A little over two years ago I decided to attend UNI for graduate school. I had a short time to figure out a place to live in Cedar Falls once I left my dorm that May and I was a bit nervous. My brother lives in Cedar Falls and he told his small group from church that his sister was looking for a place to live. A couple said they knew of a woman who might be willing to house a grad student. I came to meet Nancie for the first time for lunch and she then offered to rent out a room to me. Apparently she was really trusting God and/or I gave off a responsible vibe, because not everyone would offer a 23 year old they have known an hour to live with them for an undetermined amount of time. However, that is exactly what Nancie did and next year and a half would profoundly impact me.
So, I moved into her home about three weeks after the lunch meeting, with no idea when I would be leaving. My heart was a bit in pieces about moving away from Ames. However, Nancie had a way of making her home feel like my home. When we would go places she would know everyone, which made Cedar Falls seem less intimidating. I managed to stay fairly busy on my own, but I was able to go to church, eat meals, watch movies, and go to exercise class with her occasionally. I even enjoyed an organ concert with some of her friends once!
From watching Nancie live her life and having many discussions with her, I have learned a tremendous amount. When you live with someone you get to know them fairly well. This was no exception in our living situation. I have learned that aging is difficult for numerous reasons, but by the grace of God it can be done well. I also learned that while living with people your own age is nice, there are benefits to living with someone who has many years of wisdom to offer. I discovered that as I walked through each day I had need for wisdom. From how to close the bread bag without a twisty-tie, to baking, to cleaning, to yard work, to entertaining, to messy life situations she was there to offer her wisdom. I learned that even though there may no longer be a man in the house, it is possible for a woman to unclog the basement drain, deal with the flooding basement, and get out a mini-chainsaw to cut a tree limb. Yes, she did all of the above. And God was faithful to provide assistance when needed.
Above all other things, witnessing her walk with God had the most profound impact on me. She never stops serving and seeking to know Him more. She attends women's Bible studies at church. She planned events for the older generations at church. She has used the loss of her husband to start a social group for other woman who are in the same situation. (They are the ones I got to go to an organ concert with!) Her Bible can be found on the counter where she eats most of her meals (if she's not in her study). With the overflow of what God gives her she encourages and prays for those around her, including whatever friend I would bring home with me. Her faith is strong and firm and God continues to bless her. When she decided to sell her house the first couple who looked at the house bought. He then provided the perfect place for me to live for the reminder of my time at UNI. He is faithful.
We may not live together anymore and I may not do the best job of keeping in touch with her, I am still influenced by the year and a half that I got to live with her. She truly is an incredible lady with incredible faith. I truly love the little snippets of time I get to spend with her now. I will forever be grateful that God allowed me to intimately witness her life for a little while.
I love you, Nancie! :)
So sweet. :)
ReplyDelete