It happened right after Ricardo told me, “We need to get connected with our neighbors at a deeper level. We need to be part of their lives.” Perhaps God was just waiting for that verbalization, because the answer was immediately orchestrated in the providential way we’ve come to recognize and rely on as we tackle the challenges of getting the music school up and running. In this case, God used our language and culture helper Suporn to break through the barriers of shyness that keep friendships superficial.

“You know the food vendor I’ve been telling you about, the one who made those Thai sweets I brought last time?” Suporn asked. “I invited her to come over this morning and see you about some health problems she’s been having. I told her you are a physical therapist. I hope that’s okay.”

“Of course it is!” I replied. And two hours later I was delighted to find four women at our door! Khun Kruang, the food vender, had brought her 86-year-old mother and two of her helpers. We had a wonderful time as I worked with each one. We arranged for me to help Khun Kruang’s mother in her home on a regular basis. The women ended up staying for lunch and trying lentils for the first time. Khun Kruang liked them and the others ate theirs politely. Now Khun Kruang’s daughter, who works at the municipal office, is planning to come with some friends to our small group this Friday. It is so encouraging to see how God is working to accomplish His purpose in all our lives and in our project!

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