About 20 years ago, we bought a plot of land and built a comfortable home. Then, we added a volleyball court, and later, a small swimming pool. We had lots of fun and bonding time as a family.
The big house allowed us to have family gatherings, and I reconnected with my three sisters, who joined us for these gatherings. And, for the first time in my life, I had time to plant a flower garden and a small vegetable garden, which brought me great pleasure.
As my children became independent and moved away, I started to feel empty and alone. I couldn’t go out to talk to people about Jesus as I had done in my earlier years, because our home is far from the city, and now that I’m older I can’t walk as much as before.
Then, God showed me that He could still use me if I was willing to write and share my life experiences. I got my first computer and started writing, timidly at first. But, with time, I learned to enjoy it very much. Friends told me how encouraged they had been by my articles, and this filled my soul with delight. I even got the courage to write a short book called Remember Who You Are about my life story, my world travels as a hippie, and how Jesus searched for me and saved me.
I also joined the local church and volunteered for four years teaching English to adults and children. For the last few years, I have been a volunteer at a therapy group for parents and relatives of people with addictions and behavioral problems. These new activities have brought me happiness, friends, new experiences, and learning opportunities.
I still have two sons living with me, and I do housework, cook, and sew. In the evening, I take a walk among the palm trees, talk with our Creator, and enjoy the beautiful colors of the sunset.
I have been through many changes, but the joy of living has been renewed day by day. I believe that is because I have had Jesus, who changes not, always with me. He is truly the one who gives purpose to our lives!