May 31, 2008

Dear Friends,
My time here in Pakistan is drawing to a close. Over the past two and a half years, I know that you have been with me in spirit. You have truly been united with me, and you not only enjoyed my messages telling of the unique experiences I have had here, but by your prayers and support, you also encouraged me and helped me when times were challenging here. I am truly grateful to each of you who have accompanied me on this journey.
These days of finishing up, packing up, and saying good-byes are difficult. Jesus promised that anyone who gave up home and family for his sake would receive many more homes and families. This has certainly been true of my experience, for I know that I have a new home and family here.
Recently, I shared my feelings of sadness in the good-byes with my niece Krissy who had to say good-bye to her new-found friends in Taiwan when she had to leave there because of her brain tumor. She found it hard to leave her friends, but opted for a stance of re-joy-cing remembering all the blessings and good times she shared with her friends. What a wonderful idea! And so, I re-joyce:

--in our sisters who welcomed me as part of their Pakistan community
--in the school staff who so willingly accepted me and the new ideas I brought to them
--in the students who cheered me each day with their greetings and their love
--in our workers who always treated me with such courtesy and took care to see that I had whatever I needed (even when we had to be creative in communicating!)
--in the parish family who let me know in many ways that we were indeed one family
--in my Dominican brothers here who were always friendly and who looked out for my safety
--in the times of celebrating, which had the special flavor of the Pakistani culture
--in the times of the community standing in support of one another when perhaps one religious group was insulted in the media, or when there was any perceived sense of danger
--in the experience of living in a very different world, complete with donkeys on the school grounds and chickens in the home
--in the sights, sounds and images of both city and village life that I will never forget
--and in each of you, my dear friends at home who have prayed, written, called, gave financial support, sent supplies, and let me know of your care and love in so many ways.

I have been so blessed to have this opportunity! It is hard to see it ending, but I know that new opportunities await me, and wherever I go, God will be there waiting with yet another home and another family.
Thank you, dear friends, and God bless you. I will see you soon!

Love and prayers,
Anne