Tonight we went out for 2x1 chicken wings again. This time there were 8 of us and we were celebrating my leaving for the US.
Travel outside of the country is a big deal to some people in Honduras. I have had 3 groups of people pray over me about the trip. Friends and mere acquaintances want to meet me at the airport where they have another little send off. The whole pomp and circumstance of the bon voyage party at the airport is wasted on me. I like to check in, get through security, get to my gate and settle into flight mode. But if people show up, I will play along for their sake. It is a kind and thoughtful thing to do.
I have started the list of phone calls to say good bye. These are expected and people are really hurt if you don't call before you leave and as soon as you get back.
When I told Fany someone bought me the ticket she said, "No!" and she looked so sad I thought she was misunderstanding me.
I told her, "Fany. I am not moving back to the US. I'm just visiting for Christmas. I'll be back in a few weeks."
"I know," she said. "I just don't want you to go. Last time you were gone (when I went to the weekend retreat) Laura woke up in the morning and asked if you were home yet. When I told her you weren't home she didn't want to get out of bed. We just slept all day!" :(
At least I know I will be missed.
Another custom is that people tell you they will be waiting for you with open arms. And there are lots of "I love you"s and "I'll miss you!" In North America people aren't so expressive. I am lucky if I can get someone to take me to the airport, never mind have a whole group there to send me off.
Today was a really big day for me. I am not ready to write about it to the general public yet. But it was a good day. I did something that has been a long time coming and I feel great. I can't wait to tell you all about it when the time is right.
