I was walking home from my office yesterday, on the Princeton University campus, and I came upon two women, both in their mid to late 20’s, I’d guess. They looked like tourists as they approached me, very smiley and a little awkward. I thought they wanted directions. So I stop when they say hello. Instead of asking for directions, they asked me about myself – did I go to school here, (no) where did you go to school (rutgers) what did you study, what do you do now?.. At this point I’m thinking they want to sell me something, and I’m getting a little uncomfortable. Then, one of them told me she recently came here from the Ukraine and was a missionary and was I interested in joining them in a bible study group? The other woman was from China. They both just arrived here last week. I guess I should have asked what they were doing here besides trying to save New Jersey from eternal damnation (too late, anyway) but I started making excuses for why I couldn’t stay and chat longer. I tend to do this when I encounter someone who is extremely religious. They asked for my email address so they could be in touch with me, and I thought for a second of giving a fake one, but then I didn’t, I gave my real one. After all, I didn’t want to FAKE OUT GOD. They seemed very sweet, and I really didn’t want to hurt their feelings…I told them that I would be on vacation a lot this month as my husband was getting a hip replacement (this is true). The girl from the Ukraine said, “Oh, he’s a musician, yes?”
! I said, “Yes, he is. It’s, um, interesting that you know that.” A little more idle chat, then they said they’d pray for him and we parted.
How did she know that? It’s not like I look like I’d be married to a musician. I don’t walk around wearing “I ‘heart’ musicians” tee-shirts, or little clef note earrings. So then I thought, do musicians have a greater chance of needing hip replacements? Maybe…Or maybe I should just go to bible study? What are psychic missionaries from far away lands doing in New Jersey? I can’t stop thinking about this.