Today I was HUMBLED at the chance of spending Lacra’s 37th birthday with her!
Just a week ago we met at her husband’s bedside. She was in tears as she was watching her husband die from cancer. It was heart wrenching. We went along with pastor Raul to pray for him and share the message of Jesus in his last moments on earth. Because he didn’t know Christ or know where he was going after death, there was an immense fear that lingered in the room where he lay. We could all feel it.
Raul shared the story of Jesus on the cross with the two thieves where one looked to Jesus and in his last moments asked for forgiveness. “Then he said, “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”” Luke 23:40-43. That evening he accepted Jesus as God’s son and when he did, the fear in the room left… Gone! It was the greatest thing! In our hearts, we were all so excited for him.
He was given 2 more days of life to experience God’s peace on earth before his time here was done.
That evening that we prayed, I never expected to see his wife Lacra again, especially knowing that we only had 1 week left in Romania.
Saturday night we had a concert at the church where a band from Dallas, Texas came to play. I was excited to see Lacra there! I ran over to her to give her kisses on the cheek (one on the left and one on the right as customary in Romania) and then a big hug (not so customary, but well received). It’s the only way I knew how to let her know that my heart went out to her and was praying for her.
The next morning, she came to church and later that evening she came back to the second night of the concert. I was so excited to be able to sit next to her. I was so humbled and honored when she held my hand through the whole concert.
All these days led up to her 37th birthday (March 5th). My heart broke for her. How is she going to be able to celebrate during her sadness?
As 11 of us (4 WRacers and sat around a table with balloons hanging from the ceiling in the center of Mama Ana’s bedroom/family room (The apartments here are tiny, but the people are so hospitable and humble that THOSE THINGS DON’T MATTER J) I sat thinking, ‘this is sweet yet so simple… ‘ I wasn’t prepared for what I was about to hear.
With tears in her eyes, Lacra gave a multitude of thanks and said, “This is the first birthday party I have ever had. Even when I turned 18 it wasn’t this special.”
My jaw dropped. Seriously?
If I’m being honest… I was thinking, ‘this probably wouldn’t cut it in the states…’ Yikes! Who am I to expect more?
I was so blessed and humbled by Lacra’s company this past week. Her warm, tender and grateful heart amidst all darkness and pain she is facing. SHE IS A TRUE LOVE.
Please pray for her. Her heart during this time of mourning and that the Lord would continue to reveal himself to her as she seeks Him out. This is challenging part of her journey, but she is surrounded by a loving community who is giving, not out of wealth, but out of the warmth in their hearts.
