I still have so many experiences to record on here---I have written about 115 pages of journal so far---but I have sadly had no time to do put most of it online. I will be returning to the States on the evening of July 24, and then you will get to see some amazing pictures of the beautiful places I been, and more importantly, you will get to see the many people that I love over here! I will also be playing catch up in writing all of my stories down.
Besides just teaching at the school, lately I have been busy just trying to spend time with my friends before I leave. Also I've been organizing a penpal program between the students here and my students back at home (students on both sides have been so excited)---it's actually been a lot more work than I originally thought (I give you an update about that soon) we've been teaching some of the older students how to use the computer and set up email---it's a stretch (to say the least) for some of these guys. I have also been working on sponsoring, and eventually creating a scholarship fund, for students at my school who are in financial need---it is so inexpensive, you would be amazed (More on that soon too).
As things are winding up here and I'm not sure what I'm feeling. Disbelief that's almost all over, love for my host family and such sadness to leave them and the school and the village, anxiety at leaving my new "normal" life here to go back to the old "normal" life, so excited to see family and friends and to gain back some independence, dread at the thought of jetlag, wondering how I'm going to reconcile the changed me with the old me. . . I am going to miss so much here and at the same time NOT miss some other things. . .
I'm just so blessed to even have had this experience.
Besides just teaching at the school, lately I have been busy just trying to spend time with my friends before I leave. Also I've been organizing a penpal program between the students here and my students back at home (students on both sides have been so excited)---it's actually been a lot more work than I originally thought (I give you an update about that soon) we've been teaching some of the older students how to use the computer and set up email---it's a stretch (to say the least) for some of these guys. I have also been working on sponsoring, and eventually creating a scholarship fund, for students at my school who are in financial need---it is so inexpensive, you would be amazed (More on that soon too).
As things are winding up here and I'm not sure what I'm feeling. Disbelief that's almost all over, love for my host family and such sadness to leave them and the school and the village, anxiety at leaving my new "normal" life here to go back to the old "normal" life, so excited to see family and friends and to gain back some independence, dread at the thought of jetlag, wondering how I'm going to reconcile the changed me with the old me. . . I am going to miss so much here and at the same time NOT miss some other things. . .
I'm just so blessed to even have had this experience.
4 comments:
"how I'm going to reconcile the changed me with the old me"
Such a beautifully written phrase...and something I think about all of the time!
You are amazing! Can't wait to hear about the pen pals and the scholarship fund. You can count D and I in!
Wow, time has flown! I soooo can't wait to see you and hear about life's lessons learned! Good luck with all the emotions this week!
Welcome home, Camille. Can't wait to hear and read more stories and to see your photos.
Glad that you are home safe. Your Mom developed strong ties to the people at American Express on your behalf. May you one day have such an adventurous child so that you can understand the strength for you that resides in a Mother's heart. May your precious memories be a strength to all the lives you influence.
Welcome Home to all that you have looked forward to.
Kris W.
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