Hope is holding out for the dream

We hold on for a long time, murmuring our goodbyes. She tells me what to tell her girls when I get there. I tell her not to worry. She never complains about not being able to go herself, but I feel the weight of that longing in our embrace.

How long will it be? Her eyes ask me as we part.

Soon. My eyes shine back as she turns to walk away.

We met a year and a half ago in a playground. She had come to this country with the promise that her children would be able to join her only to discover no such plans would be made. Our friendship grew in little bursts of five minute conversation, until she was ready to find a safer place to live. Not long after she began her quest to reunite her family once again.

There is only one glitch. She'll have to stay in this country while the papers are sorted out for her daughters, age s 11and 14 to come. How long could it possibly take? We ask each other as two months turns into six and then six turns into almost a year. The girls are growing up, and the waiting grows more difficult everyday.

In less than an hour, Stephanie and I will land in Rwanda where those two dear girls will greet us on the other side of the gate. We'll tell them their mother is waiting, that no matter how hard it looks right now, the best is yet to be.

Their eyes so full of light

their hearts so full of hope

will make us all believe.

Comments

[amy]

i'm weeping and heavy with hope and such inspiration. thank you for all of it...

[CarrieJ]

I am so glad that you two get to bring that message to them in person. I HOPE they are in their mother's arms very soon!

[Chris]

I was outside talking to a friend when I got a text message from Facebook with Tracey's update. I said a quick goodbye and ran into the house just to get this little bit of news. I can't wait until the chat on Monday!

[Bridge]

gosh-her longing. our hope! let's get this family together. thanks.

[Mariella]

thank you for taking us with you. It's such an honor. xoxo, ~ M.

[summer]

speechless.

[Mel]

This made me sob! I hope this agony is over soon

[Irene]

yes, we do BELIEVE and HOPE.

thank you for the update Tracey.

[Tripping the light fantastic]

awww. Fingers crossed it will be soon and all will be well in the end.

[Ninotchka]

WOW. Powerful stuff. Makes me feel so small in the face of such a huge struggle on all sides. I can't imagine being separated from my children. Love and light to you all.

[Brandy]

I am away from my kids for a week. I can't begin to imagine being away any longer. Touching :)

[camerashymomma]

tears. crying for truth. and with a firm belief in hope.
safe travels.
xo

[Kath]

With all of us praying and hoping so hard, it has to make a difference, godspeed.

[Wanda]

On the side of hope...

[Tara Bradford]

I'm so proud of you for this path you've taken. You've made a difference, not just to Odette and her family, but in offering hope to so many others. Wishing you many blessings and much joy on your journey! Keep shining your light, Jen. The world is a better place for it. xo

[kristin]

oh i as a mother cannot imagine the strength and struggle it requires for such a separation. i too hold onto all hope hat we all get to se those girls safe in odette's arms very very soon.

[shelli - mama of letters]

Gosh I wish she could go with you!!!!!

[smallbluebird]

Tears for such angels as yourselves and for such strength and beauty in Odette.

[DawnS]

Keeping hope alive in our hearts & prayers!

[Vera]

This was so beautifully written. I look forward to learning more of their story as I go through the posts...