The time of goodbyes has come. And I'm not ready, of course. Who is ever ready for life-altering transitions? No matter how much you know it's coming, you always end up feeling blindsided. Like the motorcycle that hit me with his rear view mirror on Mizra Something Street yesterday (I can't remember the full street name.) He honked for about five minutes. How I still managed to get sideswiped is beyond me. Ah, well. I have a lovely bruise.
In just a few hours I leave for the airport. And kiss Kolkata goodbye for now. I just walked here eating my last pack of Elaichi creme biscuits. I'm all packed, and I even managed to sleep last night. One can only hope I'm improving at this whole moving from country to country thing.
Thank you so much for following me through these last few months by reading my words. It won't end here. There are things tucked away in journals that I have yet to put down here. And as I process what I've seen further, those thoughts will also find their way. Your letters and emails and love from over the oceans has been at times the grace I needed, the reminder I needed, the love I needed. This sounds so simple, so ... small. But for those of you who have supported me I give a million thanks. I've found a lot of things in Kolkata, some expected, some unexpected. But I've found Jesus, too, in ways that have redeemed me. I'm boarding the plane with a bit of luggage, and some of the most beautiful faces tucked away in my heart. They will never fail to be for me a picture of perfect joy. The joy found in our suffering saviour. The peace found in life lived with and for the poor. And the grace that I've found each time I've failed to love.
Freedom, the girl I wrote about in the 'Exodus' blog gave me a present when we said goodbye. The most hideous porcelain figurine I've seen in some time. It looks like a cross between a wedding cake topper and a grandma knick knack. It is one of the most precious presents I have ever been given. And perhaps the most valuable Christmas present. It is a reminder for me of Emmanuel, of Christ making the long journey to earth. Of the perfect Word made flesh for the sake of love. I'm going home for Christmas, but I've found Christmas here in Kolkata. The monastery chapel where we had our debriefing retreat had these words above the altar:
"The Word here made flesh dwells among us."
I have no better words to leave you with.
A bit of last Kolkata lovin' is coming your way.
Love.
H
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2 comments:
Hannah,
i was a part of the servant team before you. beth put links to your blogs on hers...so i thought i'd take a look...
i think i'd like to have some sort of profound or encouraging word for you as you return home...and enter into this long process of figuring out how to live here. but i don't. all i can say is...God is faithful...and He is good...He is with you. and maybe "i understand"
i spent my first few weeks feeling like a deer in the headlights...
i've been praying for you these months as you've been in ktown...and especially this past week as you've been preparing to transition back to the states.
peace be with you.
Melissa
Hannah,
Your Exodus story was very real and necessary. Keep going. From another who has known the Kolkata that can only change you.
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