Tuesday, August 14, 2012

in the field: last goodbyes


As our last week comes to a close there is an odd mix of emotions stirring in the World Camp house. It feels like the house itself is emitting an emotion of its own, as if it is sad to see us go yet it is still full of energy. The feeling that is the most prominent while everyone is rushing to pack their things and do last minute shopping is eerily similar to our first week in the house when everyone was in, trying to learn as much as they could while getting used to each other, the house, and the environment.  It almost seems as if we have come full circle, except instead of ten strangers trying to get to know each other it is ten close friends saying their last goodbyes to everything that only a short time ago was completely foreign. As a group, we have gone through more together in these four weeks than most friends do in years. Living in confined quarters for an extended period of time with nine people you have never met before is no easy task, now add homestays, teaching, and minibus rides into the mix.

I unfortunately did not book the same return flight as everyone else and am staying a day later. This resulted in a completely unexpected feeling as I watched a group that I have come to know and love leave as I return to an empty house. It was as if the house that just moments before had been filled with so much life was drained of it. The house was quite, startlingly quite. It felt almost unnatural. This only serves to amplify how great our time here in Malawi was. It serves as a reflection - time to think about all of our experiences that we have had together. I feel honored that I was able to participate in this wonderful program with nine phenomenal people. I will cherish the moments we have all had together for a lifetime and I do believe all of us will be lifelong friends.

I’m feeling magical!
- Maysam

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