Saying Goodbye

Goodbyes are not easy. I have spent nearly four months in Straelen, living, working and getting to know new people. And I have seen those people on a regular basis, becoming accustomed to seeing them and having conversations with them. But in two days, that will end. In two days, I will leave Straelen, spend the night with a colleague, and then fly back to America the next morning. Once I am on that plane, I will no longer see these people who have become my friends. I will not talk to them every day. And the time of making memories will be over. Although I hope to return to Germany and to Straelen one day, I cannot anticipate when that will be. I am leaving this town, not sure if I will ever see these wonderful people again. I feel so strange. Part of me is beyond excited to leave Germany and return to the states, my family, and my friends. I look forward to reassimilating into the familiar and comfortable. The other part of me, however, is grieving. This part of me is incredibly sad to leave. During my stay here, Straelen has become my home. Although I do not want to live here, I have fallen into a routine, which will soon be interrupted and replaced. I have begun saying goodbye to my colleagues and friends, and Tuesday morning will be my last opportunity to do so. But even after the final goodbyes, this place and these people will remain in my heart for the rest of my life, and I will always smile when I remember the time I lived in Germany!