Cheers, Michelle

Dear Michelle,

You once told me

may you pick up your heart and place it in their hands

leave it

leave your heart in Ghana

may it be beautiful

may it be right

 

may you look forward in expectation of home

may every step towards it be marked by peace

that peace that passes all understanding

I promise it is there

 

These words—and this promise—are written in my journal, etched slowly into my paper so that I could really take all of it in. You told Rachel and me these beautiful things right as we prepared to leave Africa. You wished us well darling, and I know your words and sentiments touched us both very deeply.

Your words somehow held onto what my heart was feeling inside.

Your words made coming home a little more reassuring.

Which is funny, because you wrote to us miles and miles away, tucked away in the heart of England, seemingly a world away from Ghana. And yet, you captured the moment. You captured the sentiment.

Yes, our last semesters apart have been starkly different.

You have danced in daffodils, I have danced in dirt. You have picked up the British way of saying things, I learnt a little of Twi. You embraced being cold, I embraced being hot. You gallivanted all over Europe, I gallivanted all over Ghana.

But, I suppose that is the beauty and mystery of some things, because even in our differences, we also experienced similar things, too.

We grew as women.

We saw a new place in the world.

We discovered God in a new way.

We met amazing, incredible people.

We adapted. We adjusted. We thrived.

We loved. This much I know is true.

You, Michelle, I think, carry with you a little British in your soul. Even before England, you have always been such a lovely, kind, and graceful woman, and it seems like all of these are evident from your time in Chester. You were meant to be there. Quite simply, England was for you, and you were for England.

Now, darling, it is your turn.

There is a time for everything. A time to plant and a time to uproot (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

May your beautiful seeds that you planted in England become pretty flowers. May they bloom, as you have, and grow and soak up the sun that is so precious and dear. May the relationships and friends you have come to cherish stay with you forever. May your stories radiate in your mind, so that you can tell your family and friends about your journey in England. May your prayers be answered, so that you can find peace and comfort in your last week in England. May you find happiness. I know you already have, but may this happiness fill you from your hands to your toes, leaving no part of your soul untouched. May you laugh hard and long, giving you the undeniably wonderful feeling of a headache from laughing too hard. May you say goodbye, and know that really, this is just the beginning.

It's true, you know.

This is just the beginning of a long journey, just one chapter of a great story. Your months and time in Chester will forever stay with you. I hope you remember the small things, the little wonders that make living so worthwhile. The cool air on your face, the feeling of watching the English countryside pass by you, and everything in between.

So, I may lack the way you have with words, but know I, as many of us are, are praying for your safe return to America. There will be bluebonnets to be loved, a family anxiously awaiting you with a big hug, and lots of really good Southern food. It will be hard to come back. But, you, Michelle, know better than anyone that there is a time for everything.

Enjoy, no, embrace these last few days you have.

You are a changed woman, and I can't wait to trade stories, give hugs, and drink wine with this new Michelle Stiles. Stay beautiful my lovely English girl.

Cheers and love.