Goodbye, my friends
05/31/2009
The past 24 hours have been very emotional as I have received the warmest sendoff anyone could dream of. It is difficult to grow so close to people and accustomed to seeing them on a daily basis and then to say goodbye, not knowing if you will ever see them again.
Shamima and her family have welcomed me into their home and treated me like an honored aunt. It has been a joy for me to receive emails from little Abir, especially his creative works of art. I know we will keep in touch by email, but I will miss Shamima's lovely smile and warm personality, the children's energy and creativity, and her husband's kindness.
This picture was taken last evening. Early this morning there was a knock on my door and it was Shamima bringing me coffee and biscuits, plus bananas for the trip. What a thoughtful gesture, and much appreciated.
It would have been impossible for anyone to sleep in this morning because we were soon joined by Kamrul (my walking partner), Ms. Vinh (the head of the English major department), Shamima's husband, and several students. Kamrul had thought of everything, arranging for a friend to bring his motorbike to transport my suitcase to the pick-up point, while two others carried my backpack and briefcase. I felt so spoiled! As we waited for the driver, more people arrived, so naturally we had to have another picture.
Goodbye my friends and students! There is a special place in my heart where you will always reside. I hope you keep in touch because I want to know how you are and what you are doing. In case you don't have my email address, it is jpasset@iue.edu.
Tam Biet -- Goodbye!
