“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
Another school year is rapidly coming to an end, and with it all of the “lasts” for our students, especially those preparing to graduate. It hits a little differently here; not just our graduates, but their entire families leave for their passport countries shortly after graduation. This means younger siblings also have to say goodbye to their friends, home and pets. It means adults in the community need to say goodbye to their friends and colleagues, too. Sometimes it is just for a short home assignment, sometimes it is for good, as people finish their time in this mission field. It is part of the ebb and flow of life here in Ukarumpa, as we prepare to grieve the loss of friends and those we hold dear, even as we have the joyful expectation of others returning in July. We remind our students about transition tools like RAFT (reconciliation, affirmation, farewells, thinking ahead) but frankly, we need to use those tools ourselves. We reflect on all of the growth we’ve seen in our students as they take final exams and finish projects. But we don’t always stop to reflect on our own journeys, like the blessing it was for Kathy to teach the Anatomy and Physiology class for a semester, and see students ready to launch and pursue medical careers, to put their knowledge to use. We will continue to pray for each of these students as God leads and directs their steps. And we will rejoice and give thanks for the opportunities we’ve had to speak into their lives for a season. We will say our goodbyes, but know that thanks to Jesus, we will see our friends again, either in heaven or on earth, and that is always worth celebrating!
