June

Delicia, me, Naomi: housemates

June is a hard month at HOPAC. Although the end of the school year usually brings joy to teachers and students alike, in a missionary community, it also brings the season of good-byes.

As a teacher, about the third to last week of school, I'm saying "Come on, end-of-the-year." But by the time the last week of school rolls around, I'm saying "What? Already? Can't we have just a little more time together?"

This year is no exception, especially as there are many leaving HOPAC and Dar for good: families who have been the pillars of our community, prayer warriors, HOPAC leaders, small group girls, friends at church, a housemate. (Naomi, below)

It's hard to have so many good-byes at the same time and to be leaving Dar myself for two months, knowing I'll be returning to a somewhat different community. At the same time, I am thankful for so many friends who will still be in Dar, at HOPAC, at church. And as one friend said, "I am ready to open my heart again" to new friends.

I find myself longing for the day when there will be no more good-byes, no more transitions. I am comforted by the knowledge that my citizenship is in Heaven and I entertain the thought that in Heaven, all of my 'groups' will get to meet all of my other 'groups' in one joyful, never-ending, Jesus-hosted reunion.

But still, June is hard.