First Day, Last Day

Yesterday was my last day on campus. I was struck by the gigantic contrast from our first day on campus a little over a year ago.

That first day in May 2010, Bobbie and I both said, “There is no way we are coming back. We can't do this.” Culture shock hit hard those first few days. The smells, the food, the accommodations. But we were also encouraged that week that it was what we were supposed to do and had some wonderful new friends help us adjust.

Here is a picture from yesterday.



The two on the right, Steve & Andy, I’ve had in English Corner almost all year and have been able to get to know them well. I’ve seen them mature a lot this year. Pharrel, on the left, is a new friend. To sit with these guys, discussing life issues -- the really important things in life -- is amazing.

As Bobbie already said, this year has been one of the toughest but also one the most rewarding experiences of my life. I can’t wait to get home to the US for the summer. But I have a lot to look forward to when we return in the Fall.