This morning our church had a special time of prayer for the three of us. A number of our dear friends who have supported, encouraged, and prayed for us these last four months were able to come, which made it extra special. A lot of people said their final goodbyes to Afeefa this morning----some were much more emotional than I imagined. It's clear that this precious child has captured many hearts besides our own!
I have begun to pack Afeefa's things and am thinking it will be an interesting adventure to get her and all of her things back home! We have so many items for her therapy, books that the therapists gave us for her parents to read, some of Afeefa's favorite foods (to hopefully help the transition to go smoothly), and a number of toys and stuffed animals that people have given us along the way. This weekend, I was particularly touched by a sweet little boy named Connor who gave Afeefa his Build-A-Bear Leopard because he knew that Afeefa could see the spots on him. I have not ceased to be amazed at how many people are so touched by Afeefa and drawn to her.
We are all feeling such a mix of emotions as Wednesday is fast approaching. We're excited for Afeefa's family and for Afeefa that they will soon be reunited. We are amazed at how far Afeefa has come since she first got here! Dr. Ference and her therapists at her last check-up were truly amazed at the progress she has made; her visual field in the weaker eye had even increased slightly. She is able to see and reach for more unlighted objects, and can see facial expressions and respond to them. It has been such a blessing to share this little piece of her life and to watch her improve so much! I truly am eager for her parents to see her progress since she came! But, we're also very sad. We have come to love Afeefa as our own family. Each of the kids has expressed their sadness about her leaving----I know there will be grieving on all of our parts. But, God who called us to this task promises to provide for all of our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Thinking back on this whole experience, He provided donated diapers, lighted toys, days of respite, companions for the long trips to and from Detroit, and tons of prayer support through many of you who are reading this. In His strength, we've sat up at night when Afeefa cried in discomfort after her surgeries and through illnesses and separation anxiety, in His strength, we've changed lots of diapers, given baths, prepared meals, administered medications, driven to Detroit even when we were tired, and done therapy every day. None of this has been in our own strength---truly, Christ has done in and through us all that we cannot do ourselves. And the biggest thing of all, and the thing I most feared I would not be able to do, is that He filled our hearts with a deep love for this precious child. I remember the first night Afeefa was here, I sat with her crying in my arms and just prayed that Jesus would help me to feel His compassion and love for this child and that somehow I would be able to love her like my own. Indeed, He not only answered that prayer for me, personally, but I've seen my husband and my kids overflow with love toward her, too. And again, this is not a boasting in ourselves, but rather in Christ, who loves us and fills us and lives His life of love through us. To Him be the glory!
So, I am feeling like it is going to be hard to say "goodbye", but I know that God has promised to meet all of our needs and to accomplish the task to which He called us. Certainly, letting go is also a part of that task, and I know He will do it for us. I'm sure it will not be without tears and sadness, but I'm convinced that He'll be our Comforter, and that He'll turn our sadness into joy as we celebrate with Afeefa's family her safe return to them, and the miracle of healing and of sight with which He has gifted Afeefa.
Thanks to all of you who have faithfully prayed for CCM, Afeefa, her family, and ours over the last several months. Please, continue to pray for us as we say our goodbyes, and as we travel. We leave Wednesday afternoon, and Lord willing, will arrive in Guyana on Thursday morning. Also, please continue to pray for Afeefa's family----that they may know "how high and deep and wide is the love of Christ" for them, and that their reunion with Afeefa will be sweet. Pray also for a good transition for Afeefa, and that Kristin and I will be able to teach her family all that they need to know for her therapy.
A few more pictures, just for fun:
