The Process of Saying Goodbye….

Sunday the 4th was like feeling numb and yet from time to time a nerve ending would shoot off some pain. It was so good to see everyone and feel loved by their presence during our church service. I got through most of it without crying until the people began to share, then I got teary.

The hardest to say good bye to are the ones I wanted to have more time with. Fortunately I was able to pull folks aside and share from my heart the things I had been wanting to share. It was a great lesson to me to not allow one day go by without being honest with someone or sharing an encouragement or compliment someone. Even when the person looks like they won't receive it. Make the time, it can change their direction.

Saying goodbye to our things was harder than I expected. Not that I am attached to stuff, but our home, things turned into a flea market. Everything free and come and get it. I had to leave and not watch. It only lasted for a few moments and then I was distracted by showing some of my special friends things I had set aside thinking of them. That was very special for both of us.

Our Maribel family stayed all day Sunday and one special friend, Lindalva and her son, Pataca told me that whatever we don't take, they will take care of it for us including the cleaning of the house. That was a huge relief as in the midst of a move, when your running behind is thee greatest gift you can give someone!!! I have been in that position 2 times. The first time we left our house to come to Brazil and this time when we left our house to move back to the States.  I can only have thankfulness in my heart that my Daddy in heaven plans further ahead than I do and has all the arrangements under control! No sweat!

Leaving Monday morning was amazing too. Everyone returned to see us off for the last time, help in any way and take pictures etc. We planned on leaving by 10am but we didn't rush as there were a few last minute things to explain, orientate and of course those last minute good byes that were so precious. We left around noon and it was a hard goodbye. I didn't think I would have any more tears after that good bye. But sure enough we pulled into Uruara' and I had more there.

All in all the good byes are hard, but necessary. We are 4 steps away from our flight to the US on the 26th. We have 4 more places to say good bye and cry. I pray I can hold up and be strong yet tender.

Thank you Lord for getting me through to this point!

Here are some pictures of our time so far. Blessings!

Jan 4th, Sunday Morning Service

Jan 5th, Packing up and many came to help see us off

My sweet Dayane who was so  hard to break through with! I got a victory but feel like God will do the rest without me!!!!! I taught her to make cake and gave her all the stuff I used to make birthdays an important event!

My sweet Josi and two of her littles. She is one of my daughters in the Lord. She loves worship and will assume leading the church! May the Lord use her to do far more!

All my ladies who I love to pieces!

Maribel Family

More Maribel Family and our kids' favorite friends

My Carlinha who is studying Child Development to minister to kids one day on a deeper, healing level!

Girls that grew up with Makenna and Maddy in Maribel. They are living in Uruara' now studying as their folks are building a house in the city.

Girl friends with Maddy from Uruara'

Precious Cibele who makes me laugh and has such a sweet spirit!

My sweet Leonice who always opens her heart to me and makes me feel right at home….wherever she lives!

Leonice's husband, Nelson and Clyde. We joke that they could pass as family. Nelson is from a German background and a wonderful cook, craftsman and a miracle who is still in process!

Leonice and Nelson's girls, who made life long friendships with Makenna and Maddy

Departing Thoughts From Our Girls….

We are on the final days of our nearly 11 years here in Brazil and it’s been one emotional roller coaster. At least for me.

I have been the one melting down more than anyone. On occasion, Clyde will too when he’s talking to folks about leaving. The kids are more resilient with their emotions. So far they look forward to being with family. I’m sure their “saudade” or missing folks will come on the other side.

I asked the girls to write an exit essay. I wanted to share it with you. They have given me their permission to share with you all. I think it is interesting their perspectives and thought you might enjoy it.

Here are excerpts from Makenna’s essay:

“I personally would not change one thing about how God has planned my life. I am so blessed and lucky to be able to have grown up between two cultures and two languages. Most kids my age do not get the experience I got. Ten years of hard work and planting seeds into peoples lives. Ten years away from the comforts of our own culture. Ten years of growing up learning the Word of God. I’m not going to let those seeds die, and I hope to come back and water them.”

“Maddy and I are survivors of dengue. In case you don’t know what dengue is, it is a virus carried by a mosquito that gives you red spots on your body, high fever, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, body pains, dizziness, nausea and a stabbing pain in your eye when you look to the side. You will even reject your favorite meal, drink and snack. It lasts for about two non-stop pain weeks. “

“Now, after three years of living in Maribel, the community has a church. Dad is training some of the members of the church to become leaders. We have been friends with everyone. Mom and I became experts on cooking from scratch, cleaning fish, and learning what to do with meat that was killed half an hour ago. In the community, if someone kills game, they share it with the village. If their is a birthday party and you invite a couple people, the whole village comes. Our family feels like we have a family here.”

“Through all my adventures, moving, and fellowship with the Brazilians, it will be impossible to forget where I was brought up. Being raised in two cultures will always be a part of me.”

“Even though we will be far from Brazil and our Brazilian family, I will cherish them and they will always be in my heart.”

Excerpts from Maddy’s essay:

“I have experienced so many adventures as a pastor’s kid and missionary kid. I’ve lived in Brazil for the past ten years. It has been the most awesome experience of my life, so far.

“We have lived among ribeirinho people for three years on the Iriri river. A ribeirinho is a person that lives on the river and lives off of fish and land animals. These ribeirinhos get their money by fishing, harvesting rubber or mining gold. They have manioc crops and they grow a lot of fruits and vegetables like bananas, sugar cane, squash, green onions and more. They are very hospitable and relaxed. Once, we were doing missions on the river and my dad caught a fish. They made a fire, barbecued our fish and let us sleep in their house. In the morning, the got fruit and made coffee and cuzcuz.

God has blessed me with many things, but most of all with being a missionary kid and pastor’s kid. He blessed me by placing our family in Brazil. I will miss many things and many people, but I won’t forget the experiences I had in Brazil.”

As a mom and homeschooling mom, my heart delighted in their thoughts and articulation. I know God will use this fundamental time to build their foundation and that their perspectives will be different than all their friends they will hang out with. My prayer is that they don't feel their experiences were invalid when the mob of influences come.

Thanks for reading!