Lemonade kisses and my scattered heart

The goodbyes began at church last Sunday.  I feel like I've done this too many times considering my few years on this planet.  The funny thing bummer is, though, I haven't gotten any better at it--the tears still flow freely.  So much for practice makes perfect.


A sweet little anecdote from one of my yesterday-goodbyes: the sweet little boys and their parents who joined us on the young adults retreat are heading to the States for a couple months, so we had to say our farewell.  Tobi is the most precious little boy I have ever met in my life.  We became friends over playing černý Petr (Tobi is half Czech) and snuggling in the comfy chairs in the front room of the cabin.  I had him on my lap yesterday after church, getting ready to say goodbye.  He took a big gulp of lemonade and lunged at my face.  Thinking he was going to spit it at me, I blurted, "Tobi!  What are you doing?  Were you going to squirt me?"  He just looked at me with big, innocent eyes, and said, "No, I was just going to give you a kiss!"  I didn't object after that.  I mean, look at this face:

Through the beginning of this new round of goodbyes, I've been thinking of the goodbyes I've already said at the ends of my adventures over the last 8 years.  It makes me feel better.  You see, it hurts a little now, but I know from experience that this isn't for forever.  Those special people who have come into my life, to whom I've given a little piece of my heart...I'll see them again.  That's why I don't mind scattering those pieces;  I know I can trust these people I love to keep them safe, until the next time I see them.


Grace and peace,
Hilary