A Bittersweet Goodbye
Goodbye Rabat, Helllloooooo Spain!
31.07.2009 - 31.07.2009
85 °F
I have been walking around singing all day, as Big Head Todd said it best, with the following lyrics:
It's bittersweet, more sweet than bitter, bitter than sweet
It's a bitter sweet, surrender
It's bittersweet, more sweet than bitter, bitter than sweet,
It's a bitter sweet, surrender
Well, the time has come. I am leaving Rabat today and heading off to Spain. The volunteer portion of my trip has ended, and while I am so excited for the next portion of this adventure, I can't help but feel emotional about my departure from a country, and people, I have come to love dearly.
There aren't enough words to sum up the value of my experience here. So, I will just say that it has been life-changing, amazing, and truly, utterly impossible to forget. I will keep my students and the little orphans in my heart as I leave Rabat. I am also so thankful for the incredible friends I have made along the journey, as well as the wonderful in-country CCS staff. I would recommend this program to anyone. I have truly felt as though I am living a movie...I sometimes can't believe that I am lucky enough to live this life. Off the top of my head, here are a few things I will miss about daily life here:
--Waking up to the call to prayer each morning
--The view from our shower into the gorgeous atrium that is filled with hibiscus, hydrangeas, and palms
--Our 4PM teatime where we sip sugary mint tea and some fried, honey and strawberry-covered pastry
--Hearing "Thank you, teacher" and getting my welcome kisses
--Hugging and loving the toddlers
--Saying good morning to the little precious babies
--Sitting on the terrace, off of my bedroom, reading books and looking out onto the beautiful backyard
--The strong and flavorful coffee prepared each morning
--Couscous Fridays (couscous is the national lunchtime meal each Friday in Morocco...even the toddlers at the orphanage have it)
--Watching the kitties in our backyard wrestle each other and claw their way up the palm trees
--Taking the van to work each day and seeing the city of Rabat
--Sharing a house with so many funny and interesting people
--THE FEELING OF GIVING BACK AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE EACH DAY
Some fantastic news was received today...3 of the orphans that I have been volunteering with...are being ADOPTED! One of the crazy toddlers and two of the adorable babies will have new homes come September. What heart-warming news to know that they have mommies and daddies in waiting!
Here is a picture of all of us on our way to the orphanage this morning:
Here are two pictures taken from our backyard with the wonderful Khadija and Mohamed. I will miss them so much.
Once again...thank you all SO much for your support. This experience wouldn't have been possible without all of you....and I am forever grateful.
Posted by chasethis 31.08.2009 00:58 Archived in Morocco Tagged living_abroad
I am so lucky to be your Mom and if I wasn't I would go out of my way to be friends with you!
Love and Blessings,
Moo
31.07.2009 by Cindy