“Ohana means family, and family is forever.”-Lilo and Stitch
Yesterday I had to make one of the hardest goodbyes I have ever had to make. My wonderful hosts from Tak Fa were gracious enough to drive us to Bangkok. Although the van broke down twice and we had to fix a flat tire, I did not mind the extra 5 hours it added to our travel time. I dreaded the moment when we would have to say goodbye.
You see, these people were not just my hosts. In the course of two short months they had become family. I don’t use the term family lightly. It’s a big deal if I call someone friend, let alone family. Over time, they had woven themselves into my heart. Pastor Popcorn became like a father with his goofy jokes and spiritual guidance. Meaw was so adorable! I always wanted to pick her up and give her a huge hug. She made all of our meals, and consistently greeted us back home with a warm smile. She even made our eggs shaped like hearts in the morning! Ann, their daughter and our translator, became like a big sister to all of us. She helped us adjust to the cultural norms and helped us when we had no idea how to teach English. She taught us how to play Uno-Thai version-and regularly hung out with us in the evenings.
Then there were Kate, Tour, Joy, Eudy, Fuke, and Nes. They all helped us with ministry whenever they were able to. So many jokes were said and fun was had with this group of college-aged people! They too, became like brothers and sisters to me.
So, when it came to say goodbye, I was heartbroken. How could I say goodbye to this new family of mine, with the possibility of never seeing them again?
Honestly, I cried so hard when it came time to leave. I had spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with them. They had been my family when mine was thousands of miles away. I savored every last hug and word. It was a hard day.
Although there were tears and sorrow, somehow there was joy in midst of it. The hope and promise of meeting again in heaven – or when Jesus comes back to reign on earth – made saying goodbye possible. For us, family truly is forever.
This is why I do what I do. This is why I am half-way around the world. I want everyone to have the opportunity to have a forever family with God as our Father. I can’t imagine my life without mine.
May the King of kings bless you!!
~Ashlyn
From left to right: Me, Madison, Joell, Kate, Meaw, Pastor Popcorn, Mikaela, and Evie.
