Last Goodbyes

As I sat in my room listening to the distant thunder, I heard my phone ping. It was Candice sending me a sweet goodbye message on WhatsApp It brought tears to my eyes. It made me think of a quote I had on my mission blog. 

"You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place".

Candice said, "You have given us so much, without expecting anything in return but our gratitude.....

Your love n hugs will be missed, Hopefully there is a next time.

I love you so much and thank you for everything. And loving n being a friend to my daughter. "

My heart was heavy. The good-byes were hard. I got another WhatsApp message from Priscilla who is a young women in the branch who went to the temple with us. She had been reading my blog from my mission. She wanted me to know how much it inspired her.  She went on to say, "you have touched so many lives in marvelous ways, may Heavenly Father bless you for all the good work you've done for people" 

I was so humbled. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to come to Africa and to be welcomed into the homes of the people of Orange Farm.

A few minutes later I got a message from my dear friend Kenneth wishing me safe travel. Kenneth and Lesedi have been dear friends. We worked with Kenneth in the Area Office. They have always made us feel like family. 

When we were on our mission and  our children came to visit we had a wonderful dinner at their home. I love their sweet family. Their two younger children both asked me to speak at their baptisms.  I wish I could have spent more time with their family. When Kenneth picked me up to take me to see Mama and the tots he said, "we thought you were going to be staying with us." I was so touched that they would have considered having me stay with them.  

There IS a price you pay when you love people in more than one place. It IS so hard to leave. Sunday as I looked into the eyes of the people I have come to love,  my heart was hurting because I knew that I may not see them again, at least not in this life. 

It IS painful but I wouldn't change a thing. I am filled with gratitude that I had this opportunity to feel the love of the people of South Africa. My heart is full. What a blessing it has been. 

Come Away With Me