Today was a hard goodbye. It was our last day of ministry at Covi, a few friends are leaving, and I know some of the people I say goodbye to today I won’t see again.
Leaving is always a hard thing for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so ready to come home. But that doesn’t make leaving any easier.
I’ve been reflecting recently on the Race, thinking back to the beginning and how things have changed. I react to situations differently. I understand myself so much better, and I understand God so much better too.
I truly had one main goal for the race – to love well. This is something I have been encouraged to do, asked about, and grown so much in. I’ve poured my heart into every continent, every country, and every person I could.
I loved into Tomadi and Dhavini and their sweet little hearts. I played hangman and helped them with their homework. I let them sit on my lap for hours and just hold them.
I love Punam and Sanju and the way the Lord is working in them. I helped feed Punam when he would come to soup kitchen high on glue. I ran around with Sanju and his little girl, spending the entire day laughing.
I loved Joel and Esther and all of the kids in Zim. I would run around with Blessing. I would throw Joel up in the air and run around with him on my back. I would sit on a swing with Esther and just cuddle. I would help Nakku eat. I would giggle with Sammy. I would run around and play soccer with all of the kids until I thought I was going to fall over. I taught some of them how to ride a bike and got to know some of the sweetest people I’ve ever worked with.
I love Lolo, Lumba, and Lulu, the three craziest boys I ever met. I played Temple Run and Dots with them. I ran around outside with them and the dogs. I got a nickname from them and would spin them around and throw them up in the air. I would get goodnight hugs and kisses and would be greeted with excited giggles and excitement every morning.
I loved Tias and Holiness. I played soccer with Tias often. I would sit and play with him and the puppies we found. I would be greeted by Holiness with a massive hug and a kiss. I would give her a big cup of juice and bread, and beg her to come back and see me the next day.
I loved Oda, Katty, and Kimberly. I loved that Oda was the quietest, but had so much love to give. I loved the Katty was the smallest, but never let that hold her back from playing with the big kids. I loved that Kimberly was the craziest, but was the sweetest friendship.
I’m so grateful for every ministry host, volunteer, and coworker I’ve had on this trip. I’m so grateful for everyone I waved to in passing, everyone I tried speaking English to, and every child I simply smiled to. I’m so grateful for every kid I hugged, every person I got to pray for, and everything I was taught by the people around me. I’m so grateful to every one of you that prayed for me, supported me, and sent me encouraging messages. I’m so grateful for the laughs, the tears, the hellos, and the goodbyes. I’m so grateful for everything I learned, every way I grew, and experience I had.
Although this season is over, a new one is starting. A season of being in one place. Of pouring into my people at home that actually speak my language. A season of loving everyone in a new way than I have these last nine months. A season of living at home, being a normal adult with a job, bills, and school. A season of being pushed in new ways, of feeling uncomfortable in what used to be my comfort zone, and sharing everything I’ve learned with you. I’ll be home in less then two weeks. Let’s get coffee, okay?
Love, Tara.
