31 July

For my last time in Chichigua, I wanted to spend plenty of time with all of those I love (meaning, almost everyone in the village). So I planned to spend most of the morning there, eat lunch, and then hug everyone goodbye. I arrived later than I had planned (I was really reluctant to go...I didn't want it to be real) but was able to spend time with everyone (except Gui, who was working; and Felipe because, in true Felipe style, he kept running away). I had asked Dido if I could eat lunch with her. She, of course, said yes.


We had a DELICIOUS meal of rice, beans, chicken, avocado, and soda. We sat there chatting and eating. And then crying. She was one of the hardest to say goodbye to. She was one of my best friends there.


She had been so welcoming to me (and Kendall!). She always let us hang out at her house. Visiting her was like visiting with a regular friend. There was no ceremony. We could sit on the floor (instead of being given a chair), take off our shoes (she didn't really like that we took off our shoes, but she would let us) and just sit. She loves making fun of Kendall and me. She cried just as much as I did when I hugged her goodbye.


After lunch with Dido, I walked around and said goodbye to everyone. It was 45 minutes filled with hugs, tear and laughs. They thought that I was a bit crazy for crying so hard. Plus my face turned all red and they think that's pretty funny!


I had Tigabi (Franchesca's dad take me home on his moto) and I cried pretty much all the way from Chichigua to El Silencio. I sat at home with Ashley and Kenny for a few minutes before going to say goodbye to the people in Tamarindo I hadn't yet seen. I stopped by the school to say hello to Laura who was there with a group from the Stone. More crying, hugging and saying goodbye.


We decided to go out for one last pizza at Lax with Rachel, Cara Jane, Ashley and KennyB. It was so nice to sit with those ladies and watch the sun set. It was a peaceful ending to a ROUGH day.