Yesterday morning as church ended, Pastor Kaunda told the congregation that next Sunday will be our family’s last Sunday at Galilea UMC. He invited me up to say a few words.
When I got to the front and turned around to face the congregation no words would come. My eyes filled with tears and I just stood there staring at the faces I love. After what felt like a couple minutes, I turned to Kaunda and said, “I can’t.” He put his hand on my shoulder and said I could sit down.
That’s all I can say about that.
Kara, I had the same experience when leaving students in China. They had carried our cases to the train and put them up on the rack and neither they or we could say, “Goodbye.” We looked at each other with tears in our eyes but no words came. They filed out of the train and we waved but words seemed inadequate for the deep emotions we all felt. It is similar to Romans 8:26 where “the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
It might have felt embarrassing to you, but I bet what the others felt was love.
It’s like trying to put the Grand Canyon in a fish bowl.
They knew exactly what you weren’t able to speak aloud.
Remember these words – - “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love, the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. . . . When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain; but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.” You and the people of Malwi will always and forever be joined in heart.
Blessings on you as your approach the time of your departure from that country to return to this one. You have done great things for the Methodist people in Malawi, and no doubt your lives have been an example to all who have seen you living and working among them, whether they are church people or not. Likewise, the people of Malawi have done great things for you and your family. Your lives will forever be different because of them. It can be no other way.
Blessings!
Starr :o)
Remember the words of this hymn – - “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love, the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. . . . When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain; but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.” You and the people of Malwi will always and forever be joined in heart.
Blessings on you as your approach the time of your departure from that country to return to this one. You have done great things for the Methodist people in Malawi, and no doubt your lives have been an example to all who have seen you living and working among them, whether they are church people or not. Likewise, the people of Malawi have done great things for you and your family. Your lives will forever be different because of them. It can be no other way.
Blessings!
Starr :o)