Holding the Tears

I DIDN'T CRY WHEN THEY LEFT.
I think. At least they didn't see me.

But after driving home, I can't escape my emotions pouring downhill. I said, "They're gone, they've left."

Dropping them off in the airport felt like saying goodbye to my mother when she left for the States. Mixed emotions stirred up within me. Some of it were the desires of my heart and some were thanksgiving for the Lord. Then I realized, this is my blessing... our blessing.

Six days (some were nights) with the Gregorio family is almost similar with the past. They are still the same; joyful, warm, loving, caring, and God-fearing. It was that first Sunday of September 2009 when we once again met. After four years, I was given by the Lord six chances of meeting them and it has been the best gift of my life this year. Its my own personal and easy reason to answer why I cry for joy today as I am writing this.

God's favor was also upon me when I was able to chauffeur them to the airport. I saw the last minutes of them entering the terminal gate. Up to now, I can still remember it fresh from my mind that farewell bon-voyage expression within us. I was really happy and I did truly want to jump for joy.

But still I really want to cry in front of them. At least because I felt that I will be truly missing them and they will be back with no definite date. But I thought it would be so much better if I didn't weep. Instead, I hugged them really hard because I truly missed it for years.

Now as I was heading home, I can't hold it in. Tears were pouring downhill on me (Sabay kanta pa ng Katinas - Someday on the background) The same spirit I have last Sunday as I cried so hard for so long. Part of those tears was my desire to spend more time with them as well as the joy that God will truly show the abundance of His grace through their lives. I can't imaging going home in Mindanao and not finding them nowhere as near as before. Despite digesting the facts that Thailand is so much nearer by plane, I can't imagine how will it fall into place. Oh! God knows... God knows... and He has better plans.

As I have said and realized, this is my blessing because God has answered their prayers for around 12 years. This is our blessing because we will see so much more Thai young people loving the Lord. There will be a day when they we will meet together with our Thai brothers!

To Momie Rya & Daddy Joey; I miss you here. Its not hard to love your family. I know all will be well for you guys in Thailand. I will always be praying for you, always!