Time is Short...

Remembering my friend, Lina

Today was like every typical morning except then all the sudden it wasn’t. I woke up and got ready for work, and on my way to work, I heard news of a very dear friend of mine passing away. I’ve had people in my life that have gone to be with the Lord, and it’s not the greatest feeling. This time it was a friend of mine that I knew while living in Argentina, and a friend that I cared for deeply, even to the point of thinking she was a part of our family. Lina was a person I will always remember because it was because of her friendship that helped me to break out of my nervous teenage shell of not wanting to talk to people. It was her friendship and many others during my last time in Argentina that caused me to have some of the best years of my life growing up. Those were years of my life that I will never forget.   

 I still remember her pulling her car into the Bible School in Cordoba, Argentina, and it was this tiny yellow car. I always looked forward to seeing that car and seeing her. She took me for a ride once in that car, and it felt like I was in some kind of video game because it was so little, but that was hers, that was Lina.  

The thing I remember most is the conversations we had. I looked up to her, and I could talk to Lina about anything, and she would listen. At the time, I was just a teenager but she always had my back and showed me she was there for me. I have story after story about Lina, but I will always remember her as extremely kind, giving, generous, patient, humble, loyal, self-sacrificing, and the list could go on and on.  
 
My heart is heavy today because I know she leaves her husband, Clement, and their two children, Juliette and Benjamin. I know that during times like these, only God can bring peace to this situation.  
 
I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to see Lina a few times in the past several years and a couple of those times with her husband.  
 
Don’t take for granted those that are close to you and don’t keep secrets from your families. Be honest with each other and work to always build your relationships up rather than down. It’s not worth being upset with a relative, a friend, or whoever it might be. Our time on this earth is quick, and we need to spend it seeking God and living out His plan for our life even if we don’t quite understand it. Right now, that’s where I am at, I don’t get it but will continue to trust God no matter. Remember, God knows every situation, and He knows what is best for you. Today, I am hurting with this news, but I sure hope somehow this encourages someone today to make things right with the people close to you.  
 
Youth Pastor Ryan

Lina's yellow car at the Bible School.

When she got her new car.