Time to Say Goodbye: 2015

These are simultaneously the most beautiful weeks and the most heartbreaking weeks of the entire school year. Las Despedidas (the Farewells). (Pictures to come)

Several members of our close-knit school community are transitioning out. For some, we've known for awhile that they were leaving after this school year. For months, we held tight to those precious moments together, those "normal" ways that these people are regularly part of our lives and daily interactions. Meanwhile, we've been pushing back the thoughts that want to burst into tears, thinking that next year, these moments won't be the same. In fact, these experiences might never exist again.

One of the best parts of living in an international Christian community is the depth of relationships that are formed. As we say good-bye, we celebrate what these people have offered us, this season of being neighbors and face-to-face friends, and we are so thankful to have been loved so well.

So this piece is dedicated to those people:

As I stand here, at our final goodbye dinner, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I have been surrounded by "these people."

The people who greet you at the airport, introduce you to the local stores, and walk you through Albrook Mall without getting lost.

The people who show you how the bill system works, where the bus stop lunch place is, and how to navigate your way through the Circle of Death.

The people who share countless road trips cross-country Panama, exploring Spanish ruins, black sand beaches, coffee plantations, and the all important Quesos Chela!

The people who you exchange smiles with at morning devotions, knowing what they're thinking without them saying it. The people whose laugh you hear in the hallway, and you're drawn out of your seclusion to join them in reminiscing over student antics or simply celebrating all that is life.

The people that invite you into their family life and spend time counseling and sharing honest stories long after the kids have gone to bed. 

The people who were newbies at the same time as you--with whom you shared many firsts and lots of laughter at failed attempts and U-turns. 

The people who witnessed and encouraged the healing and transformation process from when you first came, and the people who lovingly and patiently helped shape who you are today.

The people who ultimately reminded you that you had purpose and to not give up. 
"God's story is not finished."

These people are leaving.. 

They are leaving their mantle,
passing the baton, appointing the next in line. 

The goodbye is not easy. Like velcro ripping away. The sound lingers long after these people leave, the thoughtful memories and throwbacks to earlier times.

These people leave
us with inspiration: "What does it mean to stay well?"

We will continue to contemplate this question.

For next year,
we become "these people."