Half A Day Away

Chapter 10 ▪ Letters

O'Hare Airport, IL, USA

Dearest Mom and Dad,

I cannot believe that as I sit and write this to you I am waiting to board an airplane bound for the Philippines! My joy and love for you and for God is indescribable but complete. I am so thankful for what you've done for me.

I can't help but think back four-plus years ago, to that Sunday night when I confessed my hidden online relationship with a young man from that country. The tears we both shed. But you didn't condemn me! You loved me, even as you disciplined me. Kinda like God Himself, if you ask me! I won't lie - I hated you for making me pull the plug on Paulo, even though I had begun to see that it was necessary a few weeks before. I hope you will forgive me for the awful things I said. I was just in pain.

I see now that my relationship with Paulo is in God's hands, just as every other facet of my life. I am, like the Apostle Paul content in whatever station of life God leads me to. And Paul wrote that while he languished in prison!

I am already missing you more than I ever imagined. You helped me discern that God was leading me to Bible College and a life of ministry instead of sports medicine as I had always planned. You have always been there for me, and I am forever grateful. It's almost time for me to board, so I will say Paalam/Farewell, but only for a while. I promise to write and send lots of pictures!

Love Forever,

Your Emily

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Sister Nancy,

I am officially in the air on my way to see you!

We just went wheels up from O'Hare and now there is now no turning back - not that I would ever want to! The adventure of a lifetime awaits. A God-ordained adventure. I wouldn't have it any other way.

There are not enough words in any language to thank you for what you did for me. God brought you to my church that night, to minister to me. You strengthened and encouraged me to confess my online relationship with Paulo to my parents that very night, even though I steadfastly didn't want to. It was a gift that I am eternally grateful for. You have been my friend and confidante and shoulder to cry on [even long distance!] as I dealt with my emotions through it all. You are a gift!

And now I am headed to God's mission field. After tenfold prayer for discernment of God's will. After applying for positions in practically every other country except the Philippines to be sure that I wasn't chasing a guy, instead of God. God said the Philippines, and I said "Here am I Lord, send me!"

Your prayers, your letters, texts, and emails have been precious to me. If I were you, I would have given up on a hopeless case like me long ago. But you stuck with me. You even looked up Paulo, checked on his background and family, got his photo - all without my asking you to do so! By the way, I keep that picture and email in my Bible ~ you know, so I can pray for Him, his family! The rest is up to God!

Something you once said got me though the dark times, and I have treasured it ever since. When my longing for Paulo was unbearable, you said "Emily, when it's midnight in North Carolina, remember that it's Noon in Manila. He's only half a day away. You will catch up with him someday.

That day could be tomorrow!

All my love,

Emily.