The close of December and the months of January and February brought a steady stream of goodbyes.
I had the privilege of a quick flight to Huaral to bid farewell to Simon Slabaugh and his family as they left on Christmas Day. Simon, Christine, and their children have been dear friends and a great source of encouragement during our time in Peru. We miss them—knowing they were just over the mountain, always ready to help, always a solid presence, a reliable place to stay when flights through Lima didn’t go as planned!
Another significant farewell was Caleb and Belinda’s family. In the weeks leading up to their departure, there were plenty of loose ends to tie up—vehicle projects, house details, and the logistics of moving. They spent their last stretch here at the farm, allowing the house they were renting to return to Percy. That meant moving furniture, distributing household items, and organizing the many things they wouldn’t be taking with them. Caleb handled all of it well, and we were glad to help with some of the details.
Right in the middle of it all, my cousin Tanner arrived—just in time to help with some of the bigger moves. His extra set of hands was a blessing, both in the practical work of moving and in the days after Caleb and Belinda left.
When Caleb and Belinda first came, they planned for just a few months as a trial. That turned into a year and a half, then two years, and in the end, they stayed for three and a half years.
We are deeply grateful for their sacrifice of time and resources. Caleb served as a faithful deacon, keeping the work of the church moving forward. I will miss him greatly in the role of assisting with pastoral duties. Belinda was equally valuable in her care for the ladies, planning fellowship meals, and seeing to many details that made church life run smoothly. Their presence in the brotherhood will be missed, but we send them off with our blessing as they begin their next chapter in Tennessee.
Not long after Caleb’s family left, we said farewell to Miss Robyn. We were grateful that her parents, Blaine and Beth, were able to visit for several days before traveling back with her to Virginia. Blaine and Beth, thank you for sharing your daughter with us. The energy and training you’ve poured into her life were evident in the way she served our family. We pray for the Lord’s blessing on all of you and especially for Miss Robyn as she seeks the Lord’s will for her future.
Tanner was next in line for farewells—or so we thought. The day before his flight, he received an email from the airline informing him that he would miss his connection and offering a free date change. He took them up on it and extended his stay by three weeks. He’s planning to get some dental work done while he’s here, and we’re thankful to have him for a little longer. Of course, this only means we’ll have to say our goodbyes all over again in a couple of days, but for now, we’re enjoying the extra time.
Seasons of transition remind us of how much the Lord has given us through the friendships we’ve built. Goodbyes are difficult, but they are also a reminder to be grateful for the time we had. And in the Lord’s kingdom, no goodbye is ever truly final.
Juan David 