When I signed up for the race, I knew I was going to have to get better at saying goodbye.
I have moved a lot and been forced to say a lot of goodbyes to people I truly love, but I’ve never been good at it. I usually act like nothing is going to change and then at the very last minute say a quick, unemotional goodbye. I always felt this was easier than really having to deal with actually saying goodbye and all the emotions that come along with it.
Leaving El Salvador was hard.
I fell in love with not only the kids at the orphanage, but with the staff, our contact and his family, and everyone I met. I loved it there. They truly opened their hearts, home, and arms to us and treated us as on of their own.
The weekend before we left, we were treated to a weekend at the beach with the girls!! We got to hang out, cook good food, lay out in the sun for hours, and go exploring by the beach! We had so much fun getting to kick back with the girls and enjoy our last weekend together.
One night Tio Bob’s wife, Maricella, translated for us as we shared our testimonies with the girls. It was so amazing to get to share our stories with them, then see them come up and want to share their broken stories with us!! It was such a sweet moment when one of the girls came up to me and in English (YAY, we taught them some English!!) said, “Our stories are very similar. I love you!” She then gave me the biggest, fullest hug! My heart was so happy. How could you not fall in love with such beautiful, loving people! Just another instance that God is confirming that my story WILL be used for His glory.
The night before we left, the kids threw us a going away party! It was precious. We were served authentic Salvadorian food and got to watch the kids perform traditional Salvadorian dances. They presented us with sweet little gifts and lots of hugs! We got to share a little video we made for Bob and Maricella with everyone! I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.
That very same day, we had to say an especially hard goodbye to one of our teammates. She had hurt her back and been injured for a week and a half. After a very eventful visit to the hospital (yes, we have fun even in the hospital on the world race), it was decided that she needed to go home to recover for the next month. Although it was just a goodbye for a few weeks…it made this day even harder for our team.
(shawna we love you!!)
For the first time in my life, I didn’t avoid goodbyes.
I embraced my broken heart and loved on those kids and precious people one last night. They had instantly become family to our team. I let them love on me through their hugs, sincere words, and genuine goodbyes…and I loved every minute of it. I had such a peace leaving…knowing that you don’t really have to say goodbye forever when it’s with other believers. 🙂
To everyone at Mi Casa Kids: We love you, We miss you already, and we will never forget the love and hospitality you offered our team. You are beautiful and wonderful people! We were so blessed to join in what God was doing there and leave knowing He has so much in store for each of you!! And let’s be honest…I think we all hope we get to make it back to visit some day 🙂
