It’s been 23 days.
It feels like a lifetime ago when we got on that plane in Medellin, and, at the same time, it feels like only a few days ago when we stepped off that plane in San Andres. San Andres–my little Colombian surprise (who knew Colombia owns an island in the Caribbean?)!
My heart is overflowing from this month. The people I met–people I will never forget. The love I felt–love I will never forget. The things I did–things I will never forget. The time I had–time I will never forget.
And now that it’s time to leave, my heart feels like it’s being crushed into a million pieces.
I don’t want to leave. This place and these people do something crazy to my heart. My heart aches at the thought of not knowing when I will return.
Oh, Colombia… You’ve done it again! <3
You stole my heart 3 years ago, and you finally gave it back when I stepped off the plane in Medellin on May 31st. Here we are, almost a month later: You’re already breaking my heart, and I haven’t even left yet. My, oh my, how I will miss you. You hold some of my favorite people in this world.
But I wouldn’t trade this aching, breaking heart for the world, because…
It means that God brought me back to Colombia, after praying for 3 years, and He will do it again!
It means that I found a place that makes my heart sing like no other.
It means that I loved well, and that I was loved well.
It means that I gained even more family. (My family is growing so much this year!)
It means that I have memories that will last a lifetime.
Speaking of memories, here are some of my favorite from the month:
–These people… I will NEVER forget them.
–The first night: playing on the beach with our youth!
–The night I spoke at church.
–Colombian coffee
–Youth outreach charla/workshop (sharing ideas).
–The Sunday morning worship service, where I felt the Lord more strongly than I have ever felt Him before.
–Evangelism workshops
–Riding a motorcycle
–The boardwalk evangelism night
–Gathering around a tv with our people to watch Colombia play their first round in the CopaAmerica.
–Our last 2 days with our youth
–The love I have felt from people, and the love I have had for people.
–The smile our youth puts on my face, and the love they show us.
–Pastor Arnold surprising us in Medellin
The list could go on…but I can’t see the screen. Happy tears are currently making their way down my cheeks as I reminisce about the beauty of my time here, yet again. 🙂
My beautiful Colombia…
Until we meet again,
Ash
P.S. Thanks for breaking my heart. <3
