Dear Mrs. Sandra,
This past Thursday, I was graced by a meeting with you. Never would I have imagined that going to the health department to get shots for the World Race would have been such an enjoyable moment. You made my day!
You are loved, Mrs. Sandra! You are loved by God more than you can understand, but you probably already know that. As you got me checked in to the health department, we didn't really have much to say to each other, but checking out was much different. At first, I thought you were going to call me crazy for going around the world next year. Maybe you do think that a little, but I get the feeling that you know where my heart is and can see the joy I have about the journey. Hearing your concern for me and the comments about the homesickness that I may feel let me know you actually genuinely care about the people you see every day. Maybe it was just me, but I felt incredibly loved by just being in your presence.
Mrs. Sandra, you were real, honest, and open with me. Thank you for that! You mentioned how you had to raise your children all by yourself and often without regard to their love for you. Mrs. Sandra, I truly believe you trained your children according to Proverbs 22:6. Though you think your children aren't thankful for or loving toward their mother, I want you to know that I am thankful for you and our seemingly random, yet divinely scheduled, meeting.
Before I walked away that day, you told me you would be praying for me. I am excited and hopeful for your prayers more that any others', Mrs. Sandra. As you pray for me, you should know that I am praying for you. When I come get one more shot in December, I hope to see you then, but I guaranteed you last Thursday that I'll come see you when I get back next year. You can be certain of that. My hope is that we'll come to know each other well even before then. You will be missed. I love you, Mrs. Sandra. I am thankful for YOU this Thanksgiving.
Your friend,
Ben
