The Things We Leave Behind

Our apartment is trashed. Our suitcases are empty. We both have projects we're still working on. You'd never guess by the looks of things that we're moving internationally tomorrow. There's so much to be done, so this will be our last post until we're in Minnesota again.

The last couple days, we've had to say goodbye to our friends that became our family. There's no good way to do goodbyes. There's never the dramatic music playing like we hear in movies. There aren't the quiet, one on one moments to say all the things we've built inside our imaginations; the hugs and whispers of affection always happen right in the middle of the chaos while everyone is watching and our minds are distracted by the activity around us. Did we get to say all the things we wanted to say? Probably not. But there aren't adequate words, so we'll simplify it to, "I love you."

When people ask us, "What were a few highlights of your time here?" we both joke at first about the amazing food and drinks we experienced; but then we seriously answer, "The people." It's hard to choose just a few pieces of our time with everyone to tell you all about. I'm sure Daniel and I will still be processing this all months down the road. But, the way we saw the people grow and learn and stretch together. The way they treat each other with love like real brothers and sisters. The way they speak about each other and sincerely look out for the best interest of others. The way that strangers welcomed us into their homes without knowing more than 20 words of English. The way our neighbor would knock on our door to show us the view from her balcony. The patience they exemplified when teaching us how to pronounce words or when they agreed to translate for us. The way they ask, "how are you," and really mean it. The countless cups of tea accompanied by conversations of depth and laughter. So much depth and so much laughter. These things and so much more we will miss.

So now as I begin to tidy our belongings and make sense of this current disaster, our hearts are slightly cracking from the pressure of the fullness of our time here. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude, joy, and love. The memories, relationships and experiences that happened here - these aren't the things we leave behind to fill with dust and nostalgia. These are the things we're taking with us, to motivate us, to encourage us, to remind us of God's faithfulness - to fill our hearts with hope and His promises of what is yet to come.

Thank you, Kostel Jinak; thank you, friends of Šumperk, for opening up your lives to us and giving us so much. Thank you, New Hope Church for your encouragement for this to happen. Thank you, friends and family in the States for sacrificing to allow us to do this. We are grateful.