I haven’t made it through a church service since we have been back without crying. The words of a song remind me of losses we’ve experienced. Truths I’ve painfully learned are brought to mind by the sermon. Being surrounded by friends and family is so wonderful it hurts. Call it the result of exhaustion, joy, grief, adjustment, whatever. The fact is something always strikes me hard enough to bring me to tears.
We’ve been doing a lot of processing of these last four years. Debriefing at MAF headquarters, picking out pictures to show people, preparing our presentation for churches, and answering lots of questions have naturally walked us through this first term again. It has brought back to mind the good and the hard.
Each time I find myself in tears I am reminded that Bunia is now a permanent part of our lives. The things God has shown us and the lessons we have learned will remain with us no matter whether we are on this side of the ocean or the other. Who knows how long the memories will result in tears for me. As much as I hate having to have tissues within easy reach, I know it is a good thing that I can’t just leave it all behind me. God has been at work not only through us but in both Joey and I. My prayer is that all of this will help us walk with greater faith and trust in God and as we share our stories, that others will be encouraged in their walks as well.
~Kathleen
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” ~Hebrews 10:23-25
