Written December 5th:
Back in a familiar season...
a season of saying goodbye...or as we say in my family "see you later"...there are moments of joy when I think of being reunited with my family...especially as Christmas approaches (still bizarre for me listening to Christmas songs with hot sun outside)...but there is a deep sadness too...a sadness to leave this continent and a community that has taught me so much!
I have been seeking the Lord the last few months for direction as to what is next. My sense has been that my time in Cape Town would be coming to an end...not indefinitely (!) but just in the way things have looked. I know God may have more opportunities in the future for me to return. Sometimes God speaks clearly, and sometimes he is more silent, having us wait and rest for his timing. Part of my ongoing faith journey at the moment is to return to Tacoma with no agenda or plan...just as I did arriving to Cape Town a year and a half ago. I am confident that he has a greater purpose for my life, more children for me to love on, more people for me to encourage and a greater life of faith to be lived.
The scripture that I keep going back to is Lamentations 3:19-26:
“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”
I would greatly appreciate your prayers during this next season of transition. I know it is not always going to be easy, but I am thankful for my various communities around the world that support me and love me in so many different ways! I am incredibly grateful for my mom and dad, and the life of faith they have shown me (I will be based at their cabin in Tacoma). They too have said goodbye to London and Cape Town over the years...just as I have done...and unlike anyone else, they understand the pain of leaving, but the joy of returning. I respect they ways they have continued to be obedient to Jesus, even when the world thinks they are crazy.
I have one more week left...filled with goodbyes and special parties! This past week I had my last days at both the schools I have been working at. The teachers in Khayelitsha pooled some money together to surprise me with a gift of 120R! ($15)...it was so unexpected I broke down in tears...and the teachers at SACS blessed me with a surprise picnic, in a hidden garden...with wine and gourmet sandwiches! I have had dear memories that I will take with me. I also took the boy I tutor out for dinner to a popular hamburger restaurant, a special date after a good year together. Yesterday we had the Warehouse end of the year party...it was a blast...lots of kids running around, laughter and food...but my heart aches to leave that community! Tomorrow is my last Sunday at church, then I'm having a braai (bbq) here at my house with church friends...then Tuesday is my Warehouse farewell, and Wednesday a surprise party being planned by my friend Caroline. I leave Friday evening the 11th, and arrive into London the 12th staying til the 18th...will be busy time there, seeing friends and connecting with that dear community.
Thank you again for journeying with me!
Lots of love,
Bryna
PS. My address will be: 4247 Sunset Beach Rd West, University Place, WA 98466. I do NOT have a cell phone as it got canceled when I left in July so I can be reached at 253-460-8155, until I get a new number.
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