Ylija

Ylija was in our second grade class.  We remember her as a loving and bright member of the class.   When we started teaching the 4th and 5th grade class on Wednesday nights we again had her in class.  She was just as delightful.  She spent much time with her grandmother who lived at the apartments and so was there on Wednesdays to be picked up with the rest of the kids from Solms.  She was outgoing and  had many friends at church.  As she began her fifth grade in 2012 she was very good friends with several girls.  In class, we noticed something was different in the way she interacted with both students and her teachers.  In September, she went to the county fair with her cousins and had a spell which resulted in her having to go to the hospital.  It was found that she had a tumor on her brain that was inoperable.  Lucretia and I went to the hospital to pray for her.  She welcomed us warmly and we saw that our visit was important to both her and her Mom.

As I remember she began both radiation and chemo which rapidly lessened some of the symptoms.  Her support at school was terrific.  Because her prognosis was so grim, her friends and family began making every effort to fill her short life with meaningful experiences.  One of the school staff that was close to Ylija invited her to join them at their home often and even took her on a family cruise.  The school rented a hall in town and since she wasn't expected to be around for her quinceañera they throw a huge party for her, her family, friends and classmates.  Since she was 12 they called it a doceañera and arranged a limo and all the party festivities.  They had an Open Bar which served candy.  The traditional dress and crown were supplied and everyone rejoiced in being there to support Ylija on this special day.  Lucretia and I were among the ones honored to be included in this special evening.  We even joined in the fun dancing that brought everyone together in celebrating her life with her.

One of Ylija's wishes came true when she was able to go to a concert of one of her favorite singers.  I imagine she was surprised when she was invited on to the stage to be serenaded.

  Elida Reyna singing to Ylija     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDBj8npjNFQ

We had read the book, Heaven Is For Real, and included the topic in our Wednesday night class.  Although it might seem too serious a topic for 4th and 5th graders, we knew that all our kids were conscious of what was happening in Ylija's life.   When the author of the book scheduled to speak in a nearby town we took a van load of kids including Ylija and a few adults to hear him tell of what he and his family had experienced.  All of us reflected together on life and life after this one.

Once when Ylija was in the hospital we were asked to bring our pastor to pray over her.  We called two elders who met us at the hospital.  On the way they had stopped and bought a small glass container and oil.  They prayed with the family and Ylija and annointed her head with oil as instructed in the Bible.  It was a special time for us all.

Ylija chose the words below to express her outlook that she adopted in living her life:

Ylija was put on Hospice care and was confined to her bed so we gathered a group of her friends to visit and sing her favorite song.

Father God, just for today help me walk your narrow way.  Help me stand when I might fall, give me your strength to hear to your call.  May my steps be worship.  May my thoughts be praise.  May my words bring honor to your name.

Ylija died on February 26, 2013.  Since she considered our church to be her church, we were honored to host the memorial ceremony.  Her community had become ours.  She was mourned by family and friends and school staff and her church.

God changes our plans

Often as we have pursued what we see as a long term goal we have had it made clear to us that God will take care of that in HIS way, not ours. Terry and I have also discovered that the devil tries to discourage as much as he can. We have to discern which it is, but God always opens a door if we continue to follow him.

In December, I learned that my mammogram had something suspicious on it, but the doctor who would do the surgery was not available until January. In early January I learned that I indeed did have breast cancer and would need surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Many people assumed that this would halt or slow down our plans, but we were still riding high on God's joy and saw this as the devil trying to discourage us. We continued to make plans for the house and continued to clear trees and old fence. Mr. L., the 80+-year old, tried to protest when I continued to help clear shortly after surgery, but the surgery was just for a lumpectomy and was not bad at all.

The elder who had been afraid we would become a financial burden on the church brought his tractor and made a big difference in the property in a short time. He was able to cut down small trees with the tractor very quickly.  The place really looked different.

Then we began to look for financing to start building the home. Our plans were finished and we were excited. Our current house in the country is paid for. We believed we could get a loan with no problem. Our credit score is good and we would pay off the loan as soon as we sold our house. That would happen soon since one of our daughters wanted it as soon as we could move out. But...we had bought commercial land and no one will loan on it to build a residential home. We looked everywhere and were completely surprised by the "no." Lord, what are you telling us? Why?

The only way we would be able to have a home on this land was to put a trailer home. Terry had said, "I will never live in a trailer." Well, he doesn't say "never" anymore. The Lord has made him eat his words twice now and they don't taste too good.

The Lord knew best that we would fit in this neighborhood in a trailer rather than in a model home. We still live above our neighbors financially, but we are not so ostentatious to them that they want to stay a way. They are very comfortable in our home. Lord thank you for guiding us in ways that you know will help our ministry and thank you that Terry is humble enough to accept your will graciously.

Starting to clear

Lucretia and I went out to begin clearing on our land.  HIS land.  We had made a slight effort at this about a month ago, but the land was still not in our name.  Now it is and since we were in town today we planned to spend a short time clearing on the quarter of this land that is to become our home.  We stopped by on our way to invite our friend, Senor L., to join us.  He and I have a language barrier but both of us enjoy conversing anyway.  Lucretia is our bridge from Spanish to English or the other way around.  He has expressed a desire to work with us on fixing up this land.  Even though he is in his 80's, he still can work circles around most of us and is as excited about our move to his neighborhood as we are.

We hadn't been at it very long before the C. family stopped to help. They started immediately to help us in trimming brush and picking up litter.   Another young neighbor showed up about the same time and offered his assistance anytime we needed.  We thanked him and left that offer for a future time. This land was once a corn field but has been idle for over 30 years.  We look forward to see it bloom with gardens and new friends.  Already this road has brought us into contact with several new friends as we explore the details of buying the land, designing a new home, and contracting the construction of this house.

We know that we could be moving into a bigger home with many fewer complications, but that is not what we feel called to do. We are planning a two-bedroom home with a large community room. Our friends who are helping us clear the land and encouraging us in this dream are the reasons for what we are doing.  We are moving to be nearer those we feel drawn to share life with.  With what time and energy God blesses us with we will continue to follow in the steps he leads us in.  As we talk with others about this calling it becomes clearer each day.  We hear suggestions about what we should check out first, so that is what we do.  We are given books by friends who share this passion, again the vision is clearer.

We also had a little discouragement again. We stopped at the Sheriff's office to explain our plans and interface with them. The Deputy we spoke with told us that we should just live like we already were, retired and safe out in the country. No one should be moving to Solms. It is too dangerous. "Do not be afraid...Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Thank you Father for putting us on this path.  Thank you, those in the faith, who challenge and encourage us to always be open to where the Spirit is leading.  Thank you to our new friends who we see as companions on this road which now is leading to and from Solms.