Thursday December 4th, 2008 will go down in history as one of the hardest days of my life. Who knew that in a short month and a half I would make such strong relationships and completely fall in love with a village and a community.
I didn't even pack my things until an hour or so before I left. I gave almost all my clothes away to my neighbor girls. I couldn't make myself say goodbye to Nelson because I was crying to hard.
I spent the whole day at the orphanage and at my nieghbors house. I started tearing up everytime Lindsay ran to jump in my arms. I couldn't even think about leaving Dorthy. As I write this now in the internet cafe I am holding back tears. Dorthy kept saying things she would miss about me the whole week leading up to my departure. I know she will miss me and I will miss her so much.
To top things off, Dorthy spent the whole day cooking a huge meal in honor of me. I initially thought she was inviting the Pastor I worked with and some of her close friends, she ended up suprising me by inviting about 20 guests...my neighbors, friends, people I worked with, etc. Each person went around and said something about me then they prayed for me. They told me when they give away a daughter in the community they come together like this, and since I was their daughter, they wanted to hold a celebration for me.
If I already wasn't emotional enough, I stepped outside after dinner to find that Dorthy had gathered all of the nieghbor kids together. About 15 kids were standing outside in the yard with their families...a lot of them wearing my clothes. They were singing a goodbye song for me. I totally lost it...
I am excited to be back in the US but I already miss my village, my home, my family and my friends there. I long to go back and I haven't even left Kenya yet.
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4 comments:
Chelsey,
Just got off the phone with you and couldn't get thru to call you back. I know you are so sad right now leaving Dorthy & the kids behind. I know how emotional you are, that comes with having a HUGE heart and love for people. You have been blessed to have had the chance to travel so far away and become a part of a new family. A family that you have laughed, played, prayed, worked,sung and cried with.
Remember Honey,there is nothing stopping you from going back again to see them. Remember it was very hard for us the first time Guille left. We prayed that we would see him again and we did, now it is easier because we know we will all see each other more.
You will be home in 10 days! having your big cheesy grilled cheese and a big glass of milk and shrimp dip. I can't wait to see you.
Keep safe this last week and we will see you soon.
Love you :)
Mom
Hey Chelsey,
Bitter sweet days ahead for you. Excited to come home,but sad to leave. When Lucy (our exchange student) had to leave, she actually extended her stay with us for 2 more weeks. I couldn't believe she didn't want to get home to see her family, but she said it was also very hard to leave us. Your mom was right in saying that you can always go to visit... and take Nick with!! It was also ironic that today I got an inspirational quote for the day that I thought was perfect for you today, so I just had to sit down and send it your way.
"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
Winnie the Pooh
Can't wait to see you! The Brauns
December6th...9:22 AM Arizona Time
Just got thru your blog , and some more tears, and I hope our love reaches across the waters to you and warms your soul.
Along with your Mom and Dad and Nick and Nick's family and Makayne and Tom we're anxious to see you again (even though it won't be until April).
Grandma is making baby caps to send back to your Mom for church. She's got them piled up on the sofa in the front room. Gonna take a picture of grandma with the caps before we pack them up and ship 'em out.
Had the computer and printer out on the back dedck since arriving on Nov 1st. Got to cold...went into town and got an exten sion cord and a long (25 ft)phone cord and moved the whole thing(along with a little mobile desk) into a corner of the bedroom.
Twas about 45 out this morning when I got up.
Hope you're good. Mentally & physically. Radio's talking about a huge cholera breakout in Zimbabwe this morning. More to worry about .
Lots of Love,
Grandpa
Hi Chelsey,
I feel that I can not find the words to express my feelings about this last post and all of the others before it. Of course, it brings tears to my eyes to read it, as have many of your posts. You have had the experience of a lifetime and have grown and learned so much from it. You have touched so many lives and so many have touched yours. Your are a lucky lady.
I hope you have a safe trip back home and look forward to seeing you and hearing first hand of your journeys.
I love you....Auntie Andi
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