saying goodbye

After volunteering for the last month with the daycare center, I finally had to say goodbye to the kids and just when I had learned almost all their names. 60 kids gave me big kisses and hugs on my last day. They even made me a cute thank you card with their thumb prints, while the teachers gave me a bracelet and earrings as my farewell present. I had a difficult time leaving them all since they have all meant so much to me. I have to admit though that I had my favorites like Orlando with his ever running nose, Kevin the bully who is also the most conscientious worker and loves to help clean up, Wendy with her quirky and constant smile, Sophia who is just a darling, Diego who has some social difficulties but is the sweetest child ever, Daniella the super star singer, and Juan who always gave me a kiss hello each morning. I miss them already. I also miss the teachers and cleaning staff who always kept the place so clean; they even washed the teddy bears and hung them to dry.

Sadly, I could not take any photos of the children at the orphanage due to privacy issues. However, I will remember each of them and I'm glad to know that a few of them are headed to happy homes shortly. I found teaching English a challenge, and at the same time so rewarding when I felt like I had made breakthroughs with the kids. Another guy is continuing the teaching and I hope the kids continue to learn. They all gave me hugs goodbye and didn't want me to leave. I so enjoyed learning from them.

I could not leave Medellin without saying goodbye to Virginia's family as well. I dropped by and dropped off some photos I took of the family. They are all so kind and hospitable and Virginia's grandmother spent some time giving me a Spanish lesson on the different words in Spanish for "great". Afterwards, I dropped by the hostel to say goodbye to Max as well as a couple others. Finally, I said goodbye to Luisa and thanked her for her hospitality with flowers. The night before, we went out to my new favorite hole in the wall salsa bar to celebrate my last day in Medellin. I crashed and burned on the dance floor again, but still had fun. I finally created a wonderful social group only to leave the next day.

If I had to chose a place to stay put for awhile, Medellin would be at the top of the list for the sincere and friendly people, great weather, excellent transportation, and fun nightlife. I must move forward though and so now I am in the North on the coast.