I don't like goodbyes. We haven't officially started them yet, but I feel that they're in the air. 35 days folks and we're stateside--residing in Clarksville, TN just outside of Nashville. As I look around this city we've lived in the last three years, there are definitely many things I'm gonna miss. The vibrant flowers, the gorditas selling their homemade pupusas on the corner, the kisses that come with every greeting, the view of the gorgeous mountains we see every morning, the lovely Honduran people, the birds whose songs can be heard even amidst the city sounds...
And then there's some things I'm more than happy to leave. For beginners, I can't wait to go to public bathrooms where toilet paper is flushed rather then collected in a trashcan beside the toilet. And I won't miss the sounds of the motorcycles ripping past our apartment at midnight. Can't say I'll miss doing all my business transactions in Spanish, either. After three years, I don't feel that I'm much better than a first grader in my Spanish--which our friends find endearing, but every one else? They're probably like us Americans when someone can't speak our language: "What are you doing here, stupid gringa? Learn the language, you idiot." But alas, 35 days doesn't lend me much time to refine my crass tongue.
Besides those things that we'll miss and those we won't, these three years have taught us more than we even imagined when we signed on that dotted lined at the job fair. Those lessons we can't and won't leave behind. They travel with us. And even though some of the experiences we've had here felt like sheer torture, the fruits of the trials leave us hopeful. God has been faithful and good. Through him, we've been able to persevere through great illness, the loss of our first baby (and the beautiful gift of our second), the loneliness, the struggles of a church, the frustrations of our jobs, and life amidst the tragedies of this struggling little nation. Through the ongoing work of Christ in our lives, we truly have peace. The only peace that can be found. And because of this, I can still sing like those little birds trapped (or is it their choice?) in this city. Only I get to fly away in just a short bit and sing new songs in new places for his glory.
3 comments:
Well put, my friend. A little sad that you guys are leaving Honduras because when you are there, a little piece of us is still there too. But we cherish our memories of that place and time that we shared with you three. And we celebrate your new adventures!
Until next time... Jen
Oh dear goodness, my friend. Can you say, tears are flowing?! I am so thankful and blessed God has allowed us to meet and become friends and true sisters in Christ. I can't imagine life here without you guys, but I know that God has called you on to your next adventure in life. I am really excited to see how God is going to use you in this next adventure. Looking forward to sharing the rest of our lives in Christ together no matter where we may call "home".
Beautiful post Elisa. Even though you may be leaving Honduras behind, it is a place that has not only changed us all, but will also stay with us forever for many reasons. Your friendship was one of the greatest treasures Honduras gave to me mi Amiga ;)
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