Don't look at me because I might start crying. It's nearing the end of my "missionary training" and I feel exhausted... emotionally exhausted. This week we've talked about grief & loss, single and married issues on the field, and today we got to saying good goodbyes (among other topics). It's hard to think about leaving what is familiar and all the people I love here in the US. We learned this afternoon that it is so important to say good goodbyes so that we can say good hellos. After we talked about saying goodbye, then we actually got to encourage each other tell each other goodbye. I'm pretty sure that my eyes are swollen from all the tears. It's hard to think about saying goodbye to my family this weekend.
Lots of my classmates here are ready to go home--we've learned so much they can't wait to get going and apply it; but I'm savoring the last minutes because I know that once I leave here I'm practically in Kenya. The next few days are going to be busy and fly by. In 11 days I'll be stepping off the plane into my home for the next 3 years. I'll be starting language learning right when I get there. It hasn't really sunk in yet.
For those of you who know me well, you are probably cheering that I am crying. God is breaking through my self-protecting walls and penetrating my heart so that I can feel again. Its good, but it hurts.
Ashleigh,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that I got to be a part of your "Quincy Going Away Party". It is always a joy to spend time with you and your Mother. I also always look forward to visiting with you, whether it be 10 minutes on the phone or on your visits home. You have reached out to so many people in this world by the grace of God and that is amazing to me. God has blessed you with so much and now He has given yet another opportunity for you to serve Him more. Praise God! I am so proud of you for taking on this journey that God has lead you too. You will be missed greatly but everyone will be awaiting your return. Wipe away those tears Ashleigh and hold your head high. The Lord is working through you and many are praying for you everywhere. I love you and am counting down the days till you return!