Difficult Goodbyes

Its tough to say, "Goodbye."  Its easier to say "Goodbye" when you know that no matter what you will see the person again.

A good friend ours, Dee, left Nicaragua in advance because his dad is in critical condition.  They are a close family - really tight - and he wants to say "Hi" or "Goodbye."  I hope it is "Hi" but, if it is "Goodbye" it will only be for a while because Dee and his family all have a single, final destination.

My dad found a lump under his arm.  They don't know what it is yet.  I am sure it is nothing but one day it will be something.  This is how life works and "Goodbye" will happen.  It will be tough.

Some "Goodbyes" are more difficult than others.  Some aren't difficult at all.  A well practiced "Goodbye" in my life was played out again as I left one of my spiritual fathers, Ramundo.  I feel no sorrow.  We share maybe one thousand words every three months and sixty-percent of those are through an interpreter.  However, I know that I will see him again and if not before he perishes then I know he will be praying for me until we meet in heaven.

Tomorrow will be "Goodbye" to another stint of working with God's people/my friends in Nicaragua.  I will again leave a place in which and a people with whom I have grown up as much, if not more, than in the United States.  A team will leave better than they came.  People will be left better than they were.  Another task is finished.  Another day dawns.

It is a sweet "Goodbye" because of accomplishment, of a future reunion and a return to my home work and most importantly - my family - my wife.