Saying good-bye to our new friends........

After developing a strong bond in a short amount of time, saying good-bye usually brings a myriad of emotions.  Joy from being enriched and blessed by having your heart expanded through a new relationship.  Melancholy from the recognition that this newly found relationship is drawing to a momentary conclusion.   The day began for the students with a yummy final breakfast at home, followed by a chance to begin the good-byes with the host family at home.  Then, the entire group gathered around the coaches and began the process of saying final good-byes.  The mixture of tears, smiles and laughter was amazing to behold.





Once again, let me express my pride in the students for how they conducted themselves during this process.  The depth of the relationships was clearly apparent during this brief moment in time as we all said, for now, a fond farewell to each other.