Tears, hugs and goodbyes

Today I said goodbye to one of my closest friends. Joanna is moving to Mississippi this weekend leaving behind an array of tears, memories and goodbyes. She was a mentor to me through my Jr. High and High School years- her influence expanded in every direction- through her words of encouragement, confessions of faith and unconditional love, she saw in me, and in her small group (Beni, Ashish, Davina, Paulina, Indu, Liz, Bere and many more) leaders, pastors, preachers, prophets and visionaries; some of us are already what she had pronounced years ago, others are en route…

As I look back at those years, I see Joanna as an appointed angel, as a woman who sacrificed leisure time with others just to spend time with us. The countless hours she invested in us will not be taken for granted.

The journey continues as our teary eyes and broken goodbyes are uttered…With a thankful heart I praise God for having Joanna in my life and although I know I’ll see her again, I can’t ignore the poignant sensation I feel as knowing she will be across the country. Yet, my heart is at peace because her departure, will not only bless her husband Greg; but her presence alone, will bless those who are to divinely meet her soon.

My only consolation is that she’s promised to come to my wedding!

O, Lord, may that be soon!!! :D

In hot pursuit,

SD