Leaving.

After getting back from the Simien Mountains I only had 2 days left at the home. If I could have extended my visa I wouldn't have left for at least another month. I feel so at home in Ethiopia and can genuinely say these people I've met feel like family to me. I feel so guilty leaving all of them and children behind and returning back to my life.
Mekdi and I had a conversation which was pretty depressing. Her sister in an unskilled worker and moved to South Sudan to find work, now with the troubles in South Sudan is forced to move back. Mekdi asked if I could possible send an invitation or reference so she can get a visa. However it doesn't work like that and would be near impossible for her to get a visa. Even Mekdi expressed how her life will always be the same, being on the same salary for the last 6 years and probably will be forever. There is no moving up or getting a better life, this was it.
saying goodbye was incredibly difficult. We told the children the day before. Gadesa, the oldest of the kids was quiet upset and wouldn't let go of me.
On my last day Lori got the kids to draw pictures of me, the kids were pretty confused when they would show me their work and I would start crying.
It was then time for the kids to have their nap, which provided a handy opportunity so sneak away. After lots of hugs and kisses I put them to bed for the last time.
Saying goodbye to the ladies at the school was just as hard. I bought them some little gifts like a framed picture of all of us. I bought Negest a new phone as hers was held together with a bandaid and surprised Mekdi by giving her my iphone. I'd never seen Buzae emotional but she broke down crying when I said goodbye to her.
Elias, the little toddler was having fun wheeling around my suitcase and Eyob came to drive me to the airport.
I started crying in the car and didn't stop until late in my flight to Dubai.
The only thing that really got me through it was imaging coming back at the end of the year and seeing all the progress the kids have made and them heading off to primary school.