After leaving our ministry site in Transnistria on Sunday, the first thing I did when I skyped with my parents was…….cry.
Saying “goodbye” or, my preferred statement, “see you later” was already difficult at the beginning of the race, when I had to say it to everyone back home.
Saying it this time has been difficult on an entirely different level, the main reason being I don’t know when I’ll see these people again…if I’ll ever see them again.
Sure, I’m pumped for the kickin’ party we’ll get to have in Heaven one day.
But the chances of me seeing many of them again in this life are slim.
Ergo,
When I left Transnistria, I had to say goodbye (instead of “see you later”) to some truly wonderful people…many of them being kids from our daily children’s program.
Here are just a few of the Lord’s children I got to meet:
Nastia: Oh, Nastia. 🙂 This precious girl’s hand was glued to mine probably the most out of all the kids at the program. She enjoyed playing with my watch, and by the end of the day I’d have to reset it. She’s also the same little girl who drew hearts throughout my journal (see previous blog).
Volva: Ahh, this little boy was just too precious. After giving another kid a goodbye hug one day, I could tell he wanted a hug, too, but didn’t know how to initiate it. So, I smiled, bent down, and opened my arms up for him. Immediately a smile came across his face and his hesitancy turned into a full on embrace. He hugged me freely after that.
Marsha: There was just something about this girl that said leader and example. Her positive attitude was contagious amongst the kids, and I noticed that even though she typically won many of the games we played (she had some skills!), she never seemed to brag about it to the other kids.
Danic (aka “Forrest”): Haha! This little stud/future cross country runner always had a smile on his face. Candice and I couldn’t help but laugh and think of Forrest Gump every time we saw this kid. His smile and goofiness melted our hearts.
Ella: What to say about this girl? I was always taught in youth ministry courses that the most misbehaved and even annoying students are often those who need love the most. I don’t know what her home life is like, but I can only hope and pray that the love and attention we showed her (especially when it was most difficult to give) had an influence on her life.
The most difficult part of leaving is that I may never know what will become of these children. I may never know if they decide to follow after the Lord. All I can do is pray that others will continue where we left off, and go even further with them.
Not only did I say goodbye to some wonderful children, but I also had to part ways with two very special people from the church.
One of them happened to be a certain little 7 year old I sat with during church on Sundays. It was Miss Liza, the Cindy-Loo-Who-look-alike from the previous blog.
I can’t explain what it was, other than I simply adored her, and from what her parents told me the feeling was mutual. Before I left on Sunday, her mother gave me a beautiful hand-stitched doll she and her husband made, that was fashioned in the likeness of their daughter. Her mother said she wanted me to have something that would remind me of Liza and all the special moments we had together. Of course, you can imagine, I started to bawl when that happened.
My second painful goodbye came with my good friend, Liuda.
This last month I became friends with a 16 year old girl from the church, and while I could say a bajillion and one things about how truly incredible she is, I’ll just share a few details.
Liuda grew up in an abusive environment, and I can’t even fathom some of the things she’s gone through.
What absolutely blows my mind about her, though, is how much love, grace, forgiveness, and courage she has. Even though she still receives backlash for attending church, her fervor and faith in God is unwavering. Her determination to spread God’s love no matter who or what stands in her way is encouraging and convicting.
I’m so thankful the Lord put her in my life, and I’ll always treasure our friendship.
I assume you understand now why I bawled to my parents after leaving Transnistria. I opened my heart to the people there and loved much.
Yes, saying goodbye and leaving them was painful and saddening.
Was it worth it though……..?
Oh, you better believe it.
