Susan LaffertyThe early morning taxi was en route to the airport and my mind was racing.
Were we making the right decision? We had to move out of India, but where? Here? Was this the place? This turn in the path was not something I’d ever imagined would happen.
I stared out the window. It was still dark. Just before dawn. I breathed a prayer for wisdom. Voiced my uncertainty.
At that moment I saw a well-lit sign on top of a tall building up ahead. Bold red letters painted on white.
“Follow Me”
My friend asked if I could fill in and teach her EFL (English as a Foreign Language) International Bible Study that met on Wednesday nights. We were living in Richmond at the time and our church had a thriving EFL program.
Noreta sent me the list of students and the lesson: an overview of Esther. I casually glanced over the names listed and noted their home countries. Korea. China. Taiwan.
On Wednesday night I met the students as they assembled for the study. We started class and I began sharing from the Book of Esther. Just a few minutes into the lesson, the door flew open. A woman wearing a head covering came striding in. With confidence and forthrightness, she declared, “I am Hoda M. I am from Egypt.”
Daughter of Hagar, my heart said.
The birds swoop down toward me. Splattered mud of last year’s temporary nest still stains the corner under the roof of our patio. We’ve tried to deter them. A long rope of brass bells from India hangs from a nail nearby. I watch them pull at the strands of the rope. Loudly protesting this intrusion.
They try a new location. In the opposite corner. Instinct rules and they will not be stopped. We pile something in this new spot. Our attempt at a scarecrow. We wait to see whether they’ll leave for another place.
They’re obnoxious. All the chattering and swooping makes the back patio an unpleasant experience. But I know it’s how they’re wired. It’s time for nest making. Go home.