Chess in the Park anyone?

I want you all to meet Tom. He's the guy I'm playing chess with.
We've played Chess with Tom every Saturday since we've been here in Galati. I think that's one of the coolest things I've experienced about this culture so far - they love chess and guys play it in the park all the time. They actually have a couple parks that are totally dedicated to the game - they have concrete tables with chess boards painted on them surrounded by concrete chairs. how cool is that. I guess chess is something that the communist mindset really enjoys? apparently in russia they taught chess as a part of the school curriculum. whoa. So these guys are much much better than I am, but it's super fun. The first Saturday Kate and I went to the park we were kinda wandering around trying to quietly observe some games...trying not to let on that we were american and couldn't speak romanian. That lasted until someone tried to talk with me...it was Tom! I roughly understood that he wanted to know if I wanted to play. I don't know why he asked me...cause it turns out that Tom is one of the best players around and so yeah...anyway. I said...uh..da (yes) lol. And thus begins our relationship. Tom is such a sweet guy. He has taught Kate and I alot about how to play etc... and been very patient even though he could easily beat us at chess whenever he wants. The first time we played it was really funny because word got around that we were foreigners and couldn't speak romanian...so this huge crowd gathers around our chess board (which happens frequently in these parks...big crowds around good games) and it's fun cause the old men surrounding your table all point out and try to tell you what move to make and then as soon as they do that other guys tell say "nu!" and say what you should really do... and they go back and forth arguing and it's super fun.
Somehow last week I invited our group over to Tom's place for some coffee. I'm still not totally sure how...or why that happened :-). Anyway I would appreciate prayer for that - it's this Saturday. I really want to be the love of Christ to Tom however that can happen.
Tom smokes alllllll the time. And he's somewhat crippled...so he can't walk well or work. I think he' doesn't have much money. He plays for money alot. And then he asks for money so that he can feed his two cats. Jojo and michi (micky).
Playing chess with Tom has been one of the sweet spots for me in here in Galati.
I'm praying that Tom can come to know Jesus - His creator who was crucified that he might have life.