Diane's final thoughts....

Diane here.  I have tears... tears that are not stopping. Today is my last Monday, P-day with my daughter, Hermana Megan Workman. Now, before you sarcastically say "poor baby, your daughter is finally finishing up her mission and coming home". Walk with me over the past 18 months... She has missed Selfies, Hashtags, Candy Crush and the death of my father. She missed her brothers endless teasing, mission call and farewell. Another brothers first prom, break ups and temple trips. Her youngest brothers Eagle Court of Honor, driver license and voice changing. She's missed family dinners, vacations and peanut butter. She has been so missed. However, while serving as a disciple of Christ in Costa Rica, she has "seen" so much! Volcanoes, beaches, majestic waterfalls and miracles at the hand of God... all through new glasses. She has SEEN! She has felt earthquakes, bug bites, heart ache and the Spirit as it touches the lives of her new found brothers and sisters. She has felt. She has had a real sister.... and a second sister, and a third.... She has tasted hand picked mangos, sipped pipa and eaten pig snout with the hair intact. She has tasted a new life. She has lived through hospitalizations, infections and infestations. Her feet have walked the entire country... no bike, no car and rarely a cell phone. She has lived without hot water, indoor plumbing, texting and microwaves. She has lived. She has changed buses, branches, broken hearts and lives. She has changed. So... When I cry that it's the ending... I also realize it's the start of a new beginning. A new daughter is coming home. One I have never met. She is stronger and a stranger. Her shoes and clothes are worn out but she is wearing her smile. I'll know her face, it's never left my thoughts but there is new light in her eyes. "Hermana" changes back to "Megan" and the name she took upon her at 8 is tucked back in her heart rather than on the outside, on a black tag, resting upon it. My heart aches for her. My prayers have been answered. She has been blessed, protected, provided for and carried. Next Monday, P-day, I will have my best friend home. Yes, there are tears... tears that are not stopping.