Today is my last full day in Mozambique. I'm surprised by how sad I feel to say goodbye. The church had a special place in the service to say goodbye to me. I was given several really thoughtful gifts and during the process, I started crying. I think that was actually a source of great entertainment for the church, although not in a malicious manner.
The community pool for my parent's little complex has been a source of much joy for me. In the last few weeks, the pool's temperatures have soared to perfection. It may not be an ideal pool by American standards (considering the water is very chlorinated and usually has a variety of palm fronds, ants, and occasionally a roach floating in its depths. But I'll miss it. I'll miss the little Bronze Mannikins who line up side by side on a branch of the almond tree to catch the last rays of the day. I'll miss the pink blossoms of the frangipani. I'll miss the bliss of warm water on a hot day.
My parent's house has been home for four months. I keep snapping "just one more picture," wanting to capture people, places and memories in megapixels for preservation. I have mementos taped into my journal to accompany my written notes and souvenirs packed into my suitcases. But the best parts will still be here in Mozambique, waiting until I come back, whenever ever that may be. In the meantime, I'm so thankful that I will be able to picture my folks at home and at work. Mozambique and her people will have a special place in my heart.
The next step of my journey will begin tomorrow. I have a sneaking feeling that the East Coast of the USA will offer weather a teensy bit colder than I like. Although goodbyes are making me sad today, with every goodbye there is another hello. The hello at the end of this journey will be my US family :) See you the other side of the Pond!
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