Joy

About 5 years ago, I was contacted by a man in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who had been reading my previous blog.  After much suspicion on my part and much assurances on his part, we developed an e-mail friendship based on our shared love of God.  Over the years we have included our families in this relationship and continue to email and chat with each other on a weekly (or as close to weekly as we can with my being back in school) basis. 

Shortly after we began corresponding, my friend's wife became pregnant with her fourth child.  She had a difficult pregnancy and we joined together in prayer for her on many occasions.  How surprised I was when, four years ago today, the child was born and my friend named her after me!  I did not, nor do I now, feel that I did anything to deserve this honor, but I am DEEPLY honored by this.  It has also given me bragging rights in that I don't know anyone who can say they have a child named after them...in the Congo.  Little Joy did not have an easy beginning.  We had to continue our prayers for her as she struggled with illness and hospitalization during her first few weeks of life.  From what my friend tells me, she is now a bundle of energy.

So, Happy Fourth Birthday, little Joy!  I love you!