Susan LaffertyFirst grade.
Walking out the side gate of our backyard in Surabaya, I turned right, and headed down the driveway to Aunt Wilma’s house. My Dick and Jane book clutched to my chest.
After climbing her front steps, I knocked on the screen door. I could hear the ceiling fan turning. Her dog, Si Nakal, gave a soft bark.
Aunt Wilma opened the door and welcomed me in with a smile.
I eagerly showed her my book. Then we sat on the couch and I read it aloud.
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.