A Mother’s Heart
Do you know that empty feeling you get when someone leaves? It might be from a friend moving away, or a child going off to summer camp, or a sibling leaving for college. Well, I have that feeling tonight. When I look around our apartment, nearly everything I see reminds me of Henry. I see the deck of cards scattered on the table where he was teaching the kids card tricks, I see the school supply list that we spent all day Saturday shopping to check off, I see the school calendar from his new boarding school, I see the rice krispy treats he made with the kids, I see the leftover pancakes in the refrigerator from breakfast this morning, I see the sewing kit which I used to mend his shirt before church, I see the band-aid wrapper in my purse from the cut he got from carrying his heavy metal foot locker into school today, I see his cell phone that we must keep for him because they are not permitted at school.
Henry playing cards with Gash & Gregston kids.
Henry making rice krispy treats with Joshua & Jennifer.
Henry with Gash family at church.
My heart is sad because we had to say goodbye to Henry today, but my heart is glad because we have been praying for this day for so long. As my husband and I attended the parents meeting today, with Henry sitting between us, we were so proud to act as his guardians. I should not have been surprised that we were the only mzungus (white people) in the room, but we tried to blend in as best as we could. Henry has wonderful parents, but it would have been difficult for them to make the journey to Kampala and take him to school. There were many supplies that needed to be purchased, packed, and delivered to the school. We really felt like we were taking our first child to college. It was great practice for when we will be taking Jessica to college in a couple of years.
Jim & Joline taking Henry to school.
If all goes according to plan, Henry will study physics, chemistry, and biology at this school for two years, then go on to study medicine in a university. His dream is to become a doctor, and I believe he will do it. Henry is smart, hard-working, and has wonderful people skills. I think he will be a great doctor someday. It will be hard for us not to be able to see him until March on visitation day, but we will be praying for him daily. I know God has a plan for Henry. I am just happy to get to watch that plan unfold. So, the joy that fills my heart is covering that empty feeling I have from saying goodbye.
Yes, yes, Joline. I remember when we took Creg to college and the great joy mixed with nostalgia in my heart. But God was already at work! He had placed Jim and Rosella Gash in the same motel in Abilene, TX the night before dorms opened. First meeting of life-long friends, roommates and spiritual sharpeners! What a magnificent God we serve! I’m trusting and thanking Him for Henry’s new college experience and our guys, as well.
Isn’t it interesting that when you are experiencing a loss it can lead to a better gain? I feel your pain as I can see the love in your eyes for this amazing young man that you have been blessed with and who has also blessed you. Reuniting with Henry will be here before you know it. How great that you have the fondest of memories to cherrish until then.
I have tears trickling down my face as I read about Henry, your incredible love and Henry’s incredible opportunity awaiting him. Then I think back about where Henry was a few short years ago. What a starfish story!
Love, Becky
Joline I can only imagine you spearheading the organization of sending the family out to gather what Henry needed for school as you entered The Mall. Even though you were a family in a new culture, you would have scoped it out so that you would have each person using his or her strength. I love that about you. That was what made you a brilliant teacher. The Lord uses that in you. Henry is in such good hands….the Gash family and the Hands of the Lord…..