Saying Good-bye

Today my friend, Crystal, leaves Swaziland. She and her sweet family moved here about a year after we did (which was in 2003!), and we've been good friends ever since. Now the Lord is leading them to move on. My heart is aching again, my eyes once more leaking with the grief that accompanies saying good-bye.

To Crystal:

You have walked with me through so much. You listen well, you empathise, and you've been there to speak truth to me when I needed to hear it most. You've been transparent at Bible studies, which has given me the courage to do the same. You are a beautiful woman of God (inside and out), a loving minister, a sweet wife, a patient mom--an example to me in so many ways.

I want everyone to know how blessed I am to have you in my life, and how blessed they'll be if they get to know you!

Although I am crying that you are leaving, I'm so thankful for the time I've had you here. The joy of the friendship is worth the heartache when we part. Thankfully, for those who love Jesus, no good-bye is forever. I can breathe a little deeper, now, just having thought of that again.

Hamba Kahle, ungami wami. May our paths soon cross again! I love you.

Susan