... love and hate!
A strange phenomenon is occurring around here. In recent weeks we've seen the beginning of the growing exodus of many co-workers and friends. The pace of departures will only increase in the next 3 months as many, many want to leave when school is out.
We all rejoice with those who get their transfer letters. Right now, we live vicariously through their joy!
They move through their day with lighter steps and wider smiles as the real moving day approaches. They start farming out items which they don't want to pack. They websurf to view pictures of their new location and drool. They allow themselves to dream.
But then, when it really comes down to it ... no matter how much they don't want to stay ...
they don't want to leave, either!!
So a dear employee's wife who has really, really, really struggled all the while she was here was actually vomiting the day she left. Another dear friend is confused by her response to her transfer offer. It's just what she's wanted but ... this is familiar, this is where her current support system exists, this life is at least predictable -- even if predictably frustrating!
The farewell parties are on the increase. It's just that I always expected they'd be tough for those of us left behind; I never imagined that those who are leaving would struggle.
In some ways, this place gets to you ... in a good way! When it is our turn to go, we will struggle for certain! I can't imagine never returning to this place ... well, we wouldn't really want to but ... not seeing some of those we'll be leaving behind will be tough.
I still talk with Lucy, our Port Harcourt maid. She's getting married soon and calls for approval and advice (and money ... but we won't give her anymore at this point!) We'll miss Lucy.
And, wow! I can't imagine not visiting with Jide and Michel each day ... talking politics, talking commerce, talking environment ... most importantly -- talking about God and how God can influence each aspect in an amazingly positive way! These guys are like family. But, unlike REAL family and longterm friends, I guess I realize that when we go those contacts will drop over time.
Maybe that is why our friends are struggling with leaving. Because as much as we all say we'll stay in touch ... it's never the same. We have friends to visit on every continent, now! But ... will we ever really visit them?
That's what makes this whole thing difficult. What has become familiar is shifting toward unfamiliar again. And this point in time and this point on the globe where we have all met -- this volatile time in Nigeria's ever-turbulent history ... it might be a place that generates a lot of angst and even hatred but it is, after all, the place we have tried to make feel like home.
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1 comment:
It's the connection and communication that is important, not necessarily the visiting.
Thanks to technology, we can stay connected and never see each other. I have so many dear friends whom I have not seen in years, but the connection still feels so strong.
Of course, being there is the best, spending time in person together is the best, but what wonderful relationships we can still have when we remain together in our hearts.
After all, isn't that what we are doing with God? At least until we get to be "fully present" together?
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