Is Swaziland in Australia?

9 days until home! we're in the single digits, people! Sarah pointed out today that we can't really count next Thursday because we are going to the beach, Hard Rock Cafe, and to see Dear John. oh, and we're not going to sleep because the bus is coming to take us to the airport at 4:30 am. so why sleep? we also can't count Friday since we leave so early. so basically, we have 7 days left. which is, in fact, not what this post is even supposed to be about at all.

Today was our last day at Omar Torrijos. I feel like I have finally gotten comfortable there and now it's time to go. I am more comfortable with Juana and Mery, the language, the students, and the school. I can't believe it's time to leave them. I love them all so much and worry about them way too much. What is going to happen to Darkins? I love him so much. No child has ever made me laugh like he does. But he needs extra attention. Something isn't quite right with him. He has the attention span of about .3 seconds. But when you talk to him while he works and help him, he can do it. I don't think enough people think he can. Esteban has anger problems that no one will acknowledge. When I mentioned it to someone it was like they had never even thought about it before. When he gets mad, something in his eyes changes. He is a different person. It scares me to think about where he will be by the time he gets to high school. Will he even make it to high school? He has so much potential. I want them all to be successful and happy. They have such a special place in my heart. When I left today all of the girls cried and cried (and of course I did too), and they all hung onto me as I tried to walk out the door. break. my. heart. I didn't want to leave. I wish I knew that I could see them again one day.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to be here. No, it hasn't been easy, but it has been worth it. There have been ups and downs and tears and frustrations and getting on people's nerves and people getting on my nerves, but at the end of the day, this is where I want to be.

ps- I can almost Congo. Almost.