Saying Goodbye

Yesterday we said goodbye to Annett. It was a sad day. She has been with us for nearly 11 months and now she has returned to her family in Germany. We’ve done this before (sent an exchange-student home) and it has never really been easy. If you want to receive love, you must be willing to give it. There is something about teenagers that is both challenging and rewarding. They quickly open to you and become part of your family if you invite and allow them to. Annett blessed us this past year and I said goodbye to a daughter, perhaps forever. Still, she has forever touched my life and the life of our family and some in our church family…for this I praise God. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says something like: “Be joyful always, pray continuously, and give thanks in all circumstances.” I praise God that he brought Annett into the life of our family. I pray she grew from the experience (I know we did), and I give thanks that she has now returned home, safe, at least for a time. We look forward to seeing her again in the coming years, but even more we look forward to the next blessings God will send. Please keep Annett, and all of our family, in your prayers.