Our time in Zimbabwe is coming to a close. I have learned so much about God from a peaceful and loving people. I have developed many of my gifts, built so many relationships, and ate a caterpillar. That was weird. Soon, we will have to say goodbye to the entire church.
They (oh, the infamous they) told us that goodbyes would get easier as the months went on. After our first month in Kosovo, I thought Thank God it gets easier because I don’t think I can handle another goodbye like this.
Who ever this “they” is, well they lied. If anything, the goodbyes have gotten harder. So. Much. Harder. It would be easier to not build these relationships. I wouldn’t feel the heartbreak. But thankfully, I know that the pain is worth it. It is just showing me how much I love these people.
These are my boys. For three weeks, I was able to hear their stories, challenge their faith, and just hang out and have fun. Group 4 definitely the best small group at Activ8 youth group at the Bulawayo Baptist Church. My boys are so talented and full of wisdom. We dug deep and asked hard questions like, “Why do I believe in God?” and “How do I get closer to God?” They really engaged in the discussions and applied the messages to their lives. I’m so proud of them and how much they have grown over the short time together.
I’m not a crier. But my heart was wrecked when we said goodbye. It’s hard knowing that next week, I’ll be at debrief and they’ll be learning a new aspect of God without me. As hard as it is, I know that God only gave us this amount of time for a reason. For them to learn and for me to remember how much I love discipling teens. A part of my heart will remain here with this group forever.
