I’ve left my heart in 11 countries

May 19, 2013

It takes a lot to get me to cry. I tend to be the kind of person to maintain my composure, to keep things in a positive perspective, or at the very least, hold it together until later when no one is around. Especially goodbyes, I like to view them more as “see you later’sâ€� or now, “we’ll talk on Facebookâ€�.  It’s easier when you do it that way.

Then yesterday, we drove away from our last official ministry site. When we arrived at the beginning of the month I got out of the van and was greeted by a very excited 3 year old who wrapped her arms around my neck like I was her long lost friend and wouldn’t let go. This child turned out to live right next door to us and visited frequently. We affectionately called her ‘Boo’ because she reminded us so much of Boo from the movie, Monsters Inc. We even taught her to say “Mike Wasawski� and let her and her friends watch the movie on my laptop. In her mind, we belonged to her, and she’d fight any other kid who tried to take our attention for even a minute. Trying to teach a child who doesn’t speak the same language as you to share is not an easy task.

As we packed yesterday, Boo climbed into the van to hide. As we loaded our bags, she got grumpy and started whining. As we hugged her goodbye, took last pictures and climbed into the van she got upset. As we drove away, she finally burst into heart-felt sobs that the stickers and candy I’d given to distract her couldn’t begin to make any better. And my heart shattered. Again. She, like most of the kids I’ve met along this race, doesn’t understand any English and doesn’t understand why racers come and go so quickly. These are the hardest goodbyes, the ones that don’t understand. The ones that we have absolutely no way of staying in contact with. These are the goodbyes that bring tears to my eyes, as another piece of my broken heart stays behind forever. There have been countless people, from every country, from the amazing people that cooked for us, to the random people we’ve worked alongside in ministries, and of course, the children.

 

 

 

I wish there was a way I could visit each country on a regular basis, to go back and continue to be a part of these amazing peoples’ lives.  I wish I could be there to encourage them when they need encouragement, to hug them when they need a friend, to watch the children grown up, and most importantly to encourage their walk with Christ. My prayer is that all of these people know that even though I leave, I leave a big chunk of my heart with them. I won’t forget them, their faces are permanently etched into my heart. I will look at their pictures and remember the wonderful times we had and pray they have many more moments like those. And I pray that they continue to have people come into their lives after me to continue to encourage them and love them and be a friend for them. And most importantly, I pray that all of these children and adults know that the root of that love is from Christ, and that no matter what, HE will NEVER leave.

 

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” Psalm 13:5