saying see you later

On August 2nd at 8 AM, a white truck pulled into the St. B's parking lot. 

Out came a family of five frightened, anxious, upset, somewhat nauseous, new missionaries.

they were immediately greeted by several family-friends: 6 teenage girls, 4 boys (ages varied), a few parents, an aunt and her beautiful daughter, and grandparents.

after socializing for a few minutes, the inevitable could not be pushed away any longer.

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I walked over to my best friend Lindsay and smiled. we hugged. for about 5 minutes. and cried.

I went around the group, mascara pouring down my cheeks-- I don't know why I try to wear make-up anymore-- hugging every possible person I could hug. telling every one of them "I love you"

pictures were taken (see my Facebook album). goodbyes were said. I gave Lindsay my pink chocolate cell-phone and charger. I gave Olivia her bra back. best friends share those kinds of things, you know?

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someone--I don't know who-- said a prayer for safety. the whole time I was squeezing Lindsay's hand. more mascara pouring down my cheeks-- I don't know why I try to wear make-up anymore. after more hugs (probably just to prolong the inevitable) I reluctantly joined my family in the big white church van. and composed myself. the tears stopped.

then I looked out the window to see Mrs. Darlene comforting Lindsay and Bethany, Mrs. Deeann comforting Jordan, Mr. Don Paul comforting Olivia, Mrs. Karen comforting Naomi, and the other Mrs. Karen comforting Caroline. I looked at Olivia's face-- red puffy eyes, trembling lips-- and broke down again. we waved goodbye. it took a 5 hour car ride to atlanta to regain my stamina.

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all this to say. I have THE most amazing friends. waking up waaaayyyy earlier than any teenager should to come to my seeing off party. sacrificing their sleep and time for me. ME. why? I'm not sure. all I know is I see God through them. I see God's love, and grace, and faithfulness, and loyalty, and friendship, and compassion. all of that I see through my best friends.