From Edwin
Today I experienced one of the single most difficult moments of my life so far. I had to watch as the love of my life walked off into the boarding gate, and I could do nothing to stop her.
It was heartbreaking to watch her leave. But I know that it is only temporary. Soon, within the next 5 or 6 months I will be home, in Minnesota.
For ten days my life finally felt whole. The past ten days have been perfect in so many ways. I cannot wait to have that feeling of perfection for the rest of my life!!
I love you!! And thank you for everything!! Forever and always and after.
We are stronger than anything thrown our way!!! I got you, you got me!!
From Amanda
You don’t realize how much you can love multiple people at one until you realize that you are leaving a piece of your heart in another country.
It was so difficult leaving my children in the United States; I cried after they left with their grandmother before my flight. I cried multiple times while I was in South Africa, because of all the little things that reminded me of them, all of the baby cuddles and the giggles and the coloring books. All of the people I would love them to meet, the experiences I want them to one day have. I love my children to death.
But to leave behind your best friend, your companion, the greatest love of your life: That’s a different kind of heartache.
I have spent 10 amazing days with you, Edwin. I have gotten to meet and fall in love with your family, your culture, your home. I will miss every one of the family members I have met, I will miss the beautiful country you live in, I will miss the cultural differences and hearing you explain to all of the servers that I just want a still water. These next few months will be difficult. I have no doubts that we will endure. We are strong. We are resilient. Verewig en altyd en daarna. In a few months you will come home with me. Focus on the long term, we will be perfect. <3
