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| Jen, Samah, and I |
As our years out here continue on, ministries change as new
opportunities present themselves. The first year we were here, the Lord opened
my eyes to teaching middle school students. The needs of the Palestinian youth
were right in front of me. Marriage was new; getting to know how to be a wife
was overwhelming at times, and learning how to live overseas was exciting. Over
the next year or so, I was placed to teach high school—a whole different kind
of need. This was also the first time I became a mother. God brought me to a
new place in life, with new responsibilities and big changes. Now that I have
three babies, my time at home has grown increasingly. So, the ministry
opportunities became limited. Or so I thought.
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| Shari and her daughter, Eliana |
I soon realized that there were many young mothers, living
right beside me, who were staying at home, alone, all day. Mothers who just
needed some time with other mothers. New mothers, older mothers. Tired mothers.
Lonely mothers. My eyes have been opened to yet another avenue of sharing the
Word of the Lord. These ladies just need
a friend. The opportunities are endless. Just opening up my home for lunch, is
a simple way for mothers to bring their children, talk with adults, smile,
laugh, ask questions, and just relax in the presence of believers—whether they
are or not. Community, as a young mother, is essential. I’ve realized this
through spending more time with women. Sure, I could stay home with my own
kids, do things with my own family, reach out to the youth, but when I spend
time with the young mothers, the needs of a people group are divulged. When I spend time with these mothers, God
shows me more of His heart.
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| Nariman and her family |
What an opportunity. What a gift. What a blessing to be used
by God in this way.
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Jen and her daughter, Lina
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