We gathered together today to celebrate the life and work of a missionary colleague and friend.  She and her partner have invested the last 35 years of their lives translating God's Word into one of the many languages of Cameroon.  That completed New Testament was dedicated last month.  And today the mission community came together to honor her, celebrate her life, and say our good-byes.  Our hearts were filled with memories.  The various times Jim and I spent in their village.  The many meals we have eaten together.  The game nights.  Singing together.  Laughter.  Fun.  It was a bitter sweet time.  Good-byes are always hard.  Will we meet again this side of Glory?  God alone knows.  

Once we are finally Home, we will never say "good-bye" again.  No more farewell events.  No lingering hugs.  No bitter sweet times.  The focus on that great day will not be on a life well lived, but on the Life Giver Himself.  Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.