Making my way home....slowly!

It has been almost 4 weeks since I left Ruel and it feels a little less painful to now write and even now there are tears in my eyes!! All my fears about how I would feel when the time came were nothing in comparison to how it actually felt. Saying goodbye to those precious children and the great community of friends I had establish has honestly been the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. To go for one last time upstairs to the children and knowing this was our final goodbye. Most of them did not know what was happening especially Bertie as he decided to walk the whole length of the room for the first time into my arms for what he didnt know was his last hug. A memory I will treasure and just shows how awesome the God I serve is that He would leave that as a reminder for me! For the older children it was especially hard for them and me. We had spent so much time together and had bonded incredibly and here I was doing what everyone before me had done and abandoning them again. I can still hear Aira's cries as I had to tear myself away. It is still very painful...

Since Ruel I have taken the opportunity of extended time off work to do a bit of visiting. I spent a few days with my aunt in Australia relaxing and recovering (although this is still ongoing!). It was nice to have a suprise visit from my cousin who flew from Cairns especially to see me! It was great to have potatoes again!!! Following on from Oz I went to New Zealand to spend 2 weeks with Jo and Johnny. It was an incredible time with lots of talking, fun and laughter and just what I needed. They are such wonderful people who ministered to me in every way!!! Currently I am in one of my most favourite places with some of my most favourite people....America or to be more precise the Pearson's house!!!! Again another wonderful home with lots of talking, fun and laughter and just what I needed!!!!!

I have spent this time not only visiting friends and family but also preparing myself for returning home. I have had such an amazing and wonderful time, in fact I would say it has been the best time of my life in so many ways. I have never felt more in the will of God and have spent the last 7 months in His classroom. I have learnt and grown immensly that the thought of coming away from that is a little daunting. I know that there will be some adjusting to be done but I know God is with me and He has clearly directed me home...the rest I am not so sure about but I am excited by new opportunities and am preparing for the next part of my life will look like!

Thank you to all who have supported me through this journey. You have been the ones making this possible. I am really looking forward to coming home and seeing you all. See you soon xxxxx