Hard to Leave, Good to be Home

On our last morning in San Jose, I was feeling so excited to get home to see my family. I missed them terribly and thought I was ready to go home, but as we took off driving down the mountain in the back of the pickup, a great sadness overcame me. I thought of all the people I was leaving who I wouldn't see for at least 2 years. I thought of all the projects we had started - the bathroom, the painting, the bible studies - and wondered how they would turn out. I expect that we will get to see pictures from other people, who knows how long that will take. And hardest of all, I didn't get to say goodbye to my little friend Lilian. Lilian was a 10 year old little girl who seemed to especially like me for some reason. She came to the clinic almost every day and we colored together, played clapping games and even sang songs together. I became very attached to her as well and was expecting to see her on Thursday night or maybe even Friday morning to say goodbye, but she never came. I will miss her most of all - my little shadow. I'm getting teary-eyed now just thinking about it.

So here's my goodbye to Lilian, even though I know she won't see it. "Adios Lilian, mi amiga. I will think of you often when I am back at my home in America. I can't wait to hear your giggles again when I come back to San Jose someday. I will be praying for you and your family and I hope you will pray for me too. Via con Dios! Love, Susana."

Thanks to all the other team members and our translators who made this such a wonderful experience. I'm so thankful to be home, but I miss everyone already! I can't wait to see all the other pictures and re-live our week at the reunion.

God Bless,
Susie :^)