All good things come to an end. I usually get through good-byes and separation pretty well, but not here in the Philippines. In such a short time we got so close to our host school, our host teacher and other teachers, staff and students. The warm welcome of everyone, the friendship and camaraderie of our new colleagues, the respect and admiration of the students made our good-byes so emotional and heartfelt that, to tell you the truth, I don't know how I got through this past weekend, especially Friday, July 3rd.
It all started in the faculty room, where we were about to have our friendship lunch (because July 4th in the Philippines is Filipino-American Friendship Day). What a perfect occasion to celebrate!
It all started in the faculty room, where we were about to have our friendship lunch (because July 4th in the Philippines is Filipino-American Friendship Day). What a perfect occasion to celebrate!
| Yet, when the whole entire faculty got up and started singing "Leaving on a Jet Plane" by John Denver, I looked at Sandy who was already in tears, I suddenly realized: this is it, we are leaving in a few days. Will we see these wonderful people again? Will we be able to have our friendship lunches together? Will we be able to come to the Philippines again? I don't know; nobody does. But I certainly hope so. |
Later in the day, the closing ceremony with the students was even more emotional. Many warm and kind words were said by both the students and the teachers. It certainly felt like we were leaving our family, the family, which embraced us with all the love for the most special people. I don't know how I can ever repay the kindness and generosity shown to me by so many people. And when the students asked us to sit on the stage and sang to us, I finally lost it. Tears were rolling down my face, and I don't remember the words of the song they sang. But I remember the feeling: the feeling of gratefulness. I was and am grateful for the opportunity to meet and friend so many wonderful people on the other side of the planet. If you asked me a year ago whether I dreamed this trip possible, I would say no. But here I am, and the lesson I learn is that sadness is nothing compared to all the joy and happiness I found in the Philippines, which will always hold a special place in my heart :)