Jim and Kathy have been such a big part of the ministry of Kudjip Nazarene Hospital for the past 32 years and have touched countless lives, that the thought of planning a farewell was daunting. So many questions were being asked as to when, where, how, who speaks, how to honor Jim and Kathy, etc. Thankfully, we had a great team who put together a great program where we heard very encouraging and touching words from community, church, hospital and fellow surgeon coworker - Father Jowarski from Kundiawa Hospital. All talked about Jim and Kathy's faithfulness in coming, their service and desire to see people know Jesus and their love of the people of PNG, and how they aren't really leaving since Ben is continuing on the work with his family.
Jim and Kathy also shared their thanks to everyone, and shared some words for us. Jim sent us off with a trumpet number, one of the many we have enjoyed from him through the years. We put together a book with pictures of the staff and notes written from them that Jim and Kathy can look at in the years ahead, as a gift for them as they go. Our DS's prayed for them and then everyone came up to shake their hand, give them a hug and get their picture taken. We even had the police come for a police salute. While there will continue to be personal goodbyes for the next 2 weeks, there shouldn't be too many more big goodbyes, outside of the OT one tomorrow. The weekend of farewells is coming to a close.
