Face to Face

Perhaps her face is so expressive because she can’t speak. A stroke took her voice, but not her smile. 
Definitely not her smile. 
Romania, homeless elderly, Elder Orphan Care, Heaven, Fanny Crosby

I met Ida in July 2011 on my first trip to Romania when I was just getting started as an advocate for the homeless elderly there. The photo to the right reflects Ida’s ability to communicate extreme delight without speaking a single word. Such a jubilant reaction to such a simple gift!



Ever since our first meeting, I’ve anticipated seeing Ida’s smiling face each time I return to Romania. Last summer was no different. After we visited and prayed, I took our picture by holding my iPad in front of us so she could see our faces as I snapped the photograph. It was my favorite photo of us until April of this year. 



That’s when a friend captured the precious moment when Ida and I were reunited. 

Is her joy reflected in my face, or my joy reflected in hers? 

Yes. 

I’m headed back to Romania next week, and, as always, I was looking forward to being with sweet Ida and all my friends there. But our reunion will be delayed. Ida suffered another stroke. And this one took her life. 

Thankfully we were not just friends, but sisters in Christ. So Ida and I will see each other again, just not in Romania. Just not on this planet. 

Can you even begin to envision what expressions we’ll have on our faces at that reunion? 

But what comforts and cheers me today is imagining Ida leaving this world behind ... and then looking into Jesus’ face.

Oh. My. 

Thinking about Ida being face to face with her Savior and Friend reminds me of something Fanny Crosby said. Although she was blinded as a baby when an incompetent doctor attempted to treat her eye infection, she became one of the greatest hymn writers in history.

“If I had a choice," Fanny said, "I would still choose to remain blind…for when I die, the first face I will ever see will be the face of my blessed Savior.” 


And I shall see Him face to face, 
And tell the story, saved by grace; 
And I shall see Him face to face, 
And tell the story, saved by grace. 


(Chorus of the hymn "Saved by Grace" by Fanny J. Crosby)



14 comments:

  1. No fair making me cry this early in the morning. But it was a good cry. And I'm thinking not just about the expressions on your faces when you reunite, but oh, the things she'll have to tell you -- with a full and confident voice. Praying for you as you go, friend. Via con Dios!

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    1. Oh, yes, the stories!! And I'll hear her voice for the first time! Thank you, Lori. And thank you for your prayers as I leave for Romania Monday. Grateful!

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  2. This is one of my favorite posts you've ever written, Kim. What beauty in the story of Ida and the beautiful thoughts you wrapped around it. I have read about the life of Fanny Crosby, but never heard her joy at the first face she saw being Jesus'. Lots of "take-aways" from this post, my friend. Thanks.

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    1. Thank you, Gail....you know how I loved Ida! And when someone you love dies, it makes Jesus all the more precious somehow... I didn't end up using this quote, but I like what Randy Alcorn says "..being with God and seeing his face is the central joy of Heaven and the source of all other joy." Thank you for your encouragement, Gail!

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  3. Lovely story-- I have 2 huge bags of winter clothing for you brought to the Bible study by Sharon. When you return, maybe I can plan a road trip and come see you! L2U-

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    1. WOW dee WOW! I would LovE that! Let's talk about it!! Tell the Bible study ladies I say hello and keep those prayers coming! :)

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  4. To see His face...Oh, the glory! What a beautiful thought. :)

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  5. Kim,

    I absolutely loved this post...maybe because I actually got to see Ida in person...or maybe because I loved the way you expressed that your reunion with her would be delayed...but that you definitely would see her again in heaven.

    God bless!
    Ann

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    1. Thank you, Ann. I'm so glad you got to meet Ida and all the precious folks at Viorel's homes. And to think that when we live and die in the Lord we don't say "Goodbye" we just say "See you later!" is a glorious thought. I will miss seeing Ida in Romania, but to see her WITH JESUS will be BEYOND glorious! Praise God!

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  6. This one made me cry...you are such a talented writer and are such a blessing to so many people!

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  7. This is zo touching. Thanks and greetings from a Europian mama.

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  8. Beautiful. such a lovely testimony. I love the acronym BOG. I am so using that!

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  9. So inspiring. You really are being the face of Christ to her...and her to you.

    Have a safe trip!

    Peace in Christ,
    Ceil

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Each week I write a BOG (Brag On God) post. My prayer is that my words will invite you to brag on God, too. And together we'll make God smile.