Today was the first time I cried about leaving Fort Myers. It was during the communion service at church. As I accepted the bread from Pastor Stu and dipped it in the wine cup held by Dave Weinman, I was blessed to know that I could share this important sacrament with the church family that I have grown to love over the last view years. After I got back to my pew and watched people walk up one by one to receive the symbols of Christ's body and blood, I was sad to be leaving them and happy to have shared life with them. This afternoon, they blessed me with a goodbye party, and I was thankful for the love that was poured upon me. Tonight I get to hang out with the family that has become the most dear to me here—Dave, Susan, Paula, Christina, Daniel and Maddy.
In less than a week, I drive up to Orlando to begin work with Wycliffe Bible Translators. I am excited, scared and hopeful. Wycliffe is a big organization that has been around for a long time, and they are passionate about seeing the scripture translated into every language in the world. When I went through their museum several years ago, I was overwhelmed with the importance and power of God's word, and it's exciting to play a small role in helping others translate His words to those who have yet to hear the message of the Gospel.
My heart is breaking for what I am leaving behind at New Mission Systems International. So many wonderful memories haunt these buildings between Stella and Katherine streets. I have shed countless tears, laughed deeply, received love, and poured my heart and soul into these people and the ministry we have shared together.
And yet, I know the time has finally come for me to go.
There are more tears to come—tears that evidence the beauty of the relationships that God has blessed me with these last nine years, and for that, I am grateful.
