Good-byes

I believe the hardest groups to leave are the ones that have built the largest sense of community.  I recognize that a mission can continue without me, however the relationships I create along the way are the hardest to leave behind.

The hardest group that I ever had to leave was a missions group.  We lived as part of a Missions Organization in Monterrey, MX.  My family along with 12 other missionary families served a common goal, a common people and built a community.  The relationships I made along the way have transformed my life.  Our common vision and investment took our relationships to greater depths.  We understood each other in a way that others on the outside could not.  Due to an illness our adjournment occurred faster than I would have liked, but we did have an opportunity to have a "closing night".  This time offered prayer, remembrance and encouragement to our family.  The journey continues for this mission organization, but my time has come to a close.  I read several books that helped me transition out of that community and back in to a more compartmentalized world, but truth be told, some of the grief and sadness accompanying our departure was necessary.  It was part of the journey.

My time at Walden, thus far, has offered me a new group of colleagues, people with a common goal and a shared passion.  There is such comfort in sharing life together.  Having to say good bye will have its moment of sadness, but quickly will come the excitement of the new journey.  Knowing that each person will set out on their journey to accomplish great things brings me joy.  Adjournment is essential in order to take your next step.  Leaving one thing always opens up new opportunity.  Great possibility awaits each of us, as long as we don't hold on to what is meant to end.