Countdown

Today, two of my close teacher friends, Chris and Yo, came to church with us and to lunch afterwards. As we ate, we talked about Brazil and the date we are leaving. I thought about the other dates that we have counted toward together: Christmas break, Spring break, summer vacation--even the days until school started! (Are teachers like "Rainman" or what?!) I've known them for almost 14 years and now in only 14 days, I'll be saying goodbye to them, not knowing when I'll see them again. (I know that sounds dramatic...but it's the kind of day I've had, okay?!) Countdowns can be exciting because they usher in a new chapter of our lives. The tricky part is that in the midst of that excitement, we can experience intense grieving for the chapter of our life that is ending. We've been praying about Brazil for over 2 years and know that God has called us there...but that doesn't make the goodbyes any less painful. Life is full of paradox--the Bible says to be first you must be last, to find your life you must lose it, to enter the kingdom of God you must be like a child, to be great you must become a servant. Since my hope and trust is in this Author of paradox, I must embrace the joy and the sorrow as gifts from Him. I love you all and will miss you so much!