one moment
to change everything. One split second of a car driving closer to me than he, or I realized. One hit to the side of my knee, and I am down.
Everything changes.
I have replayed my day from start to finish many times.
On that Sunday, November 24th, 2013,
everything started out like a normal day.
I woke up and prayed before I would ride my bike to church, as I usually do on Sundays. That morning though, as I bowed my head to pray a rush of anxiety flowed through me.
I have so much to do today. I thought.
I closed my eyes and began praying for the day before quieting my heart before Him. I remember hearing a few words that I will never forget.
You need to slow down.
The words were so clear and relevant to my life.
But what was I to do? I already had many commitments to attend to that day. I responded nonchalantly, "OK. I will slow down tomorrow." I said this as I grabbed my backpack, threw it over my shoulder and locked my door. I didn't want to be late for church.
I ran down the four flights of stairs to the kitchen. I grabbed some fruit to eat for a lunch. "This will have to due for today. " I said as I examined the two oranges and banana in my hand. "I have too many things to do today… "
After church, I rode my cycle to the international school that I work at to pick up some things I had left behind accidentally on Friday.
I sat there for a few minutes to catch my breath.
I looked at my watch, I only had 30 minutes before I needed to be at the Nepali school that I teach at. I went through my lesson one more time, making sure I was ready to teach my bright and amazing year 7 Nepali students.
I got on my bike and rode fast as I waved good bye to some friends who were also at the school that day. I was focused on getting to the school, it would be a new route today, yet I was still confident that I would make it there.
I slowly gravitated to the center of the road, to prepare for a right turn I needed to make. (We ride on the left side of the road in Nepal).
The traffic was terrible. I watched my turn pass by me. A spark of frustration bubbled inside me. I love those kids, I don't want to be late, I kept thinking. The road wasn't clearing up, I kept cycling farther away from my turn.
Suddenly, I heard the squealing of brakes. I started to turn to look and see what happened, when I felt a jolt on my left knee. My whole body reflexed itself off the bike and jumped forward. I quickly stood up, as I was in the middle of the road.
Immediately I could feel my knee had been injured. I hobbled back to my bike, picked it up, and looked at the guy who hit me. He looked at me dead in the eye. His hands tightly holding the steering wheel, he looked down, reversed a little and then stopped. It was as if he was considering running me over again, but something stopped him from following through.
I decided it was not safe to stand there, and as soon as I had began making my way off the road, he sped off just as fast as he hit me.
Now, that is the moment. The moment that changed everything.
Most importantly, it humbled me. God provided me everything for me, and it was so clear and evident. Even as I hobbled off the road, the Lord provided people I knew to help me to the hospital. Then, I had some great Nepali friends help me in the hospital.
Later, I spent some time with a family until they could admit me to the hospital and perform the surgery.
I had the surgery where they implanted metal plates and screws. It was painful, but Gods hand was definitely with the surgeons during that time.
Yesterday morning, I began reflecting on this whole process. From that initial moment to now, as I am dependent on God, others, and of course my crutches.
I realized something. I am pressed but not crushed. I might feel a little persecuted, but I am not abandoned. I feel a bit struck down, but I am not destroyed. His joy will always be my strength!
As I say always, it is such a beautiful thing to trust in Jesus. Because of Him, I have peace instead of anguish and joy instead of mourning.
Praise God for His perfect goodness!
Thank you so much for your prayers. From that initial moment on, God has not left my side. I am full of joy right now knowing that people have prayed for me and loved me during this time. Thank you brothers and sisters. I am also praising God for some opportunities that have come up for this season of rest. I will be tutoring one girl in English, her mom will take her to me. As well as spending more time learning Nepali. I am still praying for a Nepali tutor who will be able to come to me during this season. Please keep this in your prayers as well.
Thank you so much!
