Saying goodbye

I guess that's an apt enough title, as that is what the last week has been about.  It has been a wonderfully, amazing experience.  I know that many of you don't understand why I would choose a place like Damascus, or why I returned after Winter Break, but for what it's worth, I am so glad that I did.

Damascus is a very special place - one that will stay with me forever.  The people that I have met have helped to make it a place that, someday, I will return to.  I figured that coming back would give me the opportunity for closure.  While I have been able to say goodbye, closure is a ways off.  I don't feel as though I am "finished" with Damascus, or the school, for that matter.  There is more for me to do here.

This week has been filled with friends.  I spent each day at school.  There was just something about being on our campus.  The first teacher left on Monday.  Cathy and Paul left yesterday.  I leave tomorrow.  The last days have been great days.  Not too many tears (yet).  On Wednesday, Lolita and I prepared a song and I put together a slide show sharing some highlights from this year.  While I was late for the farewell lunch because the shippers were late packing up, the presentation went beautifully.  Yesterday, I finished up the last of the duties in my classroom.  It was much more difficult to leave there, than I had anticipated.  I moved all my things to the office for the rest of the afternoon.  I have a scarf to finish up today and a slight bit of packing to do, but other than that, I think I am ready to go.

Wednesday night, I went for one last trip to the old city.  Sadly, it was my first trip to the old city this year.  I have missed it very much.  We did a little shopping and had supper at Ninar, a favorite little restaurant.  It was a great time spent with great people.

Yesterday was Naema's last day.  She is such a special lady.  I will miss her so much. Even though the last of my clothes are going to get packed today, she made darned sure each little wrinkle was removed.  Everything is perfectly folded (as always) and ready to be packed.  She gave me a beautiful box.  I had been debating whether i wanted to buy one or not.  I regretted not picking one up at the old city on Wednesday.  Then, when I got home yesterday afternoon, there on my table was a gift from Naema - a beautiful jewelry box.  Such a special lady.  I will miss her very much.

Last night, I had people over for a very informal shindig.  Aside from a place to gather, I didn't have much to offer.  However, it turned out to be a delightful evening.  I did my part in making sure what was left of my liquor cabinet was emptied.  Others helped too (no worries - alcohol poisoning was not a concern)  It was fun to be "hostess" once more without the list of "to-dos".  Everyone had a glass, everyone had a plate, there was a big roll of paper towel and there was plenty of food (none of which I prepared - don't even have a pot to boil water anymore)

And that brings us to today.  It's Friday in Damascus, so everything will be closed.  I will go back to the school to do one last bit of paper work for a student who we're trying to get into the school in Amman.  I will say goodbye to Jim, at that point - been avoiding that goodbye.  Later today, I think Yousef and I will make a quick trip to Sale Sucre.  Can't leave Damascus without a cinnamon bun, now, can I?  I thought about buying a few more treasures/souvenirs to bring home, but I think I am quite content with stopping at this point.  

And so will be my last day in Damascus.  As I will no longer be "On the road to Damascus" I supposed I will need to rename my blog again.  However, fear not, I will keep the same address so all my loyal followers can find me.

Will be back in Saskatchewan tomorrow night (It's officially Friday in Saskatchewan, so I can say that).  A little worried about making the trip with Henry and Ella, but they will be okay, I am certain.

Until next time

Tylene