Our Last Night Together

Fatima leaves tomorrow on a flight to Afghanistan.  I am sad to say goodbye, but my heart is filled with joy for what we have experienced this past 6 weeks.  Today was spent with a final dental visit, playing around the house, tennis and swimming.  We took her for a farewell dinner at Al's for her favorite meal of pizza.  She ate 3 pieces!  Right now I am listening to the happy sounds of all 4 of my children playing the Wii together.  When we got home tonight there was a balloon bouquet waiting on the porch for Fatima.  She was so surprised that someone brought these for her.  They were from a very kind-hearted friend.

I think it is finally sinking in that she is leaving us tomorrow.  She keeps hugging me and telling me that she loves me.  She even hugged our dog and said " I miss you, Bubba".  She requested to see the girls' best friend, Colby who happens to be out of town.  I tried to explain that she was not here, so we talked to her on the phone instead.  She told Colby that she loved her.

I am actually feeling peace right now.  The past few days were tearful, but I have been strong today.  Tomorrow at noon we will leave for the airport.  I have kept happy spirits whenever I talk to her about her departure.  We try to ask her who she will sit with on the airplane and about how happy her friends and family will be to see her.  I wrote her a letter that the interpreter can read to her after she is gone.  She also has her photo book that she can look at over and over again as she already does.

Thank you again for all of the support I have received.  Thank you for reading my blog and giving me encouragement.  Thank you for your generous donations.  Fatima is going home with two suitcases filled to the brim with items for her and her community.  She came with what she was wearing and one other outfit.   She is going home with memories of the time she spent with our family and the love that she felt while in the presence of our community.

I hope to write one last post after her departure tomorrow.  Until then....