Yesterday was bittersweet. I took my ol' faithful dog Jesse to a new home. He'd been staying at my parents' house out of town for a few months because he was just too big for my little house with no fenced-in yard. Every time I visited my folks, I looked forward to him running out to my car, chasing me around the yard, and snuggling with me like he was a 65-lb stuffed animal. He is quite possibly the sweetest, most gentle animal in the world. But since I leave for Bolivia in a couple months, and since he was a little high-maintanence for my parents, I had to search for a good, new home for my friend. Last night was his first night with an incredible family who will no doubt treat Jesse like a prince! I couldn't have imagined a better home for him..and he probably couldn't either. What dog wouldn't want free range of the house and a one acre backyard? Still, I think I was secretly and selfishly hoping for the family not to like him so my parents could keep him and I could still see him.
It is very difficult, sometimes painful, to say goodbye. Only when it's gone does it seem that I really appreciate what I had. Maybe this was God's way of preparing me to say goodbye to people in a couple months. Although he's sending me to a new home and new family in Bolivia, there's nothing that can replace the space in my heart for my family and home here.
I am trusting that God is going to take care of my friends and family in my absence the way he is for Jesse. I want to cherish every moment I have with the people I love, try not to take them for granted, and let them know how thankful I am for them in my life. So to the handful of people that actually read this, I appreciate you and thank God for you. You have blessed me in more ways than I can express. As the reality of leaving the continent (sounds slightly more drastic than leaving the country!) for a couple years settles in, I want to remember Jehovah Jireh and his provision for people I love and for me. Friends and family, thank you for loving me so well. In the words from "Annie," "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
But no need to be too sad yet...I still have about two months. :)
