06.23Departure Day…
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. —Philippians 1:3-5
Today we say our final goodbyes, then head to the airport to fly out tonight to Switzerland via Qatar.
Together, an immense sense of joy and the kind of hurting sadness that wells tears in my eyes every time I say goodbye to someone have marked our final few days here. Right now, I am at a loss; I simply don’t have the right words to express what it’s been like to exchange goodbyes to our loved ones in the township. Suffice to say it has been very hard and deeply meaningful. Perhaps I’ll have more articulate words once I have had more of a chance to reflect, but for now, as the African sun has turned today’s rainy morning bright, I appreciate the sentiments of a dear friend of ours from home: “Travel safely and well—letting the tears fall like rain on the parched soil. Beauty will blossom because of this.”
Thank you for your prayers as we travel to Swiss L’Abri, where we look forward to taking some time to process this incredible year in Africa, and then on to Aix-en-Provence and Paris, France. Arrival in the U.S.: July 9.
And please note: our physically leaving South Africa by no means marks an end to Mamelodi Stories. There are many posts we have “in the queue” to share—stories, photos, reflections—and as Lord’s work continues here, we intend to share it. So please stay tuned!
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I can only imagine the emotions welling up in you two right now after a year with those beautiful people, working together to worship God. Safe journeys, and please know that open arms are waiting for you here…an extension of the family of God you have been blessed to know more of this year. Love you guys!
June 23rd, 2009 at 9:19 am
We are praying for you and with great anticipation look forward to your safe arrival in Arkansas. Enjoy the coming rest and your last few weeks of travel! May the God of peace and all grace be with you…
Love,
Pops
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:12 am
I can’t wait for you to be back with us!!! But my heart is a little bit broken for you thinking about how hard it must have been to leave your Mamelodi family. I’ll be praying for you during this transition and processing time! Love you guys!
June 26th, 2009 at 10:03 am
What an incredibly beautiful gift to have such sweet relationships that leaving brings such bittersweet feelings. I feel I get so used to people, those I know and don’t know, that I devalue relationships in my own selfishness. We were meant to love, and even temporary separation causing such pain is a sign of spiritual health, especially when we look forward to the final and triumphant chapter in God’s story when there is not more sad parting. It’s been such a vicarious blessing to share in your investment. I hope we can build equally deep bonds when you return, with each other and the community we need to love right here in NC.
June 28th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Hi Guys
Trust you are well and that you are settling into life back in the US. The legacy that you left here is a wonderful foundation for others to build on. I love going out to the Powerhouse and seeing the fingerprints of your life all over the people. You did a great work. Mamelodi and her people are left a little better and allot more loved because of you.
July 23rd, 2009 at 6:38 am