🌿 Saying Goodbye Is Never Easy

This summer has been full of laughter, shared meals, and joyful conversations—but also goodbyes. And if you’ve ever loved deeply, you know:

Goodbye is never easy.

---

✈️ A World Apart

Last Sunday marked our most recent goodbye.

We woke up early and drove our Malawian friends to the airport in Chicago for their long journey home.

Although they are new friends, watching them walk through security was unexpectedly emotional.

There’s something about saying goodbye when you don’t know when or how you’ll see someone again.

But even harder was watching our friends say goodbye to the boys they’ve loved for nearly a decade.

These weren’t quick hugs and waves.

These were goodbyes built on years of love, prayer, shared mission, and spiritual family.

The kind of goodbye where a piece of your heart leaves without you.

Still, even in the sadness, there was purpose.

Just hours after landing in Lilongwe, Stalin messaged us with amazing news: the waiver was accepted, the container is being released, and we don’t owe any extra fees! 🙌 What an answer to prayer!

God’s hand has been all over this mission. And while I have so much more to share with you about what He’s doing through Giving Basics and Shine Malawi… I’ll have to save that for another post. 😉

---

🏡 Goodbye to California

Saying goodbye to family carries the weight of distance—and sometimes, guilt. We were the ones who left California. That ache still creeps in now and then.

Last week, two different people mentioned being missionaries in California.

The first time felt strange, church planting in Southern California?- but made an impression. The second time made me pause because I had never really thought about it before.

I’ve lived there. I now get it.

In California, I often felt like I was constantly swimming upstream.

But it was just normal to me.

The busyness, the expense, the spiritual distractions, the pressure, the individualistic culture—it felt like a constant battle just to live.

But it was just normal to me.

And while there are strong believers there, it can be a lonely fight.

This is something I didn’t even realize until recently.

It was just normal to me.

I honestly assumed that my experience was just how life, church, and the Christian walk looked everywhere.

Now before my California people get offended—I know there are solid churches and believers holding it down out there! But for me, those places felt few and far between, and living out my faith often felt like going against the grain.

Indiana has felt like a breath of fresh air. Like a hug. 💛

It’s been a season of spiritual stretching, learning, support, and growth. Almost like a training ground.

For what? I’m not totally sure yet.

But I do know this: just like Jesus spent time teaching and preparing His disciples before sending them out… I believe our time here is preparation for something too.

And I’m soaking it up while I can.

---

🙏 Even Jesus Said Goodbye

When I think about the pain of goodbye, I can’t help but think of Jesus.

He loved perfectly. So imagine the sorrow He must have felt saying goodbye.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
— John 14:1–2

Even in His goodbye, He gave hope. He promised a reunion. He left us with His Spirit.

And He reminded us: this world is not the end of the story.

---

💔 The Good in Goodbye

Goodbyes hurt because love runs deep. But that pain also reveals the beauty of what was shared.

I love what the banner says in the above picture, " BOUND TOGETHER IN LOVE AND PURPOSE."

That’s the earthly good: the connection, the mission, the moments.

And the eternal good?

For those who love Jesus, goodbye is never forever.

Whether it’s temporary distance or the ache of death, we have this promise:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
— Revelation 21:4

One day, every painful parting will be replaced by a forever reunion. 💫

---

A Prayer for Those Saying Goodbye

Jesus,

You know the ache of goodbye. You left Heaven for us, and then left Earth to return to the Father. You did it out of love.

Thank You for Your sacrifice, and for preparing a place for us.

Strengthen the hearts of those who are hurting.

Comfort the ones letting go.

Use each goodbye to stretch us, shape us, and prepare us for what’s next.

Thank You for the gift of relationships, and for never leaving us alone.

We praise You for the victories You’re bringing in Malawi and around the world.

In Your name we pray, Amen.

---

Whether you're walking someone to the airport, driving away from a childhood home, or grieving someone who’s gone ahead to Heaven—know this:

Goodbyes may close a chapter, but they never end the story for those who love Jesus.

• Hold on to hope.
• Live with purpose.
• And trust that no goodbye is wasted in God’s hands. 🤍

---

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. 

Enjoyed this post? Subscribe now for more insightful content.