Jeff and Barbara Singerman

Dear Prayer Partners,

 

Monday night, 4 days before Kari's wedding, Jeff and I snuck off to the Columbus, Ohio, international airport to pick up a greatly guarded secret--one in whose arms I wept and laughed when I greeted her off the plane.  Tuesday I had Kari all primed and ready for her "Mothers' of the Bride" luncheon.  God has given Kari moms here in America, moms to really be there for her during my African absence.  One is Kathy Glynn.  Another is Tammy Ortega, Joshua's mom, who has loved Kari as a daughter since first meeting her. For these moms I am deeply grateful.  They are the fulfillment of God's promise....So we mom's plotted together and invited Kari to a special luncheon at Olive Garden so we could each give her motherly marriage advice.  JK, Ryan's wife, came too. 

 

As we gathered together at the table, Kari a bit nervous at what we intended to say to her, I seriously looked into her eyes and with great sadness said, "It is so good to have all your moms here together, but I am very sad that Alima, your African mom, isn't here."

 

I've been looking over years of e-mails, looking for those most compelling stories to share with churches while we are here, Stateside, and I've noted that Alima's name is often mentioned.  She came into my life when Kari was only about 2 years old and has become my prayer partner, intimate confidant, sister, and treasured friend--and African mom to Kari.  I know her name is familiar to you. She is a nurse, mid-wife; has worked in the operating room for emergency c-sections (was cut by the scalpel during a surgery, infected with 2 types of HIV, but was completely cleansed and cured by God), has a ministry with adolescents and HIV orphans in Benin...and Kari's wedding wouldn't have been complete without here. God worked miracles for her to come. And Kari didn't have a clue.

 

Jeff walked into the Olive Garden dining room, leaned over behind Kari and greeted her. Startled Kari looked up and said, "Dad--what are you doing here?"  He responded, "I came to watch your reaction." "What reaction???" and at that very moment she saw Alima, standing behind Jeff, dressed in regal African dress with a huge, glowing smile. Kari screamed, leaped from her chair and threw herself into Alima's arms with sweet tears of joy being flung around the room.  It was a plotted for, expected moment emotional precious beyond all expectations!  A forever moment that draws oceans of joy into my heart even now as I see the scene replayed in my mind.  Kari was thoroughly overwhelmed, shocked, thrilled and in disbelief.  Kari, "In all my life you couldn't have given me a greater gift!!"

 

We ordered food but barely ate.  Kari called Joshua so he could discover the secret and taste the tears of joy on his cheeks.  While he and Kari had been with us this past December he not only came to know Alima well, but spent extensive time with her wonderful three young boys.

 

At one point in the meal Alima reached over and took Tammy's hand. "It is so good for me to be here to meet you," she said.  "You know that Kari is international.  She isn't just American, she is African and in Africa we, the family, give our daughters to the mother-in-law.  I want to know," she continued, "that Kari will be well taken care of; that her needs will be met.  In fact I want Kari to so enter into your heart that you love her even more than Joshua."  And Alima meant it.

 

Tammy, tears consuming her, said, "I have been praying for Josh's wife since he was a babe in my arms.  It is thrilling to finally see her, face to face, and to love her so deeply.  She is already my daughter, my only daughter, and we will take great care of her."

 

With the great seriousness of a divine appointment and sacred moment, Alima took Kari's hand, placed it into Tammy's and spoke these words, "Then, we give you our daughter." Tears were our food.

 

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I've other stories that my fingers have been dying to tell of the events of these short 6 weeks we've been here in the states--and they will be coming your way shortly.  Alima was such a blessing during all her time here.  We just dropped her off at the airport for her return flight Sunday morning--and have heard that she arrived home well on Monday.

 

Right now Jeff and I are sitting on twin beds at a furloughing missionary conference. We arrived on Monday and will leave here on Friday.  Where else have we been and where will we be going next?  Stay tuned!!

 

We love you each and bless you in Christ's name.  As we take time to reflect on all that God has done during these past 4 years on the field, we are overflowing with gratefulness to God for all the mighty ways He has worked through your prayers, and your coming, to change lives in West Africa.

 

Yours,

 

Barbara and Jeff