disclaimer: this post will probably fit in with my recent "debbie downer" trend.
tonight was my kids' end-of-year program. of course this led to a trail of thoughts...the end of a school year. the end of my time in la paz. realistically, the end of some relationships. the end of a beautiful season. i tried to remain professional and calm, but despite all my efforts to be tearless, there was definitely a hyperventilating moment or two. the love in the community of my school is something truly unique that maybe one can only experience by being a part of it. i was blown away yet again by the love of my coworkers, my students--past and current, their families, and the immeasurable love of God that allowed me to be a part of their lives for the past few years. what an honor.
also, i realized something tonight: the pain of leaving here seems so raw and at times unbearable because it's very likely i won't be returning here. i don't want to discount the pain of leaving my family and home in nc three years ago, but it was different. i suppose i knew i'd go back at some point. i cannot depend on that possibility here in la paz. this place has been my home, but the likelihood of returning long-term in slim. and at least for now, that's what makes the goodbyes so unbelievably hard.
they say good things don't come easy. con la fuerza de Dios, may my goodbyes to people, places and experiences continue to be difficult.
