Saying Goodbye...

On Sunday, I sold all my furniture to a local family, packed up my belongings, and gave the landlord the key to my house.

Then I hugged her tightly as she was saying how she will miss me, that may God protect me, and then I just started crying.

We broke the embrace and I saw her frowning as tears trickled down her cheeks.  I waved goodbye, said, “Te quiero” and got into the car.

Doña Victoria stood on my porch and watched me go.

As I sat in the front seat, I sobbed as the driver was telling me I would see her again.  I sure hope so.

It wasn’t until the final days that I realized how the people of my community had really touched me.  My neighbors became my second family.  Everyday, I visited their house to drink café con leche, to eat lunch, and just spend time with them.  My jóvenes looked to me for guidance. 

For some time before, I had felt jaded that I couldn’t really accomplish anything.  But then the Wednesday before, the people at my center threw me a surprise goodbye party.  They said how they appreciated my service and dedication to their community, and they presented me with a plaque.  They really had noticed my efforts. 

The days before leaving, I said my final goodbyes to my host family, my group of jóvenes, and friends.  People prayed for me and wished me a good trip.  I felt so honored.

The hard part has started. I said goodbye to my community and to my life there.  Now I must say goodbye to all my close volunteer friends who have supported me these two years.  I’m trying to cherish every single moment before everything changes.

I can’t begin to verbalize how this experience has affected me, but I can say that it has changed my life.  I now have a new home in the Dominican Republic, and I have made the most amazing friends who inspire me with their courage, brilliance, and kindness.

I never thought leaving this Island could be so hard.

Mami Esperanza and me 

Mi hermanita Ambar

The street where I used to live with a host family before I moved into my own house

The picture I gave to my neighbors so I would always be "eating" with them at lunch time.

My family - Esperanza, her brother Luca and Victoria.  It was a tough day.

At my despedida (goodbye party).

They were singing to me.  So sweet.

Me with the administration of the tech center

Everyone from the tech center