Another Round of Goodbyes

6/28/2012 

Today was it. My last day in Haiti. I can’t believe how fast that went! It’s just crazy! This morning me and Jamie made another round of homemade bread and we made a pasta bake thing for lunch. It turned out pretty good but I did burn my hand on the stove...maybe there is a reason I stay out of the kitchen! :) 

This afternoon was our last class so that meant it was time for the final exam. I told my students they could leave right after, but they were acting all strange and said, “no, we won’t leave.” I said that’s alright but once everyone is done I need to go back and pack. 

After they were finished with their final, they all left and went outside but they left their belongings inside. At that point I knew something was up. They all came back in and yelled, “surprise!” (We talked about surprise parties last week and they were THRILLED that they were able to surprise me today!) They gave me a card that they all signed and then a big wrapped present. They all took turns thanking me and saying how much they appreciated me. They gave me a bracelet, necklace and a hair piece that all match and say Haiti on them. And, I got some perfume and some candies...but the best of all. They got me a beautiful wood map of Haiti. Crafting wood is a popular thing in Haiti and it is sold everyone. When I opened this, they were all so happy and said, “please, come back home to us.” At that point the tears came. I had no idea just how big of an impact I had made on my students. These students don’t have much money, they live in dirt homes and yet they all pitched in to give me a good going away present. I was touched and incredibly humbled. 

After that I wasn’t so sure about leaving. I thought I was ready to leave but, now I am realizing all that I am leaving behind here in Haiti. It’s hard to believe that in less than 12 hours I will be at the airport waiting for my flight to leave. I am excited to see my friends and family but this afternoon was hard to say bye to my students. God knows if and when I will come back to Haiti and for that, I am so very grateful that HE knows my future and all that it will hold. 

Please PRAY for safety as I travel back home tomorrow. That I would catch all the planes and not be rushed or lost throughout the day. PRAY that I can emotionally re-adjust as I get back into the states and all that that entails. 

Next blog update will be from HOME! :)