Pack Up
- To load suitcases or boxes in preparation for travel or moving
This will be my last post from my ironing board desk in the 3 bedroom flat in the Svbice region of Český Těšín. Our bags are packed and we are preparing to leave. Today we finished the last follow-up activity, and had a wonderful lunch with the youth group leader and his family. All that remains for us here is a worship service with our Czech brothers and sisters tomorrow morning, followed by a train ride back to Prague.
Someone asked me today “how do you feel about leaving tomorrow?” I had to really think about it. In previous years, there was a definite mixed sense of sadness and joy in my heart, knowing that I was leaving so many loved ones behind yet also returning to loved ones in the States. This year is different for some reason.
I am thankful that I will be back among you, my US friends and family. I am certain that our reunion will be filled with joy. I know I will also miss the closeness and fellowship of our Czech friends.
Perhaps part of the reason things are different this year is that the length of our stay has changed the dynamic. Somewhere in my heart, I recognize that it is now the proper season for returning. We have completed the mission, built bridges, encouraged, taught, preached, and so many other things while staying here. Now it is time to return home.
Perhaps part of it is that our lives are more entwined in the sense of place here so that even though we are leaving, we bring a little bit more of Český Těšín home with us.
So, what would be my answer to the question of how I feel? I think the best answer that I can give is “satisfied”. Not in the American sense of the word that often means “good enough, though I could be better”. I mean “satisfied” in that God has given me a deep sense of satisfaction for what was accomplished here this summer – in the hearts of the students, the American team members, and myself. We all have different stories to tell. But our God is the ultimate story-maker.
Thank you for joining us in prayer for this journey. I hope to make one more short entry tomorrow night before our final trek home.
Prayer Requests
- Health for the Aidan and the Sandy family during their extended stays in the Czech Republic.
- Blessing on the Czech leaders that God continues His work in the lives of those He touched at English Camp and the follow-ups.