Come Away with Me

Hard to say goodbye

The past few days had been a whirlwind of activities, packed to the brim with classes, being the last week of school before summer vacation begins and the ALT's impending return to her home country. In the midst of all these were numerous farewell gatherings both at schools and outside and I've since lost count of the number of times I've given my farewell-cum-appreciation speech. Reading through the numerous farewell letters and notes I've received from students invariably brought tears to the eyes. I can hardly imagine the day when I step on the ferry one last time to leave this island.

It had been a particularly hard week indeed filled with jumbled thoughts and a heavy heart. The last lesson,the last time traveling this road, the last school lunch. Emotionally it was one hell of a roller coaster ride. The relief at having completed my one year duty without any major complaints or unhappiness; the tinge of regret from the fact that perhaps I could have done something more for my students; the anticipation of returning home to loved ones; the longing for just that bit more time on this island and the realisation that this is really the end.

Of course I've come onto this program being mentally prepared and aware of the transient nature of our stay here. Parting is part and parcel of the whole experience and unavoidable. Just that when the time comes, it's really hard to say goodbye.

posted by テレサ @ 12:21 PM