Well friends, my time as a walking stereotype is over. No longer am I an English degree-holder serving up coffee. I got a new job in Madison, and thus I retire the title "Barista."
To commemorate my time pouring espresso shots, here are a few things I learned working in a church cafe. 1. Christian or not, everyone is particular about their coffee. You'd think being located in the house of the LORD would tone down some of the roasted bean zealots, but you'd be wrong. 2. Nobody complains about prices. I suppose it would seem too rude to ask for cheaper food from a not-for-profit church cafe. Still, I know I wouldn't buy our paninis full price. 3. Most people are unusually kind to the barista. Do you know how many times I've been lavishly thanked for... giving them their order? Either their standards are very low, or these people are taking "giving thanks in all circumstances" a little too far. 4. But, it's very easy to condescend to the server. To everyone who orders food or coffee from me, I'm just a cafe girl. And apparently, that means everyone expects me to have little knowledge of... being an informed Christian??? I've had multiple people patronize me when it comes to talking basic theology. When I engage back with an intelligent question or comment, they are always surprised. I think maybe they spend too much time around only ministry people, and forget that non-ministry workers can be walking deeply with Christ, too. 5. Cooking is not that hard, but somehow very impressive. It almost makes me never want to pay to eat out because, excuse me, but I've made zuppa toscana better than this and I could have made 5x as much for the same price I just paid to get a measly portion! 6. For some people, exemplary service turns around their day. It sort of became a personal challenge to me, to anticipate someone's needs and deliver what they didn't even know they wanted. It was fun to watch their surprise and delight in someone taking a moment to cater solely to them. That's all for now, folks. I've got apartment closing things to do and the rest of all my belongings to sort. Rachel Fruit and Labor
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