Or is it "daze"?
The last few days have been very hectic and emotional. We are closing up the house and the boxes and the suitcases. Trying to get in all our goodbyes. Trying to go and see things and places, "one last time." After awhile the emotional roller coaster wears you out!!
On Monday we were treated to a "despedida", or "going away party" by fellow missionaries here in the city.
We met at my brother -in-laws house and it was sad to see how our little group is diminishing. Every month or two, another family seems to be gone. Yesterday, the other missionaries gave us a gift of a beautiful coffee table picture book of scenery around Venezuela. We looked through it and it seemed we had been to most all of the places pictured. It was a beautiful gift.
We all jokingly asked who would buy the going away gift for the last family out of Venezuela. But it is not really funny.
There was a time of prayer and all prayed for us. My husband was trying to give them an update on the Indian church, but he couldn't do it without crying. It is like we are mourning in a a way. We know God is in control and we are His instruments to use and do as He sees fit. He will always care for us and He will care for the Indians as well.
Then yesterday, we gave our two dogs away. I know it is a simple thing, but we have had Short Stop for 10 years!! She is like family. Some dog! She has lived with Venezuelans, Yanomami,s Sanema, Ye'kwana, Americans, and is now living with Brazilians. The kids really do not remember a time without this dog. And Max has been with us for several years as well. My husband took him for one last walk. He was his walking partner.
Then I went to a Baby Shower for a girl who I have known since she was two. I will not be here to see her child born. She is like a niece to me.
We also became aware of a missionary family, friends, who are having troubles and are not able to get their children/s Venezuelan Passports. They are not allowed to leave the country without them. They have been waiting for 18 months. Then we realized we know three other American families with the same problem. Also a Brazilian family. The regime is not renewing passports of children with dual citizenship. This effectively means the parents can not leave and , as the Brazilian said, " We are trapped here!"
So... Like I say...emotional days! Or is it daze?
29 comments:
aww good luck with the move hun!
I'm sure there's a lot of tears, but God knows and is seeing fit to move you all for a reason. He always has one, and it's always good and for His glory! I'll pray for you all! I know it's a very hard time for the family! Love you guys!
Oh darn it! Both those things bring me close to tears! I know how it is to lose a dog you've had for 10 years. Mine died, and it was horrible. To have to give it away... I don't know if I could bear it. I guess you do what you must do, but I really feel for you, your husband and the kids. Then the fact that they won't let those people leave Venezuela and are doing this by withholding the children's passports! I know God is the judge, and it's a good thing I am not - nor ever will be God - because there would be a special place reserved in hell for Chavez!
Another thought... can't our American Embassy down there help with the passport problem?
Rita, and what about the turtles? your sweet girl is going to miss them...
Time will heal your hearts and you will remember the good times.
Liz
Gayle; The embassy can not do anything because they are Venezuelan Citizens and while here must abide 100% by Venezuelan laws. This is the main reason we are leaving, because of our Venezuelan children.
It seems that some have been allowed to leave but will never be allowed to return, which is hard for those with have family here.
(((((HUGS)))))
What a sad time for your family and friends. I'm in tears just reading this post! And the dogs! that's sad too! I've got two old dogs and can't imagine having to give them away now. You guys take care, you are in my prayers.
You are writing another chapter for the book!!
So sorry it has to be so bittersweet for you...
Your hope is in TRUSTING GOD...He who crested the universe knows you by name....and He sees your disappointments and heartaches.....
And is there in the midst......
Out love and prayers are with you!!
Oh Rita, I feel emotional with you. Sniff sniff
May God bless you and keep you. May He cause His face to shine upon you. God bless you for giving your lives for Him. Who can tell this side of eternity the impact you have had there.
Tears and a tender heart filled with compassion are the emotions I'm feelling. My prayers continue to be with you all!
Bless your hearts! Much prayer going up for you here.
It's a catch-22 for the dual-citizens, isn't it? It's really a shame that the US embassy can't do anything at all to help the Americans with dual citizenship. I would hope that they could take these things on a case-by-case basis, but I guess not, huh? Sigh.
So, Rita, are you saying that you will be allowed to leave, but not to return?
Stay strong JM and family, leaving is always hard, may the Lord give you the strength to get through it.
My prayers are with you and your family as you go through this trying period. It sounds like some of those families are in a real "Catch 22".
I know the pain of having to say good-bye, as I went through it when I had to leave Vietnam, but at least you will have a multitude of precious memories that will last you a lifetime. God bless you all.
Oh Rita I am crying. I am so sorry that you have to do this. I pray that the kids get their passports, and quickly with no hassle. What on earth! It all seems so crazy.
I am sorry about the dogs also.
I pray that everything works quickly and well. Always thinking of our missionaries, The Pen of Jen family
Why aren't you taking your dogs with you?
Oh honey, this made me so sad. I wish I could do something to ease the pain of it all. Especially for my nieces who are leaving their life time friends and pets. My heart is breaking and I'm flooded with tears. I feel so selfish when I get excited about seeing you all soon. I know you would rather be there in the country you have grown to love and think of as home.
Oh Rita, such a poignant, rich time. Will be quite an adjustment being back here, but your support system is so vast both in person and with the Internet that you'll be ever so fine.
We're with you in prayer every step of the way.
Glenn, The one dog is really old and I don't think she would make the change well. Also, the housing we have available to us in the states does not allow pets.
Also, the bribes to pay for all the papers are exuberant.
for instance, our shipping cost was quoted to us at 2000$ but aftEer everyone gets their hand in the till, it is nearly 5000$
Liz, the turtles all have homes as well. They are still here with us for a few days.
JM: I've been dreading this day for you and my heart aches for all of you who have to say goodbye to your major part of you life. It's heartwrenching...May God give you strength and comfort. Big Hug...
i hate goodbyes...i'll never forget leaving canada to move to jerusalem 37 years ago...but you walk in the light and after you get on the plane you will be filled with joy and wonder at the path in front of you...stay safe and keep blogging so we know what is happening to you...shalom and love, marallyn
Praying for you Rita! I can only imagine how hard this is--saying goodbye to the precious people you have been ministering to all these years, dear friends and even your doggies. ((hugs))
And *thank you* for the prayers regarding my surgery and recovery. Each day is getting better and better and I'm doing great!! : )
felt sad reading it!
But with all these good wishes your way, i am quite sure that whatever is happening is happening for good!!
Laods of good luck ur way!!
God Bless!!
My prayers are with you Rita as you leave there.
Susan
Ay Rita, I asked for the turtles, but my feelings are for the children. Pets are so important for the young ones. I remember (when I was a teenager), my small brother looking all over our neighborhood for his scaped parakeet, and coming home in tears.
It is amazing how we get attached to material things.. even more to small living creatures.
I'll ask you in the future wich company did you use for moving and if things worked well. Personal advise, you know, we're studying the odds.
Liz
Jungle Mom, like I said it once, I'm so sorry. Everyone seems to be leaving and not just the ones who have another nacionality. I don't have another nacionality and that never concerned me until now. Wish your story was part of just a temporal nightmare. But we are living "many temporal nightmares" lately. Anyway, hope the contact wont stop when you leave my country (thanks for visiting my blog, and yes, Im glad the visits are increassing1) , hope life only brings you and your family better experiences after spending through this one.
I am so heartbroken for you. I thought about you a lot while I was in Mexico last week. I'm sorry about your dog and I'm so sorry you're watching the deterioration of this country you love. I'm blown away that the embassy can't do anything for the children with dual citizenship. This whole thing is such a shame.
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