Saying Goodbye

It's been a season of goodbyes. Almost a year ago, Allen Avery, our teammate, father, and mentor passed away. For the past month, I've been in South Africa helping Janelle close up the house in preparation for her move back to the United States. While I've been so thankful for the opportunity to be with her during this time, it's been very emotional.

There have been other goodbyes during this last year as well. We spent last October through February on furlough, and while I don't mind saying goodbye to the days of traveling, it's always hard to say goodbye to the friends and family we were blessed to connect with while we were there.

In January, we said goodbye to our teammates, Luis and Fernanda who returned to Brazil. Then this morning, I had yet another goodbye to face. Friends from SA that we've known for almost six years are immigrating to Australia and stopped by to see us.

I hate negative blogs, but face it. Goodbyes can hurt. Change can be emotional and lonely.

But there is a positive side to all of this. I'm reading through the Bible with the kids this year and I've been struck over and over of how God is with us. Every day. Every moment. Through good times and not so good times.

Here's what Moses said to Joshua. "Be strong and courageous. The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

If you're feeling overwhelmed today, lonely, or discouraged, turn to the One who created you. The One who longs for a relationship with you.

"See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry...But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

You can read the entire passage in Matthew 6:25-34

Be blessed today,

Lisa