It's not "Goodbye"... it's "I'll See You Soon"

Have you ever had a friend in your life that, even though you maybe didn't talk on a daily basis, or maybe even see each other on a regular basis, you knew, that without a doubt, she was there for you, no matter what, and you there for her no matter what? NO MATTER WHAT? I'm fortunate to have a few friends like that in my life. Some of them from childhood; some of them from my adult life. But no matter how long I've known them, or where I know them from, they have and always been there for me, in so many different ways.

Today, I went to lunch with one of those friends. It wasn't your typical lunch. It was a lunch to say goodbye, although I refused to say goodbye to her. I just said "I'll see you soon" instead. I'm referring to my dear friend, Laura. She, along with her husband Len and two beautiful children, are moving to Africa.

Laura was one of the first friends I made at our church after Mike and I moved to Indy. She lead the youth group and her husband, Len, was the Associate Pastor. She and I quickly became friends after realizing we had so much in common. We had similar backgrounds in schooling, we both shared a passion with working with the youth at our church, we both loved graphic arts and photography, we both loved nature and the outdoors, we both had an interest in politics (I was working for the State GOP at the time...) The list can go on and on...

Laura became the type of friend for me that I didn't have to pick up the phone and call her everyday to know that she was there for me, and to let her know I was there for her. We just had the type of friendship where we just knew - That's the only way I can think to describe it. I looked at Laura as an example on who I wanted to become. She's an awesome person; a loving wife; am amazing mother, but most importantly a woman who was not afraid to show her love for God.

Laura was there for me during the hardest time of my life. She was one of the shoulders I could cry on (and let me tell you, I cried!) I told her today at lunch that the smallest gesture from her, a simple hug on a Sunday at church, has meant more to me than I ever could describe in words. You know the saying "actions speak louder than words"? Laura's hug spoke much louder to me than any words could ever do.

Besides being very involved in our own church, Len & Laura are involved with a ministry called Young Life Africa. The ministry's vision is that every kid in every country on the African continent should meet Jesus Christ. After months and months of prayer, they felt called to go serve this ministry full time, in Africa. Len & Laura make me think of one of my favorite United Methodist hymns, "Here I Am, Lord":

Here I am, Lord. Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart

Could you imagine packing up your entire life and moving to Africa? Talk about having FAITH in God and following God's call. Mike and I have so much respect for Len & Laura for following the call and putting EVERYTHING they have in God's hands.

While I'm selfishly upset that they won't be here in Indiana, I have to remind myself that they are following God's call and will be touching so many lives while in Africa. If that one small hug from Laura meant so much to me, imagine what she and Len could do in sharing the Gospel with African children? To have God's eternal hug - WOW!

With the wonders of modern technology, we'll still be able to keep in touch. (Thanks Skype!) Laura has started a blog so everyone in the States can follow along with them on their journey. (She's a photographer so I'm also looking forward to the beautiful photos she'll take and post!)

Mike and I ask that you please pray for Len and Laura and their two children; that God is with them every step of the way. They will face some challenges, but the rewards will be waiting for them, as they follow God's call all the way to Africa.