If your anything like me goodbyes are very hard, and quite frequent in my 18 years. Ill say it about 15 times before I actually leave and my heart aches as I walkaway. I wish so much I could just walk away and that would be it, but there truly is such good in goodbyes.
In my time in Asia between two countries I had three ministries all in different locations. Every time it was the same thing. Get attached and leave, three weeks later.
Coming into my ministry in Malaysia I had the attitude of “Im not going to get close my heart can’t take it”. Not the best I know, but in all honesty my heart was hurting and burdened by all these goodbyes.
Knowing myself no matter how many times I told myself these things I was going to get attached no matter what. What can I say, I love talking with new people and making new relationships too much.
So I got attached, a lot. This group of girls is simply amazing in every way. They are beautiful, unique, loved, and valued. I got to build friendships with them in ways I haven’t before on the race. I knew these girls. I knew their hobbies, fears, hopes, ambitions, and dreams. Knowing that when I leave might be the last time I see them and never know if anything ever comes true. It sucks, it really does.
As much as I would love to stay with these girls and continue to build friendships, it was time to leave. Asia has run its course and now its time for the next part of life.
Goodbyes are hard, but as corny as it sounds there truly is good in goodbyes.
I left this ministry knowing I poured out everything I had to these girls.
I left this ministry with learning many lesson and growth came out of that.
I left this ministry with a joyful heart.
These are the things that matter. These are the people and memories that God blessed me with. It is all good.
-Libby
