Last Visit – December 11
December 17th, 2011 by Sarah TrowbridgeOur last visit of the semester. Perhaps it was for the best that Rachel and I were so busy helping P. finish her science fair project for most of the visit, it left less time to think about this being our last day before a whole month of break. I’ve been looking forward to Christmas and family and sleep (four weeks is a long time to not have to worry about papers or tests), but I’ve also looked forward to spending time with our refugee family this entire semester, more so than I could have really imagined at the beginning. I agree with what Rachel said, we’ve both become so attached to these kids, to this family. It’s amazing how quickly someone carves a space in your heart. But what’s still the most amazing thing to me is how quickly we were welcomed, from the very first day, as a part of their lives. I’m so grateful for everything. I’m grateful for us being included in birthdays and family gatherings, I’m grateful for all of the hospitality, the warmth, I’m grateful for every meal P.’s mom prepared for us, without fail, and always with a smile (and they were some of the most delicious dinners I’ve ever had).
It’s kind of surreal, thinking back on our first visit, which was only two months ago. So much has changed since then, and I definitely feel that I have changed as well. Another thing I’m grateful for is the opportunity this class has given me in order to do something like this. Being able to have these kinds of experiences was what drove me to sign up for this class in the first place, and I’m so glad I did. Rachel and I have already decided that we want to keep visiting next semester as well, and I’m grateful too that I’ve had such an amazing partner to experience this all with (and who wants to keep coming back for more too!) So this definitely isn’t the end. Rachel, P., and I made plans to build snowmen and make some awesome chalk illustrations, after all.