Jack is Leaving

In May, Jack graduated from high school.  Our emotions have been all over the place. We know this is a normal time of kids leaving the nest and parents being sad but for missionary parents, it’s those emotions times 100.  Being in different countries will be hard.  We won't be able to see him as often, not to mention just being able to jump in a car and going where he is like many of our friends do with their kids in college. When we moved to Guatemala, almost 8 years ago, one of the things we were thankful for is that our family (us and the kids) have been together.  We’ve had to let go of parents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc., but our little family unit stayed intact.  Soon, a part of us will leave and it's just sad. 

At the same time, it’s exciting. His life is just beginning. In August, he’ll be starting college at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  He feels God calling him to missions in Cambodia.  OK, that’s so far away but one thing at a time.  We’ll take Minnesota for now even though it seems like it’s somewhere close to the North Pole and will feel like it too for our Florida/Guatemala boy.  He’s excited and nervous.  He's a true missionary/ third culture kid.  He'll be reentering a culture he's not familiar with anymore even though it's his passport country.  He's leaving his "home".  For him, we will be far away too but he’s ready to be on his own and jump into whatever God has for him.  We are thankful that there are so many people, friends and family, who have offered to have him with them for breaks and holidays when he can’t come home.  We are thankful for people who can be on a plane to him faster than we can if need be.  We are thankful for all the people that love him. 

Pray for each of us as we embark on this new season. 

Goodbye Guatemala