Not Good-bye Just See Ya Later!

Today marks exactly 3 weeks before I touch down on American soil! Wow! I can't believe my time here in South Africa went so fast. I remember fighting and crying and losing sleep in order to even get here. Now that I have been here for almost 3 months, I can't believe what a wonderful and life changing journey this has been. I still have moments when I sit quietly and think, "OMG! I am in Africa!" It still blows my mind how far I've come. Also today, we said good-bye to one of the other COST students. She is currently headed to back home to finish her student teaching in another placement. With her leaving it makes my leaving seem even closer.

It was hard saying good bye to Shauna. She was my roommate, traveling companion, and South African sister! We grew very close these last two months, it feels like I have known her all of my life. You may think our closeness was a direct result of two people completely out of their comfort zones navigating the same journey would naturally bond and grow close. That all may be true, but I truly believe God divinely orchestrated our meeting and sharing this experience together. I do not think it was an accident that we were placed here together. Our friendship is more than just a means of survival, it is a once in a lifetime relationship. It is very special and unique and I know God placed us in each others lives for a reason. She blessed my life and taught me so much.

I know South Africa will not be the end of our friendship or a good-bye. It is bye for now but I will see ya later Ms. Shauna!