The other morning I woke up and I immediately had {a little girl} on my mind. Actually, as I opened my eyes, I could only remember Maria but I knew that just wasn’t quite right. I got up, showered and then it hit me, her name was Ana-Maria. So who is Ana-Maria?
Back in 2000 I went on a mission trip to Romania. During my time in that country and trudging through the little villages, I met Ana-Maria. It was a strange encounter because our team was out in a village to meet with some families who had requested for missionaries to visit them. Ana-Maria and her family were not one of the families who had invited us to visit with them. But walking down the street I was talking with my translator and getting to know here better when a little girl approached us. She did not speak English but through my translator it became obvious she was urgently asking us to visit her home. We detoured to her home and met her mother and brothers. Her father was out working in the nearby fields. We spent some time with them and then realized it was time leave. We reminded Ana-Maria that we would be back and let her know where we would be that evening. Here are a couple of pictures {of pictures} of Ana-Maria {and me} that afternoon.
Honestly, I was hoping Ana-Maria would show. There was something about this sweet little girl. She stole my heart. Well, we weren’t there very long that evening when she came walking up. Please know that Ana-Maria’s family were very poor. Their living conditions were not the worst I ever saw while in Romania but they surely struggled with enough food and being able to stay clean. As she approached I could tell she had on clean clothes, her hair had been re-combed and she was carrying gifts. Gifts? Yes, because I also discovered the poor in Romania were actually quite generous with the few possesions they actually owned. Ana-Maria brought me a bag of freshly picked cherries and a hand made needlework apron. Speechless! Yes, I was in awe of this little girl. Tears! Yes, tears flowed when we said good-bye. I told her I would try to come back the next summer.
I was able to return the next summer. I tried to find Ana-Maria but when I walked through her village no one was able to point me to where she lived. It was like she had disappeared or never lived there. But again out of no where I saw her and she saw me and ran and embraced. Precious visit, precious re-connection.
So, why have been rambling on about a little girl in Romania {whom I haven’t seen in years}. Because when I woke up that morning with her on my mind, I knew I should pray for her. I believe the Lord placed her on my heart so I would pray. I don’t know why I needed to pray for her but I did just that.
Thinking of Ana-Maria has reminded me that I so often am not grateful for the much that I have in this life {things, people, $$, etc.}. I was reminded of her generosity amidst her poverty. In that vein, I began to think that I can always find something else that I “need”. That thought lead me back to re-read this book. Why this book? Because this book contained words, thoughts, stories that forced me to take a hard look at my life. It also lead me to purge my wardrobe, start blogging, plant a garden, composting, organic foods, etc.
As I said before in another post, I kinda got away from real purpose or focus with the blog but I think even having Ana-Maria on my heart has again reminded me to remember. What about you? Do you need to re-focus? Remember something from the past that can put you back on course? Would love to hear your thoughts!
Hope you have a lovely weekend!
Lana L. says
What a beautiful story, Carrie, and a beautiful little girl. God definitely crossed your paths for a purpose. I am constantly needing to re-focus these days. I love your Faith on Friday posts because it helps me remember! Have a wonderful weekend, lovely lady 🙂
Shaunacey says
this is such a good reminder… it’s good to ‘re-focus’ and keep yourself in check every once in a while. It’s all too easy to get wrapped up in things that are inconsequential to our happiness and wholeness.