Saying so many goodbyes these last
couple weeks has been so lovely. At times it has been lonely and stressful
because I am reminded that it will be a while before I see all of you in person
again. Mostly, though, it has given me a chance to remember good memories and
make new ones. Goodbyes really are bitter-sweet: bitter when we realize that
our seasons of life are changing, but sweet as I realize how much blessing God
has brought into my life through friends and fellowship. It is also sweet
because the distance between us does not mean that we
cannot stay connected.
I am so thankful for the way that I have been sent off with so many well wishes and notes and prayers and reminders and gifts and chats over coffee and the list goes on. I have been lavished with love.
The phrase 行ってきます(ee-te-kee-maw-su) means to go and come back. In Japan the phrase is often used when someone leaves home in the morning and a common response is 行ってらっしゃい (ee-te-ra-shai … the last part is pronounced like the word “shy”) which means “Please go, then come back”. Instead of goodbye, I think it is better to depart with this.
行ってきます
While it is REALLY hard to have you in a different country, I am so excited for you and look forward to seeing how God will continue to work in your life and use you as a light for His Name. (And I can't believe you're actually in Japan! すごい。You're the coolest person ever. ^_^ )
ReplyDeleteLove you and miss you, 'manda!!!!
DeleteI think you know more about things to do in my city now than I do!!!
That is a nice way to say goodbye, removes some of the finality from it which really is the hardest part.
ReplyDeleteGreat picture of you btw