Saying Goodbye

The last two days have been tough. Yesterday was my last day at the Colonia Santa Maria. I spent the last 30 minutes of the day laughing and talking with Margarita, Irvin, Alexis, Jonathan, and their extended family. Irvin wanted a picture with me, so he grabbed his camera and I mine, and we created a photo-frenzy. I gave everyone a hug and promised to return. Irvin begged me not to leave saying, "You can't leave until you become Mexican like me!"

Today I actually spent most of the morning and early afternoon in the US, taking Ryan to the airport and going on minor errands with Larry. The time in the van offered invaluable discussion with Larry. I am grateful for my time with Larry and for the many things I have learned from him.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon at Casa Bugambilla where someone had leaked that I was leaving tomorrow. I talked with many of the patients and said my goodbyes. I cannot express my feelings as so many people thanked me and said "God bless you" to me. They have no idea how thankful and grateful I am for them and the experiences we shared. Then, I became more popular than the new Brangelina baby as camera phones were pointed at me from all directions. I took pictures with everyone, some wanting more and more. The affection was overwhelming. Then Nancy gathered everyone at Casa Bugambilla and surprised me with a cake and a going away party. Nancy and Myriam (Pepe's mother who lives and helps out at Bugambilla) said some beautiful words to me; something I will not soon forget. Many tears were shed by the members of Bugambilla as they told me goodbye, thank you, and some of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. However, the hardest was little Jabez who was angry with everyone and teary eyed beacuse of my departure.

After the little going away party, Diana was taking Jabez upstairs and he started wailing on the stairs and wouldn't go any further. I came up and picked up the little guy. I have never felt those hands grab onto my shoulders so tightly. I carried him around the corner and we both cried for a good while; his head buried in my shoulder. I patted his back and kissed his head until he stopped crying. I will never forget the love I felt at that moment- from him, and for him. I told him again and again that I'm coming back, and that I love him very much.

I have recieved so many complements and loving gestures today. As I retire for the night, I am still blown away by the love shown to me in these last 24 hours. I will miss these people very much, and I know that my life will not be the same.

Matt