Last photo infront of our home of two years.
We wore our matching shirts that the village council made us.
The last day came, like any other day. I couldn't believe it had the nerve to just appear and pretend like it was just some normal day. We woke up after our few hours of sleep, Greg with a cold and me with tears to say our final and last goodbyes. We headed off to our respective schools for goodbyes and exchanges. Greg's best friend George drove out to pick up Greg (since our bikes were in the school storage for a latter raffle). Greg's school had a feast for him and gave him a beautiful cuxtal. Emails were exchanged and Greg's assistant principal offered to drive Greg back, and then escort us to the junction with our bags. I stopped in each class, said a little speach about how I loved and learned from each of them and that they must work hard to make the best of themselves.
Goodbyes to the students of Silver Creek R.C.
Saying goodbye to our little Godson, Devon(in my lap) and his preschool class.
I had a little bag from my staff gift and in each class kids would silently come up with neatly folded letters and notes for us to read on the plane. Several kids brought letters from older siblings in high school, over 60 letters total when the day was done. My school surprised me with a second pair of maya earrings...a tiny pair that I am still wearing (three months later). I couldn't believe it!
Surprise gift from the staff...tiny maya gold earrings!
Mrs. Delphine had to re-pierce my second hole, while Mrs. Susana admired them.
The Hardest Goodbye
Our final day had been mainly tear free, we shed a lot the night before so I was beginning to think perhaps I was cried out. Then I went home and Cecilia and I just stood in the house sobbing. Santiago came in and told us both that we had to be strong but I could barely hear him. It hit me, we were done and going, and this little hut in this little village would never be our home again. So many emotions were hitting me as Greg came home with Mr. Requena. Meredith came just in time to snap a final photo with our 'parents' of two years before we were hurried into the truck so as not to miss the bus at the junction. It was a quiet ride, with sniffling and small talk to the junction. We were unloaded, given best wishes and then sat for the final time in our little bus stop in the hot sun. Chris rode his bike out to say his final goodbyes and keep us company. It felt crazy, insane to be sitting here to go back to America. To not wake up and wash in the creek the next day. To sleep without the hum of insects.
Our ride to the junction...the end and the beginning.
You might be able to see me sobbing uncontrollably in the back.
We spent the rest of our 4th anniversary (19 hours of it) on school busses sitting shoulder to shoulder. After a relaxing few days of luxury in Mexico, thanks to our friend Erica's welcoming parents, we headed back to America forever.
Welcoming party at the RDU airport.
Our luggage. Two rice sacks, a bucket, backpack, and duffle.
