(Written on December 9th, 2017)
I’m on my fourth month of the Race, which means I’ve said four goodbyes so far. I would think they would get easier each time, but sadly I’m mistaken. Five days ago I said goodbye to Zimbabwe and all the people I had grown to love so dearly. This was definitely the hardest goodbye I’ve gone through yet and I will never forget the tears left on the ground as I walked out the gate of Isaiah’s Umuzi Wothando. I’ve made such deep relationships with so many people here, people that have been hurt and abandoned, and sometimes the guilt of having to say goodbye when that’s all they’ve ever heard is overwhelming. I’m broken-hearted not only because of the pain I feel, but also the pain they feel because of me.
Despite the sadness in my heart, the Lord still speaks to me. He still gently reminds me that there is no need to feel guilty for following where He led me and listening to His call. He called me there because He wanted me to show His love to some who may have never experienced it. He called me there because He wanted to kindle relationships between me and others that would change our lives forever. He called me there, He called me to leave, and He tells me to trust that He knows what He’s doing. My goodbyes have all been so painful, but a painful goodbye just means it was all so worth it.
Sure, saying goodbye so often gets challenging, but I also don’t want to dwell in the past. The Lord is moving me to new places and challenging me in new ways. He hasn’t failed me yet, and I don’t want to stop trusting His call just because of some bumps in the road.
My prayer for you, dear reader, is that the voice of the Lord becomes clear and undeniable in your life. His call on for your life, no matter how challenging it gets, becomes first priority. No matter your stage of life, it’s never too late to surrender your life to the Lord. I pray your eyes are opened to see what He sees, your ears are opened to His gentle voice, and your heart is open to some serious change.
Thank you for reading!
Much love,
Hannah Grace
