Shirmy

Where do I even begin.  I guess the beginning.  Shirmy moved to the United States in August of 2007, all the way from China.  At the time we were hosting a Bible Study, for international students that attended our local university, in our home.  In September of '07 some other students brought Shirmy, an unbeliever at the time, into our home for the Bible Study.  This began what would be a very special friendship between our family and Shirmy.

Riley (almost 3), Sophia (6 1/2), Hadassah (1 1/2) & Shirmy
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Saying Goodbye


In just a couple of short months of being introduced to the Bible, and making friends with a bunch of other Christian international students, Shirmy made the decision to become a follower of Jesus.  It was at this same time that she was also considering moving to New York City because the cost of school was becoming overwhelming.  Jamie and I felt so burdened for this girl we barely knew, and were urged by the Holy Spirit to ask Shirmy to come live with us, for free.  I remember feeling almost frantic for her well fare if she were to leave our little community.  Looking back I am so thankful that I serve a God who speaks into our lives and directs us to act.  I cannot imagine the course Shirmy's life would have taken if she had left our city way back then.  We hoped living with us would alleviate a lot of her expenses and might allow for her to remain in our community, where we hoped she could be nurtured in her relationship with Jesus.  Much to our joy she accepted our offer and thus began her three years of living with us and becoming a part of our family.  

Shirmy, Me, another student
My Birthday, November 2007
Just getting to know each other!


Shirmy moved in with us in early December of 2007.  At the time Sophia was barely three, and little did we know I was newly pregnant with Riley.  In the first few months, even year, there was some cultural tension as we adjusted to sharing our home and space with someone very new to the US and American culture.  As time passed we would learn so much about the Chinese culture and were able to better understand dear Shirmy.  

Riley and Shirmy
Winter 2008


Shirmy lived in our home for three years where we shared birthdays, holidays, saw the birth of two more children, had fun living life together, taught Shirmy how to drive, watched her struggle and grow in her faith, and finally celebrated Shirmy's graduation from Graduate School.  Upon graduation she moved to the city where we're actually moving soon.  She has lived there for the past year and we've been able to stay in touch and visit now and again.  It still hasn't sunk in she is across the world now...

Top: The whole gang (Soph is 4 1/2 and Riley is 8 mos.)  Bottom:  Me & Shirmy
April 2009
Celebrating Shirmy's Birthday!

Shirmy was/is such a hard worker.  Not only was she taking classes to earn a Master's Degree in Business (Let that sink in for a minute.  Can you imagine traveling to a foreign country, knowing their language only on a basic level, and studying master level courses in that language?  Yeah, me either!), but she also worked as much as she was able.

Sophia (almost 5) & Shirmy
November 12, 2009
 Chinese lessons!


Shirmy's story is amazing.  She has faced challenges in trusting the Lord with her present and her future like I will most likely never have to face.  Her decision to return to China this past Saturday was probably the hardest decision she has faced yet in life.  Her Mom, brother and sister-in-law all live in Singapore now, so she returns to only extended family until she can join her immediate family in Singapore.  Though her Mom and brother finally accept her decision to leave America, her extended family (unless God moves their hearts towards compassion) will not.  Shirmy told me they will most likely shame her and laugh at her.  That literally makes my chest hurt to write.  

Shirmy and Me
April 2010
Hosted a party for Shirmy's Birthday!


After we prayed over Shirmy in the airport as we prepared to say goodbye, for only the Lord knows how long, tears were streaming down my face as I looked her in the eyes and said, "I am proud of you." And I am.  What breaks my heart is that she will not hear that from anyone else.

Soph (5), Shirmy & Riley (16 mos.)
Christmas 2009

Soph (6), Shirmy, Haddie (9 mos.) & Riley (2 1/4)
Christmas 2010


If Shirmy had stayed in the States past Saturday she would have been breaking the law as the conditions of her visa required her to leave by then.  She told me that she would be ridiculed and told that so many others borrow way more money than she had to (which blows my mind, because she borrowed A LOT of money to be able to come to the U.S.) come to the States to earn money and then she would just leave?  Since becoming a believer Shirmy has had to come to terms with what the world says and what Christ says.  The faith she displayed in God by being obedient and getting on that plane Saturday will remain one of the most beautiful pictures of God's goodness and power I will ever see.  She was in such turmoil in the days leading up to her departure, only making her final decision three days before she left. But, the girl we said goodbye to was covered in peace, that can only be explained by God's goodness and faithfulness.

Above pictures, Shirmy, Soph (5 1/2) & Riley (almost 2)
Spring 2010
Playing at the park

Jamie, Haddie (2 mos.), Shirmy, Sophia (5 1/2) & me
May 2010
Shirmy's Graduation!

I don't know exactly what Shirmy's future holds, but I do know that God has something great in store for her!  She will be looking for a job and is hoping to join her Mom and brother in Singapore.  I am praying that God allows her to move to Singapore quickly and gives her an awesome job, as she'll have to work hard for a long time to pay back what she owes her family for getting her to the U.S. in the first place.  I am also praying that God brings her into a local body of believers so that she can be encouraged in her faith.  Sophia is so heartbroken over Shirmy's departure and Jamie and I feel generally sad, but hopeful too.  We pray that the Lord allows us to reunite this side of heaven.  We, along with Shirmy, covet your prayers for her as she readjust to life in Asia.  One thing I know, we are blessed to have had Shirmy join our family and our lives will never be the same!

Riley (almost 3), Shirmy, Sophia (6 1/2), Me, Jamie, Haddie (1 1/2)
August 13, 2011
Last family shot with Shirmy, until next time.