Always Saying Good Bye

I love that God has called me to be a missionary. At 26, I have more stories of “this one time (enter crazy thing that should never happen – i.e. monkey stealing my shoe)” than most will have in their entire life. God has allowed me to live in constant adventure (whether overseas or “home”) and I love it! I am so blessed by the experiences I get to have, the memories I get to cherish, and the vast amount of friends I get to call mine.

If there were ever a downside to mission work, it is the constant farewells. I feel as though I am always saying good bye to someone – whether I am leaving or they get to go on the adventure, someone is always going. I love knowing people all over the world, and I mean ALL OVER! As I type these words, I can name it least one person on each continent (minus Antarctica because that is just nuts). Many are doing ministry, and I get to cheer them on from afar, just as they cheer me on. Some are working in another aspect – teaching English, humanitarian work, the like. And some were simply born somewhere else, and their lives carry on in their home country. Basically, someone is always coming or going, and is by far my least favorite part of being a world traveler!

Over the last three years or so, I have sent others off on their adventure. I love watching the excitement fill their face as they are sent off to go make memories that will last forever. I enjoy it because I know that feeling well. It runs in my blood (along with all the coffee – I question how much blood I actually have). This time, it is me who says farewell. For over a year, I have eagerly awaited my departure to Uganda with Africa Inland Mission. I have faced challenges that delayed me, and have (tried to) patiently wait for God to say, “Alright, now you can go,” and the moment finally came. Oh the joy that fills my heart, as my ears are filled with the sounds of the plane engines that carry me across the world. My turn has arrived.

In the past month, I said farewell to more people than I can count! Over the past three years, I have developed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. I have been changed for the better because of their love and support, and my human mindset wonders how I can go on without them. But I praise God because He blesses us far beyond our mindset, and He longs to care for us. God used these people in my life, and He already has new friends set out for me. They too will challenge, strengthen, encourage, and support me. I choose to rejoice in the friendships now, and anticipate those to come.

As I have prepared to go, I have taken the opportunity to appreciate the relationships I have been given. Far too often in life, we don’t stop to appreciate those we interact with on a daily basis. I constantly witness people losing a loved one, and living in regret because they lost the opportunity to express what their lost loved one meant to them. I am guilty too. Yet, I have been given the chance to appreciate every person in my life.

Here is an ode to the different groups of people in my life.

New Heart

This church has blessed me to my bones! As they adopted me into their church, they taught me what it means to be a part of “a church family.” Although my background is far different than their own, they love me to a point where I forget our differences. They pray earnestly for me, and expect me to do the same for them (a task I gladly accept). They invite me into their homes, and teach me about their cultures. And they let me love their kids – which I do with my whole heart!

On my last service with them, they embraced me with so much love. I mentioned my organization likes us to be commissioned by our sending church – nothing extravagant, just a few minutes of the service. I should have known better than use those words to a bunch of Africans! Apparently all the leaders got together, saying, “we can do better than a couple minutes. Let’s make it the whole flipping service! And let’s make Mary stand up front for most of it!” … that probably isn’t a direct quote, but I am almost sure that is what was said behind closed doors. I was lifted in prayer, encouraged with scriptures, and sent in love. The entire service was beautiful. My favorite moment was when all the kids came forward to pray for me. My entire time at New Heart, I had the opportunity to love these kids with the love of Jesus, which made their prayers so sweet. Although some would see them as “just kids” they prayed the most powerful prayers! So many people pray that God will protect me, or tell me to be safe. And these are great things in life, but living as a missionary, these are a luxury. I may have to live a moment dangerously so that He may be glorified. If that moment comes, I pray I will embrace it for the sake of the gospel. And that is how these kids prayed – maybe not in those exact words, but their emphasis was on the spread of the gospel. My heart soars with pride for my African babes!

As I go, I take them with me. I take their prayers, courage, and love of the gospel. I embrace their urgency to see Christ glorified. I cherish their memories in my heart. As I do this, I know the gospel will spread.

Some of the kids that I got the chance to loving

The "Mary Dance" with Mama Pastor and my best friend Kelly

ELC

What a journey I experienced with this place. I was originally hired six weeks before I left for Redeemer House. When I accepted the job, I thought I was going to leave in April, giving me a few months under my belt before quitting. But instead they bumped it to November, which meant I quit the day after I received my nametag. As I left that first time, they sent me with love. They encouraged me to embrace this once in a lifetime opportunity, and never made me feel guilty for only working six weeks.

As I was gone, I kept in contact with a few people. I returned to Boise, and just knew I needed to spend more time at the ELC. I spent almost three years loving on the families and fellow staff. We have laughed with each other, cried with and for each other, and of course laughed so hard we cried at each other (just a friendly reminder that a circumcision and an exorcism is NOT the same thing). I grew so much in my boldness within these walls – a scary thought for some. As I cared for young children, I continued to develop my passion, as God orchestrated my calling. I learned how to walk alongside families, together raising their children (something I have become very passionate about, and plan on carrying with me into Uganda). I became a better teacher, as I dealt with a vast variety of personalities.

A week before I left, I went to say a final farewell to these beautiful people. Oh, how challenging it was! I ended up spending most my day among them, and it did my heart good. I stole so many tearful hugs that I will carry with me to the other end of the world. I take their love in my heart. I cherish all the laughter, and carry it in my soul for days that I don’t feel like laughing. I embrace their caring spirit, and choose to passionately care for the needs of those around me. I know I can handle what is to come because they have shaped me.

Some of my coworkers at a farewell lunch -- Mexican food of course!

Family

I don’t know if I could ask for a more supportive family. My mom always jokes that she knew I was going to be a missionary before I did. And she would be right. But she and everyone else encouraged me to follow my crazy dream of being a hair dresser (because trusting this overcaffeinated ginger with scissors near your head sounds like a safe choice). Then when I came to terms with God’s will for my life, they jumped right on board. I know loving a daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, niece, from halfway around the world is not a first choice, but here they are rocking it! They love me and encourage me to fight for the gospel, and I couldn’t ask for it any other way.

As I leave, I take with me their love. I remember their encouragement, and store it away for the days I need it most. I cherish the fact they choose to walk this journey with me.

Friends

I have a large number of friends that don’t fit any category, which makes something like this a little difficult. Each one chooses to walk alongside me. They put up with my crazy ideas, and often are eager to participate. More often than not, I am the instigator, and I am okay with that. Each one brings their own memories. Each one placed in my life at the most beautiful time – for my growth or for theirs. I thank God for each friend, as we journey together.

With each friend, I take away something unique. Each are cherished. Each taught me something grand. Each are loved for a lifetime.

Ice cream is a key part of any friendship!

Me and my friend Cassie (missionary in Thailand -- she is pretty cool) very excited over this box of chips... I don't remember the context...

Nicole is probably my oldest friend. So we like to act old by hand writing letters and sending them through the mail!

Some college friends at a graduation

And as I leave, I thank God. For He orchestrated each of these relationships. He used them to mold me into the missionary He chooses to send. As I thank Him for His great mercies in this area, my heart is overwhelmed with love for all who have impacted my life. As I say farewell, I hold onto each cherished relationship, knowing they prepared me for ministry among the Karimojong. Even if it’s difficult, I am blessed.