followed me into the limited seating area I specifically choose during this “time of ‘cholera'”. She said I had a nice face, though due to the mask I was wearing, only my eyes were on view. She sat across from me, clearly wanting to make conversation. She once again ‘explained’ that she had boarded the southbound train by error and that was the reason she now kept asking about the direction of the train she was on. Searching for another subject, asked where she was from. A bit of confusion then she said ‘iretra’. Seeking clarity I questioningly repeated the name as I heard it. She indicated that this country was at war with Ethiopia. Ah, I was now at least Continent-wise, but otherwise in total ignorance regarding the country to which she referred. Thank goodness for train-wifi and phones. Eritrea. a tiny land on the East African Coast, bordered by Ethiopia to the South, Sudan to the West and on the SE yet another unknown country to me: Dijbouti. The North and East are coastline on the Red Sea. Once I had the correct name and repeated it, she smiled happily. Her next question: was I Catholic? Shook my head no. Christian? Again a head shake. Now she her face looked worried. She began pointing to the train ceiling saying “…God …..” It was amusing with how much fervor she preached, trying her best in the short time she had left to convert me from my unbelief. There was true concern in her speech; clearly I was doomed. Her stop arrived before the prayer and offering, forced to leave me in my unbelief she reluctantly left the coach. Once home I looked up more information on her country:
The country has three working languages, in addition to seven recognized national languages divided among the nine recognized ethnic groups .It is an ancient country evolving out of the Kingdom of Aksum during the first or second century AD and Christianity took hold around the middle of the fourth century*. At some point Ethiopia annexed the country and the rest as they say….
What number was Dutch on her list of language skills? Because she mentioned the war with Ethiopia my assumption is that perhaps she is in NL on refuge status. I still smile as I think of her concern for my spiritual well-being. It’s been sometime since someone wanted to save-my-soul. All sweetness.
*thank you Wikipedia