Final Farewells

The last day is always bittersweet. We woke up at five this morning but our people didn’t get there until 7. Baba Ji, our driver, has seen me have some of my attacks, so this morning, he showed me some pictures of some psalms talking about crying out to the Lord for healing. It was very sweet of him. Anna and Abram rode with us to Lahore while Bro. Shahzad and Joshua were with Uncle Babar.

We drove 3.5 hours to Mustafabad to the brick kiln where Bro. Haroon ministers. On the way, we stopped at the washroom. Bro. Shahzad and Joshua were standing on the side. Dad and I were laughing about something, and Bro. Shahzad said, “I am so happy to see Vanessa laughing!’ He has been very concerned about me and he has seen me in my worst attack, so seeing me laughing made him happy. Today, I’ve been sick through the day, but I’m thankful I did not have a major attack.

When we arrived, there were so many people lined up to throw roses on us. When we got through the line of people, they had leis to put around our necks and rose crowns to put on the ladies heads! Mine almost came of so many times!

After the service, I was able to meet some of Joshua, Abram, and Anna’s cousins who live in Lahore. They were all very sweet and helpful at the distribution. I was not able to do a lot, but I took pictures and stood at some of the stations. Joshua went to Bro. Haroon and told him I was almost our of goat milk. A while later, I was summoned by Joshua. Bro. Haroon had gone and found a goat and milked it and brought me a gallon of warm fresh milk! Like I have mentioned, their hospitality is so humbling.

All the young people were joking around a lot more at the end and trying to make as many memories as we can. I told Abram and Anna I was going to cry when I left, so when that time came, Abram was watching me very closely. Bro. Shahzad and his children had gifts for us. They passed them out and I was so touched. Anna got me a black mug, because she knows black is my favorite color. I started crying and I said my goodbyes to everyone. Bro. Shahzad had sweet words to say, and he began crying as well. Before we got in the van, Anna began crying very much. I went and gave her a hug and then I was crying more too. Abram was just smiling because he knew it would happen, but Joshua actually had tears in his eyes! It’s always harder when you don’t know if you’ll ever return. At this point, Anna was crying s lot more and it honestly touched my heart because I knew that the feelings were reciprocated.

We left and then pulled off on the side of the road because they were behind us and wanted to say goodbye again. We quickly signed the frisbee we’ve been playing with this whole time, and then gave it to them as a keepsake.

Now we’re in the city. I miss them so much and I already sent Anna a long I miss you text. As I go home, I have a great burden for these people. Bro. Shahzad and Sis. Sobia’s health is not good and they need a healing tough from the Lord. I pray also for their children that they will keep on the narrow path and be encouraged. I am so thankful to God that I was able to come on this trip. May God bless the people of Pakistan.

I would appreciate prayer for the journey home. Tonight I’m not doing so well but I know God can touch me. I appreciate all the prayers that have been prayed.

Much love, Vanessa