It was coming. I knew it was coming. Yet the feeling that you get when you leave a project like GVI really is indescribable. It feels like i've just abandoned my very own kids, like i've given them up for adoption to another nervous, fresh volunteer with clean, pressed clothing and presumably awkward and minimal spanish skills. Although i was so exhausted by the end of that (amazing) 6 month volunteering project, a part of me feels wrong leaving. I was even ok up until i was in gate 9, on the outskirts of Guatemala city awaiting for my flight to LA. That is, i didn't cry at school, i held it together well and it was a very happy goodbye...each kid in the school sat on my lap - some gave me cards - and gave me a big kiss and a hug.But when i got to that damn airport, the emotional separation of leaving those gorgeous kids in such conditions completely overwhelmed me. I honestly have never met such an unbelievable group of kids, appreciative of everything they're given, almost always full of positive energy.
And the contrast from Guatemala to Greg and Kiera's house in the clean, prosperous city that is LA couldn't have been greater! At least their Guatemalan cleaner, Ilma, made the transition a little easier..
(Please excuse the shitty quality as one of my lenses probably has dust or sand in it and doesn't focus very well.)
Grade 2 class
Having lunch with the other volunteers in our Prinicpal's house (Santiago)
As well as bid farewell to the community in Santa Maria de Jose, it was also sad to say goodbye to the volunteers, project manager and overall amazing woman Doreen (pictured below), my host mum Cristina, her GORGEOUS granddaughter Madeleine, and Antigua. Adios!
Cristina in her house and below, Madeleine (her granddaughter)
Eating in the market with Martin, Amanda and Hannah
