Like most people, I hate goodbyes. They are funny things. I think we can learn a lot about our relationships with other people in how we say goodbye. In Acts, Paul said a very sad goodbye to the leaders of the church in Ephesus. They were all weeping. It was a sad occasion because they loved him, and they didn't want to see him go.
There are some people who I got to watch leave this weekend who were loved like Paul. Because of their great ministry and fellowship here in Lima, it was hard to see them go. Some people had sad goodbyes, knowing they may never return to this city, and may not see some of the people they have come to love so dearly. Some people left hopeful, expecting to return soon, parting with short hugs and lots of See-you-soons.
I realize now how much I love each of the students who have made up the body that was CCBC Lima this semester. As I said goodbye, and thought that I may never see them this side of heaven, my eyes began to water, and my chest got heavy. This summer, and next semester, I will miss my girls.
I will miss Ina. The lighthearted joy that she used to illuminate each room she entered. I will miss her cute style and her knowledge of Japanese culture that was appreciated by man a Peruvian.
I will miss Lauren (who has not yet left) and her beautiful smile, that rarely departs from her face. I will miss her desire to encourage and to love all who let her in. I will miss her simple faith and easy friendship.
I will miss Rosalie. She was someone who I didn't know that well last semester, but who I have come to love more each day. She is beautiful inside and out, and I love to see how the Lord is continuously using her willingness to serve Him and others.
I will miss Emily, my roommate. I will miss her great mix of North and South American culture that allowed for a great bridge between the two worlds. I will miss our late night conversations and our after lunch naps. I will miss her desire to serve God and to glorify Him in her weakness.
I will miss Andrea. I will miss her desire to make friends with those who are so different from her. I will miss her honesty, and her Colombian sense of humor that lightened many awkward situations. I will miss her ability to find beauty in anyone.
I will miss Lara. I will miss her love of knowledge, and her personality. I will miss her willingness to do whatever may be necessary. I will miss her care that she easily gives to be our nurse-at-hand in the jungle or on the beach. I will miss her... but not yet; she is here til July.
I will miss Holly. I will miss her love for Peru, and for the girls. I will miss her desire to see herself grow into a woman who can be used by God. I will miss her desire to see others have the same opportunity.
I will miss Carolina. I will miss her quiet smile, that sometimes bursts into uproarious laughter. I will miss her sweetness and her beauty. I will miss her morning greetings that didn't make me wish for a second cup of coffee before replying.
I will miss Megan, my sweet friend from Flagstaff. I have come to love her like a sister, and seen her grow. I will miss her crazy dancing, and her desire to serve others. I will miss her silly secrets and laughter. I will miss her rebuke and honesty that has caused me to grow, and her quick forgiveness.
I will miss my Shirley! I will miss our wordless conversations across the table. I will miss her forgetfulness, and her easygoing personality. I will miss my companion who loves food and sleep as much as I do. I will miss our Saturday trips to the bakery and walks to her mom's house. I will miss our times spent teaching each other our language and our culture. I will miss her knowing exactly when there is something wrong.
I will miss my girls. I know God has great things for each of them, and that one day we will share our stories of His great work in and through us. I can hardly wait.
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