Claudia's Mission
There is a lady here that I love, and her name is Claudia. Italian by birth, she has lived for decades in France and is a perfect mix of the two cultures. Claudia has a unique role in the church here. She calls herself "a missionary to the missionaries", and she has devoted many years to welcoming those who come here to learn French.
The first time we met Claudia, it was a hot, muggy August evening--our first night in France. She had heard through a friend of ours that a new family was arriving, and she wanted to be sure to welcome us properly. When she found our house that evening, she came with a beautiful Italian lasagna. After more than 24 hours of travel and very little sleep, combined with the sinking feeling that we did not know how to do anything in this town...a meal made with love was a welcome gift. She told us that she had made it her mission to welcome those who came as strangers to her town to learn French.
It was a few months later before we realized just how dedicated Claudia is to her mission. After eating lunch at her house one Sunday afternoon, she showed us her prayer books: two scrapbooks filled to overflowing with people that she has welcomed and loved. Each page is a little snapshot into someone's life, a picture and notes about future plans, and important information like birthdays and anniversaries.
Not only does she welcome people like us, but she remembers them and prays for them long after they are gone. It is not a task for her, not a burden or a chore that she must continue, but a delightful service for the King.
Recently, Claudia and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. What a treat for all of us to see the joy and love in their eyes, to witness a couple who has sacrificed and weathered much over the years. She was asked if she could put into words her best memory from 50 years of marriage, and she simply said, "that God has blessed us." Not that everything was always easy, not that she had a life without sorrow...but that even with those things, she can look back and say, "My Lord has blessed me."
I want to be like her when I grow up.
The first time we met Claudia, it was a hot, muggy August evening--our first night in France. She had heard through a friend of ours that a new family was arriving, and she wanted to be sure to welcome us properly. When she found our house that evening, she came with a beautiful Italian lasagna. After more than 24 hours of travel and very little sleep, combined with the sinking feeling that we did not know how to do anything in this town...a meal made with love was a welcome gift. She told us that she had made it her mission to welcome those who came as strangers to her town to learn French.
It was a few months later before we realized just how dedicated Claudia is to her mission. After eating lunch at her house one Sunday afternoon, she showed us her prayer books: two scrapbooks filled to overflowing with people that she has welcomed and loved. Each page is a little snapshot into someone's life, a picture and notes about future plans, and important information like birthdays and anniversaries.
Not only does she welcome people like us, but she remembers them and prays for them long after they are gone. It is not a task for her, not a burden or a chore that she must continue, but a delightful service for the King.
Recently, Claudia and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. What a treat for all of us to see the joy and love in their eyes, to witness a couple who has sacrificed and weathered much over the years. She was asked if she could put into words her best memory from 50 years of marriage, and she simply said, "that God has blessed us." Not that everything was always easy, not that she had a life without sorrow...but that even with those things, she can look back and say, "My Lord has blessed me." I want to be like her when I grow up.
Comments