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“Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

When I was 17 years old, I was the recipient of a Rotary Club Youth Exchange Program scholarship and came to the United States for my senior year in high school. I did not know the English language and was nervous about going so far away from my home in Brazil without my parents. Nonetheless, I knew that if anything were to go wrong, I could just call my parents, and everything would be okay.

There is a great sense of assurance in a young person’s heart when she hears her parents say that they will be right there if she needs them. In that situation, I was very aware that my parents would not be able to board an airplane and go rescue me at any little teenager issue I may be faced with, but to know that I could pick up the phone and call them was very comforting.

As classes began, I started to make friends and feel more comfortable in my new temporary home. I also got involved in the Yearbook Club and participated in my school’s newsletter, and both helped me to develop my language skills. I loved art, so I attached myself to my lovely art teacher like jelly to peanut butter. She was patient and kind, and though I was only in her classroom for one period, she became like a mother figure to me, someone I could call or visit if I needed to talk or just sit quiet for a chill.

Everything worked out well and my year in America was a success, after which I returned to Brazil. When I remember those days, I smile in gratitude for the opportunity that was given to me. What could have been a difficult situation that could culminate with my doom, was, in fact, one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life, because I trusted my parents’ promise.

When God allows us to go through the unknown, He promises us He is there. If we choose to trust Him and listen to His voice, we will reap the rewards that come with that trust.

“Abba, there is nothing better in the world than to know You are right beside us. Thank You for loving us that much!”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life