Saying Goodbye

There are some things one just isn't every ready to do, goodbye's we don't expect to have to say. I have said many a "goodbye" in my 13 years of expat living and they have all been tough each in their own way, but saying goodbye to Dave Petrescue is more than my mind can really comprehend. Often when I have said "farewell" the reality is I probably won't see them again on this side of eternity, yet I know they are out there somewhere in the world. But how can we grasp never again in a worldly sense (the only sense I really know or understand).

I know someday in eternity is real but it sure seems a long way away.

I was just talking with Dave the day before he died, something I don't do as often as I used to, he was asking me to share a story I had told him once, at church in few weeks for a sermon he was preaching. It stood out to me I guess b/c it is the first thing that anyone at church has asked of me in the 2 years I have been gone, little did I know that 2 days later I would be asked again to do something...this time to write his obituary. (available to read at www.maadichurch.net)

I must say it was a rather cathartic experience, helping me to sort out my feelings. Many have questioned over the last few days how Dave could have done something so foolish or risky? It has been good to have the opportunity to share about the Dave I knew who loved high speed, dizzying heights, and knew no fear. Anyone who has been around a few years to hear his stories or see the glimmer in his eyes when he discusses one of Tim's recent stunts, would know that Dave didn't view a 4 foot rappelling act as a life threatening adventure. He simply needed to be somewhere, found himself locked out, and that seemed the fastest way to solve his dilemma.

The service seemed a bit brief to try and capture all that Dave loved or stood for but it was a good time of community. The Africans shared a few songs and I could just picture Dave up there in his goofy Nigerian outfit moving like a white guy. Dave was loved and I think his family has clearly understood that. Tim is rising to the occasion of being the man of his household and has been a major support to his mother. The girls each in their own way are coping and encouraging, all three of them have turned into amazing young people. Dave and Brenda have much to be proud of! People ask again and again how Brenda is doing a question that is hard to answer in a sentence or two. She allows the tears to flow freely but able to express herself and radiate God's goodness in the midst of this trial. After the funeral today I saw glimpses of the Brenda I know and love and a reminder that she will go on.. as will we all.

Some real highlights to this old youth pastor's heart was seeing Jared Lebel (coming from Saudi Arabia), Phil Rizk (coming from Gaza), and Josh and Kristen Dolson (coming from the US)appearing to support Tim and Janelle and Michelle. Sometimes being part of the family of God is annoying but at times like this it is good to be in the fam!

I will add a few more photos later if I can