June 24th

It's

A Menno Minute

It was about this time of year, the summer of 1996, when I had to say goodbye to friends in Russia. After three years, that day at the train station was a tearful goodbye. I knew I may never see them again, but they will forever be in my heart.

Zoom ahead 24 years. I'm again having to say goodbye to precious people in my life. Most I will see again, but still, tearful. To say I'm blessed by or thankful for my Alberta and Canada family is like calling the ocean a glass of water. Being the MCA Communications Coordinator has really been a dream job for me. As the first Communicator, I had a chance to experiment and create; to participate in the bigger vision; to help form the first nationwide communications team; and more.  I love the work, but it's truly the people that the difference. Brenda & Tim, it's been and honor* to work beside you. To the pastors, the executive, and committees, I'm challenged by your passion. To the NatComm team & Doug, you are inspiring and the best teammates I could have.

In Russian, the way friends say "good-bye" is "пока́" (paka). It's informal and usually reserved for close friends. But that summer day in 1996, I was corrected. "It's not 'пока́'" (paka). "It's 'до свида́ния!'" (Dasvidaniya, the formal version) - "until we meet again."

"13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you."  3 John 13-14

So for now, I raise my cup to you. до свида́ния!

June

*I have to practice my American English.