Goodbye [For Now]

Ask any of my friends or family and they will tell you that I am terrible with goodbyes.

Shoot.  I will tell you. 

“I am terrible with goodbyes.”

Watching someone embark on a new chapter to their story is exciting but also leaves an empty space in my life.  I try and try to keep in contact but often times I end up doing that creepily through the screen of my laptop on Facebook.

Now I know that these friends and family who have taken on new chapters are still supportive and that our friendship and relationship is not over. 

But at times, it sure feels that way.

Since the end of April, my Peace Corps family has been leaving for their next adventure.  After two years, our service has come to a close.  One Returned Volunteer is going to study in Colombia, another is teaching English in Taiwan, and a handful are making their way through India and Southeast Asia.

Today I had to say goodbye to one of the last big groups leaving country.  While others are still in country, this group included some of my Southwest girls and closest friends.

Dinner last night was awkward.  We sat around the table of a wonderful Mediterranean restaurant and none of us could say anything, knowing that our Ugandan goodbyes were quickly coming.  When we got to the hotel we hugged it out and happy tears followed.

We promised to see each other stateside, beginning with New Year’s in Seattle but the fact of the matter is that for the past 2-years this is whom I was living amongst. 

Now the distance is halfway across the world and 8 time zones away.

Throughout my years of watching people come and go I have learned my lessons to keep in touch.  These are the people who can relate to me when I am still trying to readjust.  These are the people that have seen and experienced the similar ups and downs.  This is my Peace Corps family.

I wish them all the best in their next adventures and I know that at the end of everything, we will still be there for one another.  The same that my family and friends has done for me over the years.

Expect some Ugandan aerogrammes soon friends!