'It's so hard to say goodbye…'
Our time here in the Philippines is quickly drawing to a close and I can say that I am deeply forlorn about the idea. Well, I'm excited and super ready for Thailand and the rest of the Race, yet I'm deeply burdened with the realization of just how much I'm going to miss this place in Aninuan and the friendships I've built in such a short amount of time.
The thought of the lyrics, 'It's so hard to say goodbye…' popped up in my mind on Sunday during church as the congregation sang 'Hosanna' by Hillsong and I sat there fighting back tears. Tears first from the sheer beauty of the worship, but second because I realized that it was my last service with the congregation and people that have taken us in as brethren. A people I have come to love and who I realized just how much God loves.
I will miss Kuya Al, Ate Marina, JoJo, Ate Judith, Vanessa, Jonas, and oh so many names and faces of those I've come to love and care about. It's a bittersweet time.
The group, plus squad leaders
Lun Lun
Vanessa (so reminds me of my niece)
At first I was down and upset that it was coming that time so quickly, but that afternoon we visited another local church that is just getting started and they sang us songs, played games with us and just blessed us tremendously. It was during their performance of the song, 'Carry the Light', that I was filled back up and my passion renewed to the fact that I have other countries to go to in order to spread the Light of Christ!
So, as I'm still sad to leave our new family here in Aninuan, Philippines, I'm richly encouraged that there are more family members to meet along the path God has set before us! Awesome!!! Love you all!!
My next post will be a video I made with the help of Shaun Frederickson…stay tuned!
