Pakka Milenge

I hate goodbyes with a true and full disdain.  I either rush through them in an effort not to cry or linger on "the lasts" attempting to savor every moment I can with those precious to me causing even more emotional duress.

It's been a month of goodbyes and I'm not sure I can take much more of it. Don't misunderstand, I am well aware that goodbyes here mean warm hellos somewhere else. I am anxious to hug and laugh and celebrate all God has done this year with my beloved community on the other side of the world. But the goodbyes are wicked hard. Can I just get on a plane and avoid all of the emotions that await in the next few days?

Okay okay, I know that wouldn't be right. 

What I hate so much about goodbyes is that they are so final. I don't know where God would put me in the future. I pray I will be back in India and that I'll meet my other international friends again, but maybe that's not what God has planned for me. (Oh please God, let that be planned for me!)

In the midst of one of my most emotional goodbyes yet, my sweet friend bid me "pakka milenge." I had heard the phrase "phir milenge," which is roughly translated as "see you again." I was going to try to use that phrase as I said my goodbyes, but it seemed inadequate. Too informal in some way, almost flippant. But pakka milenge? It was perfect. It means "we will meet again, for sure." 

For sure. 

I had this overwhelming sense of peace. Forget the maybes and what ifs, Steiger! Meeting these dear, sweet friends again is a sure thing. It's possible we may not meet on earth, but we will meet again as we worship Jesus forever in heaven. It's a sure thing. 

Leaving India may be one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but I rest on this promise of God. 

So to my precious family that I've already given final hugs to and those I have yet to embrace, I say with bold confidence "pakka milenge."


Cincerely,


Cindy