Last night was our first goodbye. Two of our team members needed to depart early in order to go to a doctor’s appointment in Quito tomorrow. It didn’t really phase me at first. It was kind of like “see you in three days” for me. But not so much for the people of Huaticocha. It really hit me when I saw Jungle Boy Juan crying. He was so sad. We actually had to go to his house so they could say goodbye, but I know he is glad we found him. Looking at him, this 13 year old boy cry over some gringos leaving was so sad!
This whole time we always knew we would have to one day say goodbye. And that day has finally come. For the rest of our team, that day will be on Sunday. But as for now, I plan on making the best of my last three days in Huaticocha. Because I know when goodbye time comes, I will be a wreck.
My jungle boys. I am going to miss these two so much! Braulio on the left and Juan on the right.
This is the first of many goodbyes. Month 1 of 11. And each month we will build relationships up. And then have to leave them. What a sad thought. But it is a fact of life, God has called us to 11 countries for a month each. No more. No less. We need to make the most of the time we are given in each place.
And relationships are ministry. Talking to Juan’s mom tonight made me realize that. Just by hanging out with Juan. Asking him to work with us, taking him to rivers and waterfalls with us, playing sports with him and teaching him English has been a ministry within itself. To all the Jungle Boys really. Though we may only be here a month, we are creating friendships and relationships in Christ that will last a lifetime. And though we are leaving Huaticocha on Sunday, I’m pretty sure we won’t forget them and they won’t forget us. God will continue to work as he has already been and we were in his plan in their lives for a short amount of time.
