the awkward week
We have finally arrived at our very last week living in Barahona. I have decided to call this week "the awkward week". It is the in between stage of leaving something old and arriving at something new.
This is the week when on Monday you see someone and don't know whether to say "good-bye" or "see you soon," because Friday might sneak up, and you may or may not have seen them again. So you say an awkward "Well, I hope to see you later but if not..." You give them a hug but don't want to be too serious about it because you just might see them again in a couple days and have to go through the good-bye all over again.
This is the week when half of our stuff is packed in suitcases, half is in boxes and half is out still being used. When on Thursday we will be eating our cereal out of styrofoam bowls because everything is finally in boxes. When on Monday, we will leave our house and it will be empty and we will close the door for the last time.
It is the week of "lasts." Our last chinola juice. Our last drive to the beach. The last time our friends will stop by to play games until late in the night. Our last time to eat chicken, rice and beans (halleluja!). The last time I will get whistled at by the Macho men. Our last time to go to the villages and hug the most beautiful kids ever.
This is the week when we don't know whether to show our smiles in excitement for going home or hold back tears saying good-bye. So we do both. And some people will understand our awkwardness because they know what it means to leave. And others will wonder if we are really truly sad to leave or doubt if we really want to go home cause they have never left.
So here we go...with awkward hugs and good-byes because who really knows how to say good-bye to a people who have loved you and have taken you in.
I guess the great part of all of this is that "los que dicen adios nuca vuelven" - "those who say good-bye never return." So maybe we won't have to say good-bye after all. Just a hug and a "see you later" will do just fine.
K&M
1 comments:
='( I can't believe how quickly time goes by!! It's been a year and a half since we met you two at the airport. And a year and a half of you guys always asking us, "When are you moving to Barahona?" ha ha ha And we're so sorry that we missed living near you two. But we're SO grateful to have met you and have gotten to spend as much time as possible with you.
I don't understand why I'm so sad. I mean, I do! But it's strange... You guys live 4 hours away from us. We see you every, what?...3 or 4 months? ...But the fact you're moving FARTHER away from us makes me sad!! ='( BUT, and I have to say 'BUT' to create a happy side to this note. =') BUT, I'm glad you guys have experienced ALL that you have down here! I praise the Lord for the impact YOU have made on this country, the kids of Barahona, and the mission. I praise the Lord for the impact this country, the kids of Barahona, and the mission have made on you! THANK YOU for your service!! THANK YOU for your love! THANK YOU for your humble and obedient hearts! ...and yummy cookies!!! ;) We wish you well as you return to Seattle and begin a new chapter in your lives. Please don't forget that our door is ALWAYS open!! And please don't forget that we'll always love you! We promise we'll visit you when we return to Washington for a visit! ..WOW, LOTS of exclamation marks!!!! ha ha ha It's my sincerity. Ok long note. Love you guys!
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