A rumble of voices rise from the bottom floor of the leasing office. Glancing over the banister, I see younger and older people sitting in crowded circles of chairs. A variety of bright ethnic clothing gives a unique spark to each group. Some wear head scarves, some tie their babies on their back, some are decorated with beads, some wear a more plain style. Each circle is speaking a different language. Every once in a while someone will look up from the conversation to the front of the room where a Bible passage is written on the white board.
This gathering is an exciting precursor to what we look forward to in Heaven:
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:9-10)
I smile as I am called away from my gazing, back to helping the kids with their art projects. I could sit for hours observing each circle of people discussing God's Word in their native tongue, but keeping the kids entertained so their parents can talk is an important job as well.
This past month I met Edlaya, an elderly woman from Myanmar. When she came to the States five months ago, she left behind her six brothers and sisters. Two of her children and their families were able to come to the Atlanta area with her while some were left in the refugee camp. Using her broken English, hand motions, facial expressions, and sometimes silence, she told me part of her story of journeying here. While she is grateful to be here and especially for the hopes of a better life for her children and grandchildren, she is mourning the loss of relationships, friends and family members left behind.
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