Psalms 138:3
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
This past Friday we had the pleasure of picking up our new foreign exchange student in Atlanta. Hy Raeyn Oh is from Korea. Her new American name is Laura and so, out of respect to her, I will refer to her as Laura from now on. Anyway, Laura is an amazing 13 year old girl who so desperately wants to learn English. Her father is a pilot in Korea and her mother is a stay-at-home mom. Her father’s wish was for one of his two daughters to attend school in America, and Laura BOLDLY agreed to go. This weekend has been an eye opening, learning experience for all of us. All, that is, except for Peyton. My six year old son has handled this adjustment beautifully. As Robbie and I are walking on eggshells, and talking two octaves louder, because we think that this will help her understand us better, Peyton has her sitting on the floor patiently describing the differences between Patrick and Spongebob or teaching her important things, like how to play board games (see top left picture). Robbie and I rush to the grocery store so that we can find white rice for her, and Peyton is sneaking Popsicles into her room for a bedtime snack. It is amazing to watch how well an innocent child can take something as big as an entire cultural difference, along with a language barrier, and act as if it is nothing. I am so proud of him and must humbly admit that I have learned how to treat others through the innocence of my precious six year old.
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
This past Friday we had the pleasure of picking up our new foreign exchange student in Atlanta. Hy Raeyn Oh is from Korea. Her new American name is Laura and so, out of respect to her, I will refer to her as Laura from now on. Anyway, Laura is an amazing 13 year old girl who so desperately wants to learn English. Her father is a pilot in Korea and her mother is a stay-at-home mom. Her father’s wish was for one of his two daughters to attend school in America, and Laura BOLDLY agreed to go. This weekend has been an eye opening, learning experience for all of us. All, that is, except for Peyton. My six year old son has handled this adjustment beautifully. As Robbie and I are walking on eggshells, and talking two octaves louder, because we think that this will help her understand us better, Peyton has her sitting on the floor patiently describing the differences between Patrick and Spongebob or teaching her important things, like how to play board games (see top left picture). Robbie and I rush to the grocery store so that we can find white rice for her, and Peyton is sneaking Popsicles into her room for a bedtime snack. It is amazing to watch how well an innocent child can take something as big as an entire cultural difference, along with a language barrier, and act as if it is nothing. I am so proud of him and must humbly admit that I have learned how to treat others through the innocence of my precious six year old.
As I was thinking about the boldness that it took for this amazing thirteen year old child to leave her family for an entire year, I began to feel guilty for fighting with God when he asked me to simply move to Georgia. Even though Georgia feels like another country, sorry Georgia friends, it is not even comparable to what Laura has chosen to do. I am, also, ashamed of the things that I have taken for granted for so long. Simple things like Wal-mart, Sonic, and even church are fantastic adventures for her. She walks around in amazement every time we take her somewhere. Even our house is a wonderland for her because she and her family live in a very tiny apartment. Oh, Heavenly Father, please forgive me for not counting my blessings and for taking even the smallest things, such as Wal-mart, for granted. I would like for you, my faithful readers, to keep Laura in your prayers. She is very close to her family and misses them very much, but she is a determined little thing. It is not in her mind to go home. She is going to finish the calling that her father has set before her.
OK, here is where I get spiritual. How many blessings and new adventures have I missed out on simply because I have not boldly stepped out in faith? Am I missing out on more? Have I finished the calling that my Father has set before me? Oh, the many lessons I will learn from this amazing 13 year old from Korea. Father, help me to have her faith and her boldness when you call me into the unknown.
Psalms 143:10
Teach me to do YOUR will, for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground.
Teach me to do YOUR will, for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground.
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for not walking BOLDLY in the path that you have lead me down. I want to always be in Your perfect Will and to always say yes when you ask me to go. Thank you for Your many blessings and for sending Laura to us for this season. Help us to show her Your love and to teach her how to build a relationship with you. I can only imagine the many lives she will touch once she is back home. Not only will she continue to follow her earthly father’s wishes, but her Heavenly Father’s too. Amen
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