Maddie, Michael, and I went to the appliance store to meet Sean, who was
buying our new washer and dryer. After that purchase, we went upstairs to
E-Mart (it’s sort of a shopping mall area) to buy some more household goods and
groceries. There are so many decisions to make as you are thinking about
stocking a new home, and all the products labels are written in Chinese. We
were looking for a cutting board, a wok, a coffee thermos, and food storage
containers; just to name a few items… I began to get a little unnervy, as the
Chinese shopping music played on the store’s speakers. We finally made our
purchases and left. We stopped to eat lunch at Paris Baguette, a bakery that
sells breads, doughnuts, sandwiches, cakes and more. I was feeling a little
more relaxed. Next came the taxi ride home. We have to take two taxis, since
only 4 are allowed in one taxi. Sometimes we squeeze all the kids in the back,
if it’s just me and the kids going out alone. So Michael, Maddie and I got in
one taxi with some of our purchases (loaded in the trunk), and Sean and the
others took another taxi. We arrived at the gate to our complex, and I paid
the taxi driver, while Michael and Maddie got the things out of the trunk. The
driver handed me the change and I got out and began to walk towards our
building. I was still holding the change in my hand and something distracted
me. As I regained focus, I began to open my purse to put my change in my
wallet. I discovered that my wallet was not there! I began to panic a little.
I yelled out to Michael, “I think I left my wallet in the seat of the taxi!”
Michael began running back to the spot we got out, but the taxi was long gone.
I tried to stay calm, but realizing my wallet had my driver’s license, credit
cards, etc. I was pretty upset. Just then we were approached by the wife of
another member of our team. I told her what happened and she said, “Let’s
pray.” After a short prayer, we told the guards at the gate my phone number and
asked to give a call if the taxi driver returned. They looked pretty
bewildered, to think that someone would return a lost wallet. All of the
sudden I looked over at Maddie, who was holding a small plastic storage bin that
we purchased at E-Mart. There in the bottom of the bin I saw my wallet!! I
almost began to cry, I was so thankful to the Lord. I believe that He, Himself
placed it there. No other explanation can be given! The plastic bin was in the
trunk of the car, while I was getting my money out of my wallet to pay the taxi
driver! Praise be to Him who watches over His children. It reminds me of the
words to a favorite Psalm:
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills —
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip —
He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, He who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you —
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm —
He will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forever more.
