It's a month now, since we returned home from the mission trip to Russia. When we first returned, I felt such wistfulness for Natasha, the translator I had while I was there. I missed her. It seems slightly strange to me that I would feel such fondness for someone I barely know and only spent a few days with. But there it was. We just "connected" on that first day and she, too, seemed to have felt some sort of bond to me. She also showed such a tender heart toward all the children we worked with. She even felt compassion for the abominably rude waiter we had at the same restaurant where we all ate lunch each day.

Upon returning home, I immediately e-mailed notes and pictures to Natasha. A couple of the e-mails were returned to me undeliverable, so I wasn't sure if she received any of them. I didn't get a response from her. Two weeks ago, I e-mailed her again. Again, no response.

I decided I'd been sentimental; that my emotion was borne out of dependence on her for language. And out of the hot weather, jet-lag, and fast pace of constant activity. And maybe a little because of just being a middle-aged mom whose affections are freely given.

Then today, her e-mail came. I cried. I'm still baffled about that. I'm not usually overly effusive. Maybe God has placed her on my heart so I'll be more inclined to pray for her each day. But her words were so affectionate and better yet, she has "a lot to say, a lot of ideas to share with" me. I hope the ideas have something to do with the books I gave her-among them, Tim's Living Inside Out and The Bema; a novel about a young woman returning to her faith; and a Russian New Testament. I feel sure that this young woman is meant for the Kingdom and I'll continue to pray for that 'birthday' to happen. I also feel sure that we were meant to be friends.

posted by Joye @ 5:30 PM

3 Comments:

At 8/02/2006 6:18 PM, A Mutating Missionary said…

Joye,
Keep praying, keep the relationship going. I re-connected with a young man I have been praying for 6 years just recently in Holland! He has asked me some really heavy questions in the past few days - via e-mail. I don't believe any of it is an 'accident.' God is using you for His kingdom - to encourage Russland (Russia) Isn't it exciting to be a part of this huge part called 'the world.'
At 8/03/2006 10:26 AM, Lindsay said…

That is great news. I hope to meet her some day.
At 8/03/2006 2:34 PM, Lindsay said…

PS- Your photo is not working. Is that just me? I think you need to republish.
Love ya