leaving

So the goodbye parties have all come and gone...
the difficult, bittersweet goodbye with my host family is now over...
2 great friends in the YAMEN program are on the plane to South America...

and I'm ready to go home too!!

A week ago at this time I was feeling overwhelmed by packing/suitcases/bus rides/goodbyes...and now, well...still overwhelmed by some packing that must happen tonight, but for the most part, I feel ready to go.

Goodbyes are difficult, but a necessary part of the journey. I have been so blessed to have multiple farewell celebrations with different groups of important people in my life in Honduras, specifically Nueva Suyapa. I have been so richly blessed in this year with great family and friends to fill in for those I've left in the States. God has taught me so much in this year and I am truly thankful for all the experiences, good and bad that have made my year in Nueva Suyapa all that is was.

Although it's often hard to think of the goodbyes, it's exciting to think about the next step too. And I gotta say, I'm ready for some vacation at home with my family!!

Here are some photos to commemorate all the goodbyes in Nueva Suyapa...