Dear Naomi,
You were the piece from home I was missing the most.
I want to tell you about a little special person in my life, her name is Eileen and she is six years old. She’s my cousin, but she means the absolute world to me! You guys share the opportunity of carrying an extra chromosome.
I have a confession to make, walking into your house to meet your family and sisters, I was nervous. I didn’t know how to react or if I was going to be intimidated and if I’m being honest, I was a little scared. Then I saw you Naomi, your smile that looked so familiar made me feel at home. I was instantly drawn to you and your quiet spirit, but literally, you wouldn’t talk to me. I remember trying to steal a smile from you but there was no budging. Again, all I could think of was Eileen and how much I missed her, then I had found a little friend all the way across the globe, 8,689 miles to be exact.
Naomi, thank you for befriending me. You were the one to remind my soul to stay in awe of the Lord. I had so much fun taking your pictures and finally seeing your face light up with a smile. Your giggle filled my heart with joy and I couldn’t do anything but smile right back. I loved seeing your personality break through as you put your hands on your hips to pose for a picture. I loved sitting next to you during circle time in the morning and watching you so intentionally ask and learn our names. Singing with you was the highlight of my day as you repeatedly welcomed each one of my teammates into circle time.
The next time I saw you, you absolutely took my breath away. You looked BEAUTIFUL in your half sari full of colors and ready to strike a pose. Taking your pictures again was a delight! We got to sit together a little short after and work on puzzles. Even though I was in India, it felt like home because other than sleeping, spending time with Eileen is my favorite thing to do in the world! Whether we’re reading, coloring, watching Curious George or eating Chick-fil-A together, giving her my undivided attention is my happy place. As I sat with you on the floor, all I could say was ‘Thank you Jesus.’ I was completely in awe that I was sitting on the floor in the middle of India, working through the ABCs with you because God granted me this desire. Fun side story of why I knew the Lord had so perfectly orchestrated our friendship, American Sign Language (ASL). I remember about a year ago the Lord placing in my heart the need and urgency to learn more ASL. With Eileen at home, we use very simple ASL phrases to communicate but I remember feeling the need to learn more. At the moment I had no idea why, but I decided to obey. I downloaded the alphabet and started to practice a little extra with Eileen. Then I had a customer come in a couple of times at work and I was able to communicate with him in ASL. Little did I know that I was studying for you Naomi. So when we’re sitting that morning going over the ABCs in ASL, it all made sense! I couldn’t help but to smile a little bigger and be grateful for such a moment; that I was able to sit with you because I had obeyed to quit my job and travel for the sake of the gospel.
Naomi, I don’t know your story and how we ended up meeting in India, but I’m grateful we did. Me, a Mexican living in India meeting an Indian girl to go over our ABCs in ASL, only God comes up with that! Thank you for sharing a smile and a giggle or two with me, you made India feel little more like home. I’ll always carry that moment and your smile with me. I’ll pray for you and trust that the Lord will always take care of you. You are a daughter of the King and a friend to me.
XOXO,
Diane
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