Monday night we had our final celebration...and this time it was for the helpers! We had a small bible study then many people shared blessings from these past 2 week of celebrations and also their blessings in life. We also got a call from Joshua (the Guzman's younger son) from Japan at the party. After eating dinner, they passed out gifts to everyone that participated and also did a raffle for some extra prizes. I won one of them, but I passed it up because I would not be able to fit it in my suitcase! So, my tiny crockpot went to one of the older ladies in the church. :)
We took pictures and said our goodbyes, then I went to pack my things at the Guzman's house. Another tradition I will miss are the Adios's. Upon leaving I received the standard kiss on the cheek, but the person also gave me a big hug and told me quietly into my ear about how they pray God blesses me in my life and how they hope I have a good trip and a Merry Christmas. And this was from everyone I worked closely with! It was wonderful. People don't use the term 'adios' as frequently as you think they would, because it is saved for more permanent and special goodbyes. The word literally means 'to God' (a+Dios=to+God) or 'until God', because we know that if we don't see eachother in the near future, at least we know that we will see eachother again in heaven, in the presence of God. How sweet is that?
Airports are so nice in December; everyone just seems so at ease because they're either going home or their going to visit ones they love. No one is on a business trip on December 23rd.
I love that when you return after flying to another country, your customs checker, after looking at your passport, says those beautiful words: "Welcome home!"
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