Tom Petty says, "The waiting is the hardest part." I beg to differ. I've waited for almost seven months to leave for Fiji but it doesn't compare to saying goodbye to the ones I love. I had to say some of my last goodbyes tonight before I leave for Indianapolis tomorrow. My parents, brothers, sister-in-laws and nephew got together for one last family outing to the Festival of Lights. As the time came to say goodbye, the reality of leaving for ten months hit me like a brick wall. I wasn't quite prepared for the emotional overload that took place. People have often asked me, "What are you going to miss most when you're gone?" I typically respond with a silly answer like, "Skyline Chili", or "Driving", or "Kentucky Basketball". My real answer: my family. I wouldn't be the man I am today without the love and influence of my family. I am incredibly blessed. They love me despite my flaws. They support me in whatever I do. And most importantly, they introduced and taught me about a God who loves and supports unconditionally, which is the greatest gift of all. Saying goodbye is bittersweet. It's hard to let go of the people I love most. It's hard to miss a year of their lives (including the birth of my first niece!). On the other hand, the one whom I seek to serve has a bigger plan. My family's love isn't perfect but they love me to the best of their ability. Their love for me is a reflection of God's love for me.
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
1 John 4: 7-12
That is the love that I take with me to Fiji. That is the love that compels me to leave my family and friends and fly halfway across the world. That is the love that I hope and pray I can clearly model and convey to Fijian students. I am saddened as I prepare to say my last goodbye but I know that God will use me for His greater purpose in the lives of students in Fiji.
So to my family and friends, thanks for all of your love and support. I seek to love students in Fiji the way you have all loved me. It is because of all those who invested in me that I go to make known "the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge". God bless!
