We don't like "goodbyes"

 

So, this is our sweet "L" with my twin sis, who gave up her day to meet us at the airport and help us say goodbye to L. 

Oh, how I hate goodbyes!!!  I know they are a necessary part of life, but they are so so hard! As a family, we fall fast and love hard. I don't think we know how to love just a little bit. We give our whole hearts...especially if you come live with us for 1/4 of the year. So, goodbyes are pretty rough for us.

This goodbye was a little different though.       First of all, God rearranged our schedule so that our kids had to be out of town with a church commitment the same weekend we had to take L to the airport. Although it knew that would be sad, we all felt it would be best. There is a transition that takes place at the airport (when then kids from Ukraine pull away from their host families and bond with the kids they came with instead), that was heart breaking for our kids last time. They didn't want to say goodbye, and L seemed anxious to get away from us (which we are learning may not have been the case, but it has to be that way for transitioning). This is NOT a part of the journey we were looking forward to. So, God took care of that.  

So thankful that the "goodbyes" happened at home-in private-just the 6 of us-with a lot of love on both sides.  It was crazy hard to see L crying and sad to say goodbye (which didn't happen the 1st time as I mentioned ) but we were so pleased that the love and sad parting was mutual.

We had such a precious prayer time the night before L left, with all 5 of us praying over her, and then all of us crying (even her). While crying is obviously not fun, it is healthy at times and to see L's heart touched by our prayers was beautiful. We got to cry and hug each other for a bit then tried to make some jokes to lighten it up. 

Then all 3 girls cuddled up together, in the same bed, for the last night. It overwhelmed my soul to hear them giggling together and soaking up each moment. I am so so proud of my kids! They have sacrificed so much for us to have L, and have only a few times felt weary from the journey. They have poured so much love into this sweet and broken young lady. 

Fast forwarding to the next day, our kids hugged L goodbye (with more tears) and headed off to their events, while my Prince Charming and I took her to the airport.  I had the amazing privilege of sitting in the back seat and doing "L"'a makeup (yes, she is only 13  but in her culture it's very normal to wear makeup at an early age...and she was nervous about seeing her friends again). I was happy to help ease the transition with a bit of makeup!

Then Allen and I took the opportunity to let L know how much we love her and encourage her to read her Bible and follow Jesus when she gets home...and pray over her..,one. Last. Time.  I tried not to make it awkward by crying yet again. 

At the airport, running a bit late, we reassured her once again that she is beautiful (she was so excited and nervous to see her Ukranian friends- hoping that she looked good enough to fit in).  We said our goodbyes...on the escalator...right before we approached her friends, knowing it would be too hard after that. 

Checked her in, then just waited around...praying in our hearts for her and all the other kids and host families whose hearts were breaking in the goodbye process. The final goodbye came about an hour later, right before they went through security... Stole one more hug, and one more quick photo together, then waved goodbye! Be still my heart! Did I mention that I HATE goodbyes!  😢 

It's in those moments that I am so thankful I am a child of a great big God who can comfort all of us at once, care for and protect each of us, hear all our prayers and yet never feel overwhelmed. What an amazing God!!

I love that his "heart is touched by our grief" and He never thinks us silly for crying too much. Lord knows I've done more than my share the last few days.

So, another chapter over! We will just continue to love our "L" from afar and stay connected as best as we can.  

Although goodbyes are so hard for us, there's no way we'd trade the painful goodbyes because then we wouldn't have had the opportunity to pour all we've got and all we are into our L.