30 June 2011. It was two weeks ago when we both stopped working to prepare for our move back to the states and to say good bye to all our friends. We used the whole two weeks, paring down our possessions and packing our bags. And spending a few last and precious minutes with as many of our Tanzanian friends as we could. Unlike earlier departures, there was no mad rush to get out on time—we had a leisurely morning greeting all of the last minute well-wishers.
Our departure today was for the last time. Is the work done? No, the work is never done, but there are times when one must move on to another calling. We pray that our presence here will have a lasting impact—that whatever work God has begun will continue until God says it is completed.
We have been so blessed to share most of the last three years with our Tanzanian friends at the Africa Inland Church compound in Mwanza. They showered us with love, and we tried to do the same in return. It was hard to say good-byes.
So just let me share my parting with my good friend Byemero. Over the years he and I spent countless hours together, working and discussing whatever cultural or doctrinal issues came to mind. Each day when we had grown tired from our work, Byemero would ask, “shall we call it a day?” marking the end of that day’s time together. And so it was today. There was no good-bye from Byemero. And none from me. Our last words were simply these:
“Shall we call it a day?”
“Yes, let’s call it a day.”
