Today was a day full of good people, my favorite kind of day. The sun was out despite the cold, and the snow glittered wondrously. John and Linda picked me up at 8.45 to go to Grace church where I shared with several groups what it was like to be an international student. After I shared with the congregation of the first service, we went to the basement where I spoke at length to another group of wonderful people. I have always believed that churches attracted the best kind of people, people with expanded hearts and minds, people who loved to follow Christ’s example. This knowledge was confirmed as I spoke with a number of people who were simply beautiful. After the first service, I was so pleasantly surprised to see Jan and Tim there! What a wonderful surprise it was. I had forgotten that Jan did mention some time ago that she went to Grace church. Well… I’m absentminded J
Grace church had a number of people that I knew and loved dearly. Jan and Tim, of course; Pixie and Mary Lou from the Normal Public Library; Hilary who took a linguistics class with me at ISU, etc. I’m sure there were more. It was truly uplifting when so many people came up to me to thank me for sharing with them what it was like being so far away from home. I did mention two specific instances that I will never forget: the first one was when I came to Iowa for the first time, so many years ago, and had to be in a lonely dorm room for about a week, with only 23 dollars in my wallet. I was on a full scholarship that covered everything including meals, but the campus was not open when I arrived. To make matters worse, my baggage was lost, and I didn’t get it back until after about ten days. Fortunately Mom had sent me some snacks, which were in my hand luggage, so for about a week, I really didn’t eat a whole lot!
The next instance was the fairly recent visit to the ER. I really thought I was dying. I felt so dizzy and the world seemed to be coming to an end; at least my world did. My lips went dry, and I could barely stand up. Then I called John, but it was two in the morning, and he didn’t pick up the phone. I left a shaky message, and started praying. Sure enough, John called back in seconds, and he took me to the ER. It was a very scary time.
Having talked more than my given share for the day, I was a little tired when I came back. It was a good kind of tired, though. I felt accomplished J It took me a long time to get the 2000 words written today, but I did. I’m very excited about that. Before going to bed, I will do some reading as well. It was a productive day, and I’m very glad that tomorrow is a holiday. Ah, I’m yawning! Alas, I still have stuff to do. Green tea, green tea…. COME to me.
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