Visit with Elza T.
We are regularly calling our widow’s program members to see how they are doing. A few weeks ago, Lena spoke with Elza and she didn’t sound good. Lena asked if she was sick and she said no, so Lena decided to visit her.
Elza is 80 years old and her life has not been easy. Along with her two sisters she was born in Kyiv. Elza graduated from Polytechnic University and worked at the largest plant in Kyiv as an engineer. She met her husband at that plant.
After they got married, they had a boy and a girl. However, her husband left the family when the kids were teenagers. Both kids ended up getting married and each had two kids of their own. Unfortunately, in 2007 Elza’s daughter passed away and Elza became the foster parent to her granddaughter who is an artist. In one of the photos, you can see her painting. A couple of years ago, Elza’s granddaughter got married and moved to Crimea. Elza’s son is very caring and visits her often. Elza’s youngest sister is still alive and encourages her a lot.
Elza had an extraordinary and highly inquisitive mind that matched well her gentle heart. For many years she was a Stephen Minister. Lena first met her when she was my student in one of our classes. She was every teacher’s dream student—a diligent worker, absorbing the wisdom of God's Word like a sponge. Elza knew when to be quiet and when to speak, when to laugh and when to grieve. Her notes always amazed Lena. No matter what kind of gathering she was at—a worship service, a Bible lesson, Bible study, knitting group—Elza was taking notes (see one of the photos). Her mind could process tons of information and her spirit was very responsive as well.
Elza is still alive, but one month ago she suddenly started feeling bad (muscle pain, headache, nervousness, etc.). When Lena saw Elza last month, she could not recognize her—she looked very weak and depressed. So Lena felt it was necessary to spend time with her. Lena asked her questions very quietly and carefully. In some cases, she would just say, “Lena, I understand things now are not the way they should be. But I just cannot change it.” Lena comforted and encouraged her with God's promises. On behalf of MMK, Lena presented her with a beautiful handmade blanket we had received from our American friends. And through Elza's friend (a lady who is in the Program), Lena plans to get in touch with Elza's son to try and understand what could lead to such a sudden change in Elza's physical and mental health.
Please pray for Elza and her health.
