Naomi A prayer and providence.
Just found a few pages of some of Naomi’s writings back 50 years ago.
“Please let this be my last winter in all this cold and snow”, Ann (Naomi used ANN” in her writings) half prayed half sighed as she pulled up her hood and shoved on high boots and pushed open the door to check on the amount of digging needed to get her car cleared off after last nights fresh snowfall of 8 more inches. She took in short gasspy breathes of crisp, bitterly cold air and gazed up at a brilliantly blue sky. How lovely to see all the snow clinging to the trees and the shimmering clean covering on the ground. But is was cold, another -12 day the weather man said.”
Naomi liked the farming area of northern Wisconsin and the people, who appreciated her nursing skills. She liked to dream and thought and wrote, “If I like this type of nursing so well, why not move to an even remoter area where there is a greater need for nurses, Ann mused, but where, since she had to admit the desire to travel to foreign countries has never been that great. Besides since mom had developed kidney disease and been on dialysis these last months, Ann really didn’t want to be more than 1-2 days drive away from home.
All these ideas are just dreams, but it’s fun to plan. Across her minds eye flashed the verse from Ps 119:133, “Direct my footsteps according to your word…” Jesus certainly puts all ideas in perspective . Since her commitment to Christ 3 yrs ago, she was learning to rely on Him to direct her. Well, time to quit dreaming….”
THAT is all for now from Nomi’s writing… Naomi used ANN for her name in her writing.
Nomi hosted a Bible Study in her apartment in Eau Claire and with a few friends traveled down to the Urbana Missions Conference held at Christmas time in Illinois.
Naomi was Interested in The Frontier Nursing Service, but not that interested in riding a horse to see patients! She connected with a small clinic in City of Buckhorn and did drive a jeep to see her patients. A young 27 single lady serving as a pediatric community nurse.
___________________________________________________________
This was a prayer that was answered.
Looking back, I’m struck by Naomi’s courage and faith as she navigated the winding hollers of Buckhorn, Kentucky. Having driven those same roads myself in good weather, I can only imagine her determination during the harsh, snowy winters. She told one story of her Jeep getting off the road in winter while making a visit and a logging truck came to the rescue and pulled her back on the road. .
After today’s heavy snowfall, I can’t help but picture Naomi hauling supplies across the Kentucky River for one of her home visits in summer—a challenge in itself. In winter, the obstacles must have multiplied, and I can certainly understand while she wasn’t always eager to make those unannounced home visits…
This was a pivotal point in Naomi’s life…just the beginning of what was to come!
Crossing The Kentucky River…in Spring of 1976
See picture of Naomi crossing the Kentucky River with a wheelbarrel with her supplies.. Date on back of picture is 1976. Patient: Verna
More on God’s providence and calling.
As Oswald Chambers states : “The circumstances of a man’s life are ordained by God. In the life of a saint there is no chance. God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you cannot understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you.”
Theologian Dr. R.C. Sproul. “God’s sovereign providence stands over and above our actions. He works out His will through the actions of human wills, without violating the freedom of those human wills.”
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’S purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
“You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me” Nov 19th Devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
“The trail is long, and we won’t arrive at our destination in this life. Still, we’re on the journey with Jesus for the greatest thrill of our lives.” Zig Ziglar
A brief reflection of Naomi’s early life
A Journey of Faith and Dedication
During the mid 70’s Naomi worked in Buckhorn, Kentucky, a region known for its rugged terrain and underserved population. She joined forces with Lucile LeBeau at a rural health clinic. Armed with her jeep, s he navigated the hollers, or narrow valleys, to make mother-daughter visits. These visits were more than just routine check-ups; they were lifelines for many families who had limited access to medical care. Naomi’s dedication during these years was driven by her Christian faith and values, which propelled her to serve in such a challenging environment. Her work in Buckhorn laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in Public Health or community healthcare.
Naomi’s early life: College and post college. Reflections by friends.
Multiplying the seeds Naomi planted…My calling.
Naomi planted countless “seeds” during her short time in Buckhorn. The impact of her work may not have been visible to her, but those seeds sprouted and grew, creating a lasting legacy. She provided essential healthcare, emotional support, and spiritual guidance, touching the lives of many families. I remember what her highschool and college friend Lauri wrote about their graduation: “In June of 1971 on our sunny windy graduation day, we stood together joyously on the campus lawn. As our parents snapped pictures of us, we both knew we were taking something “out into the world” with us that was far better than an education!“
AMEN
And the Journey continues!
And I close with AMEN!
