A Letter

I love notes, letters, cards- the good ol' snail mail. There is something about writing out what you want to say, I mean really writing it. It is wonderful to send these things to others and equally wonderful to receive them. A few weeks ago the founder of the organization I worked with in Zambia told me she was bringing back to the states with her a letter from one of the women to me. I immediately got excited. My expectation was something along the lines of "I had a great time with you and now miss you." Honestly, I did not expect too much.  

Last week I received the letter. Wow. Talk about exceeding my expectations.

Before I left Zambia my friend asked me how she could pray for me. This caught me a bit off guard. This women who had faced more hardships in her life then I could imagine was asking me how she could pray for me?! I said the first thing that came to my mind- a job. I have been searching for a while and haven't found that career job yet. She said "okay, I will begin praying for it this weekend on my church retreat." Just like that. Simple. 

I asked her the same question in return. She said she wanted to save enough money this year to buy her own sewing machine. I have thought of this woman often and have remembered her story, her struggle, and her joy but have I specifically prayed for this one thing she asked me to pray for? I am ashamed to say, no. I have not taken a few moments to bring this pray to our Lord on her behalf. Why? Have I been facing such awfulness in my own life to prevent me from thinking of her? No. Have I been so busy that I have not had a moment to pray for her? No. I have no reason;I just merely haven't. 

So what was in her letter? A prayer. A beautifully written page long prayer to our Lord about my life. She shared encouraging words as well as Bible verses. I was blown away. 

We never know how the Lord will use the relationships we make in life nor do we know how He will speak to us. On my last day with her when she shared her story with me I was impressed by her strength, by her persistence, and by her undying faith. All of those feeling flooded back and she showed all of that again. What am amazing person she is. I am so thankful to call this woman not only a friend but a sister in Christ.