such sweet sorrow

In a community like ours we find ourselves all too frequently saying good-byes to colleagues

who are either going back to the US for a short time, 

or to colleagues who are leaving Davao for good,

moving on to other areas of ministry and work.

This summer I said one of those long-term good-byes to a very dear friend,

Leanne, (center) who befriended me from the first days of our arrival,

 

who along with her husband invited our family to join their family 

in the village of their ministry back in 2011,

who celebrated holidays with us,

and who worked and prayed with me on several exciting projects.

Leanne will be missed in many spheres - 

including her ministry at a local maternity clinic,

and in her loving, quiet service and encouragement toward so very many of our colleagues.

A send-off for Leanne and her family

You are and will be missed, Leanne.

We trust that God has wonderful things in store for your family,

and that He will bless you as you have blessed others

in His name.

Go in peace! 

I will not say: do not weep; 

for not all tears are an evil.

J.R.R. Tolkien