Hello My Friend,
It’s been over a week since I’ve seen you, and there hasn’t been a day that you haven’t been on my mind.
I’m in Malaysia now and am loving our new ministry and community, but I have to admit something…I miss you.
I miss seeing your smiles.
I miss walking across camp and hearing you say, “Hello, my friend” like we’ve known each other for years.
I miss the broken English and playing charades to understand what’s going on.
I miss sitting in your tent with your family, having tea, and the only conversation being learning how to say everyone’s names.
I miss moving you to your new temporary home.
I miss everything about our times together.
But that’s not why I’m writing this letter.
I’m writing you because I want to apologize. You see, I’m on this 11 month journey serving God’s people and sharing the Gospel, and we only had one month to spend in Greece. To be completely honest, I didn’t want to leave you.
So, I want to apologize for leaving…
…and actually, a few more other things while I’m at it…
I’m sorry I couldn’t get your family a bigger tent, or more blankets, or a pallet and tarp.
I’m sorry your children were all sick, and I couldn’t get you somewhere warmer for them to sleep.
I’m sorry that I couldn’t stop the riots.
I’m sorry that the camp is so full, and we have to move another family into your tent, so they aren’t sleeping outside in the cold.
I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for you.
With all of that being said, I also want to thank you. You are so beautiful and are making the best out of where God has you in this season.
Thank you for your kindness and hospitality.
Thank you for having so much joy in the midst of brokenness.
Thank you for teaching me so much in such a short amount of time.
Thank you for showing me that my heart can be so broken and so full at the same time.
Thank you for your sincere gratitude when you saw us.
Thank you for being such a blessing.
My biggest prayer to God is that you don’t have to be in this situation anymore. The world is so broken, and it breaks my heart that you felt so unsafe in your home country that you had to leave. I wish that wasn’t the case. I pray that while you are at the camp that you will make the most of everyday and know that God has you in this season for a reason. I pray that soon you will be able to leave and share your beauty, passion, love, and everything you have to offer to the world.
I love you, because Christ first loved us. I hope to see you again.
Emily
