Kimchi

Yesterday, I got 2 out of 4 people to smile.  I wasn’t out much, so didn’t have much opportunity to acquire points, but today.... oh, today was rich! 

You may wonder why I decided to go to an ESL Bible study for moms this morning.  I speak English and don’t have any children at the time. I never said I did anything rational :o)  

I had been hearing about the church’s large ESL ministry in the community and, of course, it tugged at my heart.  Internationals have held a special place in my life since 1995.  So a few days ago, when I was in a funk and a little depressed, a small voice inside said, “Naomi, your move to Baltimore isn’t just about you and your nephew.” I was so convicted to give each uncertain day to God and ask Him to help me be a blessing wherever and to whomever needed it.  At the same time, I was thinking about the many options for Bible studies and small groups within the church. With so many options, I haven’t known where to plug in.  A little flame lit inside me, “Why don’t I join an international Bible study?” It would be good for me and I could serve others who are also adjusting to life in a new land.

So this morning I sat at a small table with two American women and six Korean moms.  Today was also Mary's first visit.  She had picked up a brochure at the local library about the church’s ESL opportunities.  Since two of us were new, each woman took a turn introducing herself.  Mary went first and explained that she and her husband moved to the US a year ago to try to find a better education for her autistic son.  My heart almost came out of my body!  I was touched by her gentleness and humility.  Her story gave hope to me as I connected with her mother’s heart - maybe I’m not crazy after all - she moved half way across the world for her son.  I was watching God network like no one else can.

These small glimmers of God’s hand at work always humble me. He sees me.  He led me to a precious group of women who embraced me with many warm smiles (I won’t give myself any points for that - those all go to God! ha!)

Tomorrow night I will head back to church for the official ESL classes and will be assigned to assist in a classroom.  Who knows what God has in store :o) ..... maybe some Kimchi!

Recalculating

***Quick Note: If you are receiving this update by email, you can just hit reply to send me an email message and it will be forwarded to my normal hotmail account. No one else will see your message.

My fabulous uncle let me borrow his extra “TomTom” GPS while I get oriented to the Baltimore area.  I have mixed emotions about this contraption.  At one point, it led me down a one way street/alley in the deepest part of the Baltimore’s HOOD. Buildings which should have been condemned, clearly had residents.  Long row houses were scattered with windows that had become black holes leading into God knows what; no signs of glass having ever been in huge gap of brick. No one bothered to board them up, I supposed.  I put on my brave “game face” as if I fit right in to the local cultural group and didn’t bat an eye whenever someone made eye contact with me through the very thin glass of my car window. Couldn’t the GPS have led me on a main street!?

But, later on, when I took my fate into my own hands and made the same mistake, “TomTom” came to my rescue.  We have a love/hate relationship :O)

Adjusting to this new place I am going to call “home” is a mixture of humor, concern, and delight.  I’m no longer a race car driver, because every street threatens me with a sign declaring “SPEED CAMERA ENFORCED.”  Arrrrrggg.  What’s a person to do? At any moment I could receive a ticket in the mail! Oh, wait a minute, I haven’t registered my car! On second thought, Big Brother will find me eventually, I guess it’s time to slow down. Apartment prices make me want to pee in my pants!  Wading through state laws and regulations regarding Foster Parent Licensing is overwhelming. The weather is beautiful.  I am enjoying my family. I miss Huntsville.  I am loved here.

In the midst of all the daily noise of building new relationships, looking for a job & apartment, and all the logistics of preparing for a child with special needs, there is a quiet place in my heart.  I whisper, “Jesus, you’ve got to make it happen.”

My morning study today led me to Psalm 136:

Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good.

His faithful love continues forever.

Give thanks to the greatest God of all.

His faithful love continues forever.

Give Thanks to the most powerful Lord of all.

His faithful love continues forever.

Give thanks to the only one who can do great miracles.

His faithful love continues forever.

The Psalm goes on to declare God’s power through creation and his continual deliverance of His people.  At the end of each declaration is the reminder of his love. Part of the study’s exercise was to write out all of the variables in our lives and then add “His faithful love continues forever” after each one.  Here’s mine:

Where I live can change in an instant.

His faithful love continues forever.

How I’m provided for is uncertain.

His faithful love continues forever.

The people that walk alongside me will change.

His faithful love continues forever.

The work and focus God gives me can move.

His faithful love continues forever.

“TomTom” couldn’t have said it better, “recalculating...” The end destination is trust in God’s faithful love for me.  My circumstances are twisting and turning.  Sometimes I start to fear or trust in my own ability to make something happen, but then a still, small voice says, “shift your focus Naomi... recalculate.”

‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

just to take Him at His word,

just to rest upon His promise,

just to know “Thus saith the Lord.”