Thursday, November 15, 2007

Chapter 2...To everything there is a season...part 1

This begins my journey with "the BRITISH nurse"....her name, Kathryn. She had gone to nursing school in Switzerland and chose to stay in the country while her parents continued to reside in England.

Each day when she came to monitor the babies' heart it was as if she was a visitor instead of my caring nurse. We would converse about my condition, my family, my FAITH. She probably found me to be more "interesting" than anything. Getting to spend so much time with an "American" and what makes them tick..so to speak. Well, especially THIS one..a mother of four expecting two more! and so calm under the conditions?? She did indeed feel sorry for me, and with her being the only English speaking nurse on that floor, knew she was an important part of my stay in the hospital.

Perhaps, maybe, she didn't think this way...but, I for one felt this way many times with people staring or asking questions. I think being in a foreign country, this is only natural. You feel so out of place by the language barrier and then the cultural differences,the foods, the street signs, even the construction of the houses. It is so very different. It actually made me a bit more sensitive to the people around me as well. I began to look at the many souls in my midst...wondering what they knew about my Saviour. Oh, religion exist..it does everywhere. But, there are so few people living the outward examples of faith in the LORD Jesus Christ. I mean where TRUST is the element of faith they see...not just hear about. So for me to display a trust at such a time..a peace...was interesting.

At one point on a day my husband was off work and visiting, Kathryn came in to check on me. We began to talk about the BIBLE and the conversation ended up taking the entire visiting hour. She felt very bad about taking up our time in conversation with her..she had so many questions...but how elated my husband and I were in our hearts; knowing GOD had us there at a time she could be there as well and just talk....about...the Bible and God.

I want to note here..that my husband brought me a lovely bouquet of yellow daffodils and pink carnations. The daffodil would eventually become a significant portrait in our hearts and minds.

I like to do calligraphy as a hobby and so my husband that day had also brought me a kit so that I could occupy some of my time with something I enjoy. I decided to do a verse for Kathryn.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...

I did not include the next verse...however, it would be so much a true part of it later...

verse 2...a time to be born and a time to die...

When I later presented it to her, she was very touched and excepted it with a true appreciation. Maybe...I was not just an "American" she had met on her job.

5 comments:

Pam--in America said...

Okay....so who's your favorite publisher? We'll have to start researching how hard it would be to get this printed and between covers.

What a wonderful testimony your faith was then....and STILL IS NOW!
I can't wait to read more!

HOPE said...

Pam... I was so blessed by your comment and then my husband who is reading this also..says..I agree..THIS needs to get published.

Oh my...how humbled I feel...yet, know that in my heart this is my desire...for the sake of others, that they could comprehend the DEPTH of God's care, love and mercies. Not only in the Christian'
s life...but the unsaved who can know him...if they...so desire and choose.

Heather said...

Yep, I agree...who's it gonna be-the publisher that is?? I felt on the verge of tears by the end of this post...I am so thankful for godly women who have truly *seen* Who they put their trust in. It gives such hope to those of us who have yet to experience the depths of sorrow that only the great Mercy of God can see us through...I can't wait to read more.

HOPE said...

Thank you for visiting again..and again Heather. It is such a joy to read comments and find that someone is getting blessed and encouraged. I appreciate very much your testimony as well and praise the Lord for our YOUNG women who are striving to be faithful and an example. God Bless you!

TO BECOME said...

That so touched my heart. God bless you Hope for being there and for a time such as that.

I wanted to wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving. Hope it is a wonderful day. connie from Texas