"I persevered," she said with a delighted smile, "I've been working for two years now."
You've read Lydia's story a few times on this blog. It's because she is so inspiring to me personally that I have written about her frequently. Lost her family, her legs, most of her fingers, burned her face in a fire at a young age, she spent a couple decades dreaming in the orphanage, enormous potential stored up inside of her. She learned to cross-stitch and demonstrated her persistence and desire to
do something through her crafts. Telemarketing didn't work out. But there was something better for Lydia. We connected her with a job at a handmade chocolate factory and helped establish her housing -- a tiny concrete stall with a toilet, washing machine, sink, cabinet and bed, no heating or AC. She demonstrated a great deal of courage and willingness to endure challenges in order to make this work and living situation possible.
Two years later, Lydia expresses deep gratitude to Father and friends for her job and independent housing. This is what amazes me about Lydia -- always a thankful heart! She stays busy in the office or wraps candy in the factory. It is clean, air-conditioned, and kind. A Family business, every day she with her co-workers and supervisor share a morning study. She now has an electric wheelchair so each day she can independently commute a half mile between her home and workplace.
Lydia has grown these two years. Her spirit is lighter, she smiles easier, she confidently expresses her feelings and ideas. Drawing confidence from who she is as a beloved, invaluable, gifted child of God, she believes in her ability to do more than she once thought possible.
Not only are we very proud of Lydia, we have much to learn from her example of persistence, joy and gratitude.
Lydia's Threads -- your very first time to meet Lydia through her own self-introduction; Drew had created a website to sell her cross-stitch pieces.
Lydia Telemarkets -- stretching, trying to break out and find her own place.
Justice Rolls for Lydia -- moving out of the orphanage and getting established in her first independent living, first real job!
Chocolate. Birthday. Heaven. -- chocolate factory open house, and Lydia was the star of the show as many came to support her, including the director of the orphanage.
counting the graces
thank you Father for
chances to encourage and offer a steady arm to friends
change of heart, earnest desire to serve and care for Y&H
cheap hand-me-down mattress
Drew's hugs and intentional words of love and affirmation
Titus independently following instruction booklet to construct legos
understanding parable of persistent widow more clearly, and the call to pray for justice
feeling of not-too-much to do
