Snapshot of a Memory #10
This was my roommate in Uganda. Her name is Rachel. She found me on facebook (I know, but this is proof that good things come out of facebook) and we started communicating before we actually met face-to-face.
Since we had already "met" online, our initial meeting in London was effortless. We were already friends. We are both teachers. We both love the Lord, life, and children deeply. God had appointed us to be together.
Little did I know how close we would become from spending 10 days together. She was my strength from day one of our trip. During a home visit, I almost broke down and cried from the despair a 19 year old girl has to face every day of her life. All I said was "Rachel?" and she grabbed my hand. From her touch, I drew a breath and lived in the moment of this lovely young lady instead of imagining her loss.
Every morning of our trip, she opened a letter her husband had written before she left. I looked forward to what delights he hoped for her. Every night, we journaled side by side, reliving the day's events, trying to process sights and sounds that would be with us for months to come. In those quiet nights, we shared joys and sorrows that I still hold deep within my heart.
Funny - we grew so close that our leader called us by each other's name. It got to be quite the joke. I was honored!
Rachel is an amazing soul. This picture shows her in her giftedness. She lives in a state of openheartedness and loving maturity. Her quiet strength is only matched by her need to serve others.
I love this picture because the woman in the purple dress tried as hard as she could to get me to cackle like all of the Ugandan women do. I, however, sounded like a dying hyena. All of the villagers laughed at me when I tried this amazing call. The next day, Rachel rips out this phenomenal cackle just like the Ugandan women. I think she was just as amazed as we were of her new-found talent.
Of all the memories I cherish of Rachel, one stands out above them all - the moment we made a mosquito go into "time out." It can't possible be funny to the reader, but let me tell you, at 11:00 pm at night, it was hilarious!
Thank you Rachel for your love, support and friendship!
Compassion trip 2009
Umm, yeah i cried like a little kid when i read this.
Posted by: Billie Loewen | October 11, 2009 at 04:12 PM
Billie,
I'll bet one of the reasons you cried was because you had an awesome roommate that had also been appointed by God during our trip to Uganda. At times, you and Christy had an unspoken language of your own. Our group was indeed some of the most amazing people I am honored to have shared 10 days with.
Much love,
Mama Laura
Posted by: Laura Hecht | October 11, 2009 at 08:44 PM
Laura , thanks for being mama laura and the love you have for others, especially baby girl....
Posted by: diane | October 12, 2009 at 09:13 PM
Diane,
Thanks for your kind words. As you know, baby girl is EASY to love. Thanks for checking in and hope all is well with you and Billie in College.
Laura
Posted by: Laura Hecht | October 13, 2009 at 05:05 PM