Baba – a traditional, and affectionate, term for an older woman in Bulgaria (and other countries); a grandma
Oh man, I knew there would come a month where I would connect with someone so strongly that the thought of leaving them would make my heart ache long before I actually left the country. I thought it would be some children in an orphanage in some country, but nope—I was wrong. The person who made my heart ache the most was the most wonderful of older ladies that I met while doing occupational therapy (OT) ministry with Miss Grace last month in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. My adopted Baba, quickly captured my heart with a firm grip of her hand.
We were asked by Miss Grace to come with her to one of her patient’s meetings in order to bring some “youthful spunk,” in order to liven up Baba’s day and spirits. However, when I voiced that I wanted to be a part of OT ministry I did not even begin to imagine the amount of impact it would have on me. From day one she remembered my name and continued to remember every single fact about me that I told her—she is absolutely an incredible woman with an amazing mind.
You see, Baba has such a beautiful and raw relationship with God the Father, Abba. From Baba I learned how to have a longing to see God, our Abba, again but also patience to not want to rush the process. For many years Baba has struggled with depression, and even when it got to the low point where she wouldn’t even get out of bed, she always kept her faith, knowing that Abba would take care of her.
Being able to see how much Baba’s physical strength grew over the course of the month was inspiring, and I truly believe that the majority of it was due to the how strong she is spiritually. Sure, having us girls with her may have helped some and gave her a reason to get out of bed—after all, scheduled tea parties are always reasons to get out of bed and look your best—but I believe that it would not have been possible if she was not strongly rooted in Christ.
The baby steps of regaining physical strength that occurred in Baba’s life last month remind me beautifully of how in the bible it talks about the faith of a child and how the kingdom of heaven belongs to the least of the people—the children. And thinking about how children always need a parental figure, a father—their Abba—truly amazing me with how God is able to be everything to everyone when we let Him. Additionally, it was amazing to be able to see how regaining physical strength helped grow Baba’s faith as well because she felt more confident singing hymns, praying out loud, and overall having a new, positive outlook on life here on earth. One more amazing thing about Baba is the fact that she is such a strong prayer warrior—from the first day we met, she told me she was praying for me every day and continued to remind me each time I saw her, and I am eternally gratefully for the prayers.
Man, just thinking about Baba makes my heart swell. Thankfully, if possible, we will have the opportunity to have a video chat date with Miss Grace and Baba during a therapy session, and I am absolutely looking forward to that. So although this is a partially sad post over fond memories during ministry. I want to leave it with a hopeful prayer for Baba.
Abba,
Thank you so much for allowing me to meet this amazing and wonderful woman, my adopted Baba. She has truly inspired me to press into You as a loving and compassionate father figure who is always welcoming home His children—but not until they are ready. And I think that is the most beautiful part, that You are waiting with outstretched armed for us to come running to You. So Lord, I pray a special prayer for Baba—one of peace, grace, strength, and endurance. That she will be able to run this race of life to the best of her ability, knowing that through You she is everything. I pray that as her OT sessions continue that Miss Grace will be able to pour out into Baba’s life so much that she will not only be getting out of bed each day, but also have the strength and courage to step out of her apartment and take on the world! I know that with You on her side Baba is unstoppable, so in the name of Jesus I want to rebuke Satan’s hold on her mind and ask for a renewal of her mind so that she will want to live many more years here on earth serving You to the fullest extent of her abilities until You call her up to Your side in heaven. It is in Your most holy and precious name that I pray, Amen.
