It’s been 252 days since I last saw the lovely Becca Clark in person.
She left last fall on The World Race, an eleven month mission trip serving in eleven different countries. 252 days equals about eight months, which means several significant events have passed. Eight months can bring about a lot of change, and there were so many times I wish she had been here. Happy moments, sad moments, the “it’s finally the weekend and this was a hard week” moments, I’ve needed her for all of them. I’ve changed jobs twice and lost a close family friend. Becca and I both had birthdays. We’ve missed out on lunch dates. The Ada Bible Christmas Party came and went. The second half of Fuller House’s season three came out and I binge-watched it alone. We haven’t been able to go to the beach after the longest winter ever. Life is better when shared over ice cream or appetizers, and Becca and I haven’t been able to do so since last fall. What’s a girl to do?
All of these moments when I wished she were here, I was reminded of the incredible journey she is on. She needs to be where she is. God’s people needs her where she is. As much as I can think, “if only Becca were here”, I know she is needed much more in the place she is in. It’s been different, praying for someone when you don’t exactly know what to pray for. I know what country Becca is in, but the town? What she’s experiencing in that town? My prayers end up being simple. Something like, “God, wherever she is, whatever she’s working on, who she’s with, please be with her”.
This fall, she’ll be back in Michigan. Becca will be changed from a year abroad. She’ll be changed from the people she has worked with, and the people she has stepped alongside in their home countries. That’s okay, because we’ll have nearly a year’s worth of dinner dates, shows to watch, and ice cream to eat while catching up. Get home safe Becca. ?
