My 5-year old studied my face, “Are you having happy tears, Mama?”
I couldn’t believe the day had finally arrived.
Months before we left for Tanzania, the torrential assault had already begun— Cliff and I were yelled at in public. I was accused for using our relocation as a move to boost my name at the expense of my children’s future.
Self-doubt crept in. After all, maybe we WERE irresponsible after all.
I knew our work permit approvals could take months. And without it, our kids would be barred from school. With tears, I’d packed suitcases filled with books for homeschooling them myself, knowing I’d never match the Singaporean education system. Who was I kidding?
Then, when we passed on the chance to expedite our work permits through an “agent” who paid his way through questionable practices, my heart sank. Were we, once again, sacrificing our children’s well-being for our own self-righteous beliefs?
So imagine my shock when on the same day that Cliff received a repeat call from the agent to “help” us out, Cliff, after facing many obstacles, discovered his work permit had suddenly been granted in record time. Even before mine.
Instead of needing to wait further, we received a call from their school on the very same day that with that, our kids could start school soon. 😭
“It’s perfect timing- we spent the first two weeks adjusting the class to routines, so we’re ready for your girls!“ said a teacher.
As my girls entered the school gate, little African hands reached out to touch theirs, leading them in. “Tag or monkey bar?” My girls lit up, and disappeared.
At the end of their 1st school day, my firstborn said, “Favor Precious took me to play at the playground.”
My second-born said, “Favor Joy gave me a feather!”
What were the chances that both my girls’ first friends were each named Favor? Who but God could have prepared a friend who knew Esther-Praise’s love of feathers?
Perhaps, God was reminding us of His undeserved love when we choose to follow Him, regardless of the ridicule, scorn & temptations along the way. And reminding us- that we can entrust our children’s education to Him, no matter what.