This week is so, so hard.
We keep hearing people say, “Are you excited?”—and we know it’s coming from a place of love and encouragement. And yes, we truly are excited. But the reality is, this is incredibly hard. This journey isn’t just about us. The sacrifices being made extend far beyond our family—to our friends, our loved ones, and those who have been part of our everyday lives.
As I met with family this week, we hugged through streaming tears, sobbing as we said goodbye. My grandfather, with wisdom and love, looked at me and said, “You have trained for this.” And while I know those words are true, my response was simple: “No one said it would be this hard.”
Yes, we know God has called us to this. Yes, we see Him moving, providing, and working. But this isn’t a short-term mission trip where we come home to normal life. This is different. We don’t get to return to our house, our bed, or the comfort of the familiar. Our house is empty. Our hearts are heavy. This transition is real, raw, and painful.
Our families are sacrificing too, in ways that might never be fully understood. Their normal is shifting as well, and they may not share in our enthusiasm. To them, this may feel crazy, unnecessary, or even unfair. Their sacrifice is just as real as ours, and that is what makes this week so heavy.
This has been a week of lasts—last meetings with close friends, last hugs with family, last moments in the places we’ve called home. Each one is another reminder that our lives are changing completely. While we are looking forward to this new chapter, we also deeply hurt. We care about people, we love deeply, and we feel the weight of this goodbye.
Would you pray for us this week, especially?
- Pray for peace as we say our final goodbyes.
- Pray for comfort in the midst of grief.
- Pray that our hearts would hold on to the joy of this calling, even in the sorrow.
- Pray for our families, who are making a sacrifice just as great as ours.
Thank you for standing with us. Your prayers, encouragement, and love mean more than we can express.
With love and gratitude,
The Lewis Family
Bridging Families in Panama
