Bitter Sweet Goodbye

Thought of the week: Bitter Sweet Goodbye

I have had an amazing summer to say the least. I have met many incredible people, and have done some scary and thrilling things that I never would have dreamed that I would have the opportunity to do. I have to say goodbye to my family, coworkers, and new friends tomorrow, and I know it’s going to be really hard. I am terrible at saying goodbye…I just never want to. I get choked up, and I’m not afraid to admit that many times I end up crying. In this case, I know I’m going to cry because I have come to love my host family so much, and I have no idea when I will be able to see them again. I hate not knowing if and when I will see them again. I’m also really going to miss the kids and teachers at Ravo Primary School. For the most part they have been really easy to work with, and they have been essential in making our project work as well as it did. Finally, I am going to miss the staff at Busoga Trust: the Monday morning meetings, the countless laughs, trips to the field, Hussein and Emma’s driving, and Harriet, our supervisor. I know it’s time for me to return to the states and see my family and friends, and get ready to go back to school, but when it comes time for me to say goodbye tomorrow, it’s going to be a struggle. Jinja, and all the people here, have left a lasting impression on me.

Events from the past few days:

This past weekend was pretty low key. On Saturday I met some students for lunch. We went to our favorite Indian restaurant, and then went to an internet café to check our email. We went home and hung out with the family. On Saturday night, I went to Backpackers to hang out with some of the other GESI students. On Sunday, I just hung out with the family for the day.

Yesterday, Rida, Marta, and I did our presentation at Busoga Trust. The staff were all really impressed. We also went to the village for the last time and had a blast. They were beginning to build the second bathhouse, but the builder’s wife passed away, so the bathhouse was put on hold. 

The beginning of the second bathhouse!

We hung out with the kids who were around the school and took some pictures. 

Marta, Rida, Kato, and I

Kato and I!

We were there for longer than usual and it was nice to get to know the teachers and students even better. The director of the school gave us a chicken as a gift, and the kids killed and cooked it for us. That was my first time seeing a chicken killed in front of me, and I will not be disappointed if it is my last as well. 

The dead chicken!

They fed us tons of food, and we just enjoyed the last day together. I started packing last night, and it really started to sink in that I am leaving. This morning we went into Busoga Trust to write up a blurb to put on their website. We just finished editing our final reports and sent them all in!

            Tomorrow we have our exit interviews with FSD, and we have some free time to buy gifts and souvenirs to bring home. I’ll be having my last supper with my host family tomorrow night, and we’re leaving for the airport on Thursday morning!

See you all back in the states!