My nephew has been without a mother since very young age, and thus grew up in Taiwan in the care of my parents.  When my father was still alive, he hinted that I should adopt my nephew and bring him to the U.S.  When my nephew was 5 years old, my mother became sick and was unable to continue taking care of my nephew.  As this was potentially a critical stage in a child’s development, I contacted my younger brother, my nephew’s father, to see if I could bring him to the U.S. so that I could assist with his care.  But whenever I would speak with my brother about this, he would reply that he needed more time to think about it.  This situation remained the same for a long time.

In August of 1998, I thought about enrolling my nephew in kindergarten if he would come to the U.S.  But summer was about to end, and we still could not obtain my brother’s agreement to this arrangement.  Every time I thought about the situation, my emotions became very troubled.

One day, on my way to a weekday Mass, I prayed to God about this, and said, “Lord!  If this whole thing was only my own idea and not your will, please prevent me from pursuing this, because my heart is not be at peace.”  Soon I arrived at the church.  When Mass ended, the Sister asked us to sing an ending Psalm, and suddenly I felt as if a strong wind was blowing.  At that time, my heart was very calm, and the Holy Spirit gently put some words into my heart: “I want you to take care of that child!”  I was touched deeply by those words, and tears flowed down my face, and I replied, “Yes, I will!” 

When I returned home from church, my husband told me that my brother just called a few minutes ago from Taiwan and asked us if we could help him take care of his son.  Then my husband said, “I do not have any opinion, so do what you think is right.”  Immediately, I called my brother back and replied that I would take care of my nephew.  He purchased the airplane tickets for himself and my nephew to come the following day.

Prior to their arrival, I have made a phone call to the principal of Fremont’s Our Savior Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten, inquiring about an opening for kindergarten, and she told me there was only one opening left.  I excitedly shared with her my situation, and she was amazed and said to me that this was what Jesus wanted, and it is all part of His plan. 

Since that time, I have taken care of my nephew for a full year.  During that time, God has allowed me to see the needs of a child who has been craving for a mother’s love.  Through this, God also has taught me how to be a more loving, patient, and empathetic person.  We all clearly experience God’s mercy and goodness.  Every time we encounter difficulty, no matter big or small, we just offer them to God. Simply due to our earnest prayers, God blesses each and every single event.  I thank God for using me, and for all of His blessings on us, so we can deeply experience the peace and joy in Christ, and learn to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, and in all circumstances give thanks!  Praise the Lord!  Thanks be to God!  All glory belongs to Him!

Karen Chang

Keyword: Word Became Flesh