Even after saying goodbye once. I still keep hoping I will see each one of you again. It was not until I returned from a wonderful dinner with wonderful friends that it really felt over. The campus was dark, empty, and quiet; not the way I like it. I hoping to say one more goodbye to a dear friend. We had exchanged parting words once before and her face is always in my heart, yet I sought one more contact. I was just a few minutes too late and she'd already left. All of the cleaning ladies, kids, teachers, and staff were gone and the hubbub of the day finished - everything quiet.
It really was a wonderful day of goodbyes. I actually felt like I spent quality time with most of those I love. So much better than the running I did at the end of my time, last year. I was so blessed yesterday to see a village friend with whom I thought I would miss connections and today blessed again because one of my favorite cleaning ladies came back...just in time. She had been gone for 22 days and was not expected to return till Monday. I think she came early just to say, "Goodbye." Boy was I happy to see her… and she was equally excited by my enthusiasm upon her return. It is late now. I intended to be in bed way earlier (considering that my car leaves at 2:00 am). But after calling everyone to say goodbye I just needed to walk the campus, think, and pray. While I greatly prefer the excitement of the day, the quiet campus provided the perfect setting for thinking. What a wonderful summer filled with joy, blessings, and new friends. Good-night India.. I love you.. see you soon (I pray).
