Farewell

Our return from Mamou would mark our last week and a half in of training in Forecariah. It was a bitter sweet occasion for me. I tried to spend as much time with my family as I could, at the same time reminiscing about my first week in country and all the difficulties and struggles I encountered, and realizing how much better things have gotten, the adjustments I’ve made and the relationships I’ve built. I know it’s only been 3 months but the time has flown by so quickly.
The day finally arrived for our departure from Forecariah and our farewell ceremony. Before the ceremony I packed up the last of my belongings and my sister Djnabe helped me put on my complet that she had just had made for me. It fit perfectly. We took a few last minute photos outside of the house and then headed up to the Maison de Jeunes where the ceremony was being held. As we walked, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with a feeling of sadness as I thought about the first day I had awkwardly walked down that same street but with anticipation and curiosity about what was to come. I was sort of shocked at the way that I felt that last week and day with my family. I never thought that after only two and a half months I would have grown to care about them so much. They are like my real family. The ceremony went really well with the exception of the hour and a half delay. But then it was time to say goodbye. I held myself together for most of the time until the last 2 minutes before getting on the bus. I remember getting that big lump in my throat just before I started. Lol. At that point I couldn’t control myself anymore and I felt those hot tears come rolling down my cheeks. As I looked up, Djnabe had turned away from me in an attempt not to start crying. It didn’t work. Lol. We both hugged and cried until it was time to leave and I thanked her for all that she had done for me. Afterwards we got on the bus and waved goodbye as the bus pulled off. I have this permanent image of seeing my brother Ibou from the window smiling and running along side of the bus waving and yelling, “Au Revoir Mimi.” Lol. I’m going to miss him.