I ventured out into the High Street today to introduce myself to some people. I was surprised that it took me nearly 3 hours to do one side of the street.

Some people were intrigued, some were suspicious, some were uninterested, some were welcoming, some were uncomfortable. The brief conversations were varied, but I was pleased to be able to meet and chat with people.

I was challenged and felt uncomfortable at one stage when I met an enthusiastic Christian whom, he claimed, God had told to move from London to Rochester and set up a church. I felt like I was being preached at, as I think the guy was uncomfortable with my dog collar, and I had to think through why I felt challenged and uncomfortable. I watched as these people approached couples sat on benches and chatted with them enthusiastically. Sometimes observing boy language was quite revealing.

Although I was uncomfortable with this ‘in your face’ approach there is a place for this with certain people. To be inclusive means I have to accept those that adopt methods that I am uncomfortable with.

Tomorrow CME starts which means I can’t do the other side of the High Street until Thursday.