It’s a good thing we have eternity, right?

It’s weird to sit here at night and think that today was my last full day here in Beira. It was a good, full, long, productive and fulfilling day—I ran around town on my bike this morning taking care of everything that was still floating undone (or felt like it), like changing money and developing photos to give to people and resolving church things and shopping for last minute souvenirs for folks back home. And lots and lots of bike riding. I know there’ll be bikes in the States, but I’m still gonna miss riding my bike here—something tells me that even with bikes, it won’t be the same without the fields and mud houses and sellers carrying the day’s wares on their heads. Unless movies have lied to me, New York’s a bit different. And we all know movies never lie.

This afternoon, before the work day ended, there was a really cool surprise—the field officers and everyone called me in for a little farewell, where we sang all of the songs we’ve gotten most used to singing in meetings and such, and then anyone who wanted to was given a chance to say a few words, ending with me. I always have trouble knowing what to say in moments like that, but it was really sweet and sincere and I couldn’t help but feel touched by the love of these people that I have grown to love so strongly back. They gave me an awesome present, too—a white shirt that all of them had written personal little notes and farewell messages on. It was awesome.

At night Solomon arranged a dinner, with several of the missionary couples I’ve come to know best, all the American Care For Life folk that are in town, and João. Warner Woodworth’s in town for a few days checking out the Family Preservation Program, and he was along, too—it’s been interesting and cool to chat with him and get to know him a bit better after having read a lot of his writings and heard so much about him around BYU campus. It’s been great to have had Eric around these last few weeks, too—we talked for a long time after we got home tonight, and I realized as we talked and as I sat and thought after he went to bed how grateful I am to have had him in my life since we first met in SID back at BYU. I’m a much, much better person thanks to him, and it’s tough to say goodbye to a dear friend and true brother. Really, at each of these little farewells, it was tough to say goodbye. Still, though, above all I’m thankful for the chance I’ve had to have been here. I love these people, and I’ll miss all of this. It’s a good thing we have eternity, right?