Why don’t I cry much? Brain damage! Or so I’ve been told. My corpus callosum was partially damaged when I was very young. Thankfully, I don’t remember it, but high levels of testosterone dissolved millions of nerve fibers, limiting my capacity to express emotion.

But recently a relentless barrage of memories and questions blasted through that damaged median wall of my brain until at last my tears flowed as, one by one, church members and friends came up to say good-bye—some bearing gifts, others bringing roses: Yai Pakamaat, our sweet optimist and blessed peace-maker. Taa Suun, a sickly former Buddhist monk. Phii Nut, as committed as the day is long. Reywat, a gifted Sabbath School teacher. Sumalee, our radio DJ. Pastor Tim, our passionate young preacher. And many others. Good-byes from all, Northern Khmers and Filipinos—friends who have become family over 10 years.

How will they manage on their own? Oh, thank God they’re never alone! “God be with you ‘till we meet again!” “It is for your good that I go away,” Jesus said. And thus it seems today. So we wipe our eyes and look ahead. An exciting transition to new Thai ministry has begun for the Northern Khmer team. To be continued.

• Twitter