So Hard to Say Goodbye

This morning I woke up after 2 1/2 hours of sleep. It's 4a.m. and I am dreading the next 6 1/2 hours. I roll out of bed, become coherent enough to stand and stumble out the front door and into the van. We're going to drive the two Thailand teams to the airport. It's time for everyone to leave for outreach. The north island team left after lunch yesterday. It was a tunnel of tears and prayers as they got in the van and drove away. This morning as I watched my roomate and some of the coolest girls I've known get into the van I pondered. I was am SO excited for what they are about to do! Go out into the world and spread the love of Christ. But absolutely heartbroken to see them leaving. Kristin K. has one of the most amazing hearts of prayer. When that girl prays something actually changes in her voice and you can hear God speaking words through her. Katie, who can make anyone I know laugh and teaches the truth of God, my wonderful roomate with a heart of gold, who sees people through Gods eyes. Two teams leaving, both full of vibrant, God loving, wonderful people. We drove them to the airport and after they checked in we stood on the viewing deck waving at their plane and dancing around until their plane took off. It's inevitable, someone had to have a window seat and seen us... I hope they just laughed...

We got back to the base and ate breakfast and then it was time for two more teams to leave. Nelson, and Wanaka (both in the south island) Hannah, a beautiful daughter of God with childlike faith and a smile that lights up a room. She brings utter joy to me! And Katie and Amy.... Two of the most increble woman of God that I have ever met in my life, and some of my very best friends. Both of whom I have never seen put themselves before others, and have servants hearts to the core. As they were leaving I couldn't help but cry. Cry harder than I have in a LONG time. I just can't imagine my time here without them anymore. It breaks my heart to think that I won't see them in the morning during breakfast, laugh at nothing everyday...

I bless all of them as they travel through out the world spreading the gospel. I pray protection over them, and for boldness and strength to rise up in each of them. As the New Year comes I thank God for the chance I had with them here in Oxford, and pray to God that our paths will cross again, because my life can only be better with them in it!