I thank God for the chance to know you.
I've got an mp4 player. I put it on shuffle. I start listening to it then my thoughts drift off...and then I remember you. Coz this one song starts playing. Friends are Friends Forever by Michael W. Smith. This is for you.
I've been doing some thinking of late. You could've just been another colleague. You could've just been another passing acquaintance. You could've just been a face without a name. But you're not. You're not just another colleague, not just another passing acquaintance, and definitely not just a face without a name. The year flew by too quickly.
When I reflect on 2009, getting to know you makes one of the marks of the year.
It all started with a smile exchanged. You, the loner. Among so many and yet detached. Me, the girl in the 4-people section. You thought I didn't speak english. I was going nuts trying to settle in. Somehow, glancing around me and seeing a smiling face helped me hold on to my sanity. Reminded me that I wasn't among robots. Gave me a glimmer of hope and maybe even helped calm my jittery nerves. Don't ask me why. I don't know either.
Having someone to talk to during the second camp was crucial. Being able to share my discomfort with someone who was right there in the midst of the situation(not literally, but just...There.), someone who understands my stands and principles, someone who could relate to me, assured me that indeed, God is watching over me and He knows my plight.
By the time we got to the third camp, most things had settled in much better. The inspiration I got to keep me working hard really did its job and sitting down for a meal, being able to relax and exchange words of encouragement and different points of view was really so refreshing, and again, alongside buddies as crazy and wacky as myself(we turned you crazy and wacky too! Mission accomplished!), reassured me that we're still human. Those breaks were good.
The fourth camp? Definitely memorable for all of us. You know it, I know it, we all love Lion Paw's public transportation. Coming back to someplace we are more familiar with, thank you for playing a part in making me watch Avatar. For making me take a break. I do not thank you for making me panic 5 minutes before the movie but I thank you for everything else that happened that day, what with the watch-her-freak-out-like-never-before incident that evening. Thank you for standing by me and for your prayers. Moving on, I Will get you a nice little Rudolph-red-nose one day as a token of gratitude for the trouble you went through with finding the perfect accessory...which of course, amounted to no results whatsoever in the end. It was a crazy camp, one which I will treasure in time to come. By the way, those tracks you emailed me really did help.
It has come a time where this journey has come to a crossroad. We have to go our separate ways, but nonetheless, you will always have a special place in my heart. Being able to share tidbits of my experience walking with the Lord has also really helped me as you share and encourage as well. I pray that you will continue to grow in Him and become a mighty man for His glory. You are unique and God has made you the way you are because He has a divine purpose for you. I will miss you. God protect.
Jie.
