Our final night

I don't think I'm alone when I say that I can't believe it's our last night in Guyana, and that by this time tomorrow, most of us will be "home". I hope what I'm about to write will justly describe my two week stay in this beautiful country, and how it's changed me in ways that I doubt I can put into words.
For now, though, I'll let you know about our last afternoon/night. After a busy morning, we split this afternoon into two groups. Half of us went to St. John Bosco Orphanage and the other half went to St. Ann's Orphanage- I went to the latter. I think I speak for everyone when I say that some pretty tight bonds were formed with the girls. I grew very attached to a spunky four year old named Leanna, and especially to an 11 year old named Lisa. I helped her with her Spanish homework (good thing I'm a French major...), and then we went outside and played tag with some of the other girls until it was time to go. Leaving this home, just like the other sites before it, for the last time was particularly difficult. We knew it was our final visit, and the girls knew it too. The sincerity in their voices when they said "Miss, I'll miss you", and the image of Lisa standing at the gate and waving to us until the car rounded the corner, out of sight, is something I will never forget.
I know most of us were feeling a bit down after returning from our final site, so Anthony set up a surprise for us. We all went to the sea wall at dusk. We dug each other into the soft sand and dipped our toes in the water. Some of the boys raced (Devon, one of our Guyanese friends, had a minor, shall we say, mishap) and wrestled. Jess, our designated group photographer (thank you!) got some great photos. All in all, we enjoyed each other's company, especially on the crowed bus ride back to the Creole Kitchen.
We enjoyed a great meal and some of the girls got their toes and hair done by some local Guyanese women. After dinner, Anthony and Andrea presented each of us with a bag of Guyana goodies and the professors with beautiful silver chains. We even heard some heartfelt speeches by Rasleigh and the ever-quiet Althea about our group. I know that part of what I will miss most of my time here is the bonds I've formed with the Guaynese Ive come to know and love- Devon, Abby, Althea, Reon, Rasleigh, and of course Andrea and Anthony. As I sit and type this, some of us are packing, others finishing up hair or pedicures, or catnapping.
Now that I've had some time to reflect on my last few visits, to the Palms, Mahaica, and the children's homes, a phrase that Professor Kirby told us about a week ago seems to sum up how I'm feeling. After a particularly difficult visit to the Palms, she said "There, but for the grace of God, go I". This means that, even though we may feel so different, so distant, from the individuals at the Palms or the kids in the homes, or anyone who finds themselves  in a difficult situation for that matter, it is only for the grace of God (some call it luck, chance, or fate) that we are here, and they are there.  This really captures how I feel about Lisa. She is so much like I was at that age- tomboyish  and sporty, with a natural affinity for basketball and volleyball, she was quiet at first but outgoing with encouragement. She could be a basketball player like I was. But I was born in America. My mother bought me basketball shoes each season, and drove me to practice every single day. It was pure chance that I had what she does not. With this in mind, I am more grateful for my family, for what I was fortunate enough to be born with, than ever before.
Knowing how fortunate I am, and I think others in the group feel the same, is precisely what compels me to return. Guyana and the people I've met here will always hold a place in my heart even if I can't return. That being said, I don't think that letters, or Facebook friendships will ever suffice in comparison to the connections I've made. I was told in the Interior that if an outsider drinks "The Black Water" of the Mahaicony River, they will undoubtedly return to the country. I know I drank some, so it's not goodbye, Guyana, it's see you soon.
Can't wait to see all of you soon as well,
Danika