Bitter Sweet Goodbyes

     We have relocated towns/hosts for the third time since arriving in Costa Rica. Our first location was in Tuis, and due to last minute changes, we didn’t get to say goodbye to our host family. We became so close with them, they felt like family; leaving so sudden was very hard. Just when I thought our leaving was over for a bit, we became attached to another host family in Pejibaye. It’s very hard to build connections without getting attached to these wonderful families and communities. Leaving Pejibaye, and the wonderful people within that town was so far the hardest goodbye. We built very personal connections with the host family and their children, so relocating was like a punch to the gut. They had a “Going away” party for us and lots of tears were shed. I know we had to say lots of hard goodbyes to our family and friends back home in order to leave for 6 months but that was only a “see you later.” These are actual goodbyes, ones where you will more than likely never see them again on earth. Praise Jesus, we will get to spend eternity in Heaven with our brothers and sisters in Christ! Normally, the way routes are set up, teams would stay 1-3 months in each location. Due to COVID, there are so many countries not opened back up and so many teams on the field in the same general areas they keep us moving around a lot. We are at our third location, staying at a local church for 2 weeks and I know at the end of our time here it will be hard as well. I believe the Lord through all of these hard goodbyes is teaching us to lean on him when we have to disconnect from the people around us. Although our locations and the people around us are not constant, he is! Going into ministry for this 6 months, the Lord prepared me to leave home, family and friends but I never dreamed leaving these families here we have only known for a few weeks would be so difficult. I am by no means going to turn off my emotions though, I know the Lord is wanting to use me and my team in mighty ways. In order for him to use us to the fullest, we must bring our whole heart and be all in no matter how bad it hurts to leave those we love. I left those I love at home so I can leave those I love here, in order to continue following the Lords plan to build His Kingdom. The goodbyes are hard, but the hellos are sweeter and I know God is using us to impact each person and community in mighty ways. (Although they bless us so much, I can’t imagine us being a bigger blessing to them.) Please continue to pray for my squad and I, in particular our hearts and for emotional healing. I pray God helps us when saying bye is hard, but also that we won’t become numb to those around us. Because when we are numb and cut off emotions, we can’t be emotionally present for how the Lord needs us. Thanks for all the continued prayer and support! 

-For a better look into our ministry and adventure days, check out my YouTube channel. (Erika Talley) https://youtube.com/channel/UCZ7xEvImhqEGj5ZrOo5LEHQ