Left to Right: Terri, David, John, Mary, and Sarah (in front)We said a bitter-sweet goodbye to our dear and precious friends, the Wegeners yesterday. Although they will be returning to Zambia in a few months, we will be back in the States by then. Why bitter-sweet? I'm so glad you asked. While we will miss our friends terribly, we get to live out the last eleven weeks of our Zambian mission in their charming home. This is such a gift to both our families as it provides us the opportunity to pare down our belongings to what fits in our allowable luggage and they can relax knowing their place will be well cared for until we leave. That said, it was a another sad goodbye. Our time together was just too short.
I met Terri while walking one morning several months ago. During that brief encounter, she invited Isata and Shauna to SPRITZ, a Bible study for teen girls held in her home on Friday afternoons. Later that day, I received a sweet message from her detailing what she covers in the study. From the tone of that first of many emails, I knew that my girls would be safe under her guidance and would receive godly counsel while enjoying loads of fun at the Wegeners.
Even though the girls began SPRITZ the following Friday night, unfortunately Terri and I didn't connect (due to schedule differences) until a couple months ago. She asked to join us on our daily walks when her walking partner was unavailable for a couple of weeks. I jumped at the chance to get to know this dear lady who brought so much joy into my daughters' Friday evenings.
From the first morning, I knew that Terri was more than a gift for Shauna and Isata, she was heaven sent to ME. We talked non-stop for the duration of our 75-minute walk continuing for another 45 minutes afterwards. It is such a gift to find a friend who shares my culture and passion to live a life pleasing to God. Although our visits were few in number, they were priceless. I cherished every minute.Terri's husband David teaches at the Theological College of Central Africa. At his invitation, Jason had the privilege of auditing his church history class and enjoyed it thoroughly as David's teaching brought relevance and life to an interesting subject. The end of the course last week left Jason wishing he could have joined in upon our arrival to Zambia instead of so close to our departure. Still, he is grateful to have sat under David's teaching at all. It was an honor and privilege to do so.
Okay, I've already mentioned how wonderful Terri and David are BUT, (and this is particularly important to the Sibley bunch), they have four amazing children. Elizabeth attends university in the States. Then there is 17-year old Mary, almost 14-year old John, and last but not least 13-year old Sarah. These kids are full of life, laughter, imagination, and ENERGY! There is never a dull moment with them.
Let me give you just one example. A few weeks ago, Mary and Sarah invited Isata, Shauna, and Sia over for a "day at the spa". This included lots of girl talk, manicures, pedicures, and facials. My girls, delighted to have a few hours with Mary and Sarah, were pleasantly surprised by their elaborate preparations which included the beauty specialists dressed in costume and staying in character throughout the event, the house decorated appropriately, and yummy refreshments served. These girls are creative.
Their brother John is equally imaginative, energetic, and fun. Steven and Carlin had a blast playing soccer, shooting baskets, and playing a few video games with their new friend. It was sad to see him go. However, they were delighted when John offered his Legos for them to play with while camping out in his room. They are living large let me tell you!(Just in case you are wondering: John, who really is that much taller, is only a year older than Carlin. He is not standing on a foot-high step stool.)
As you can imagine, saying goodbye to this dear family was especially difficult. We missed their smiles and hugs as soon as the gates closed behind the van carting them off to the airport. Yet even in our sadness, we rejoice that God brought our two families together for a time such as this.
Little did I know of the friendship that would unfold that early morning when I first met Terri Wegener. Thank you Jesus!
Dearest Terri, David, Mary, John, and Sarah,
We miss you oh so much. As much as we love your home, it's just not the same without you. I pray for God's strength, wisdom, and grace as you move through the season ahead.
Much love,
Beckie & Jason
Isata, Shauna, Carlin, Steven, and Sia
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