It has been 18 days since I left my site, my second home, my friends, my students and co-workers. 18 days ago I rang the famous ceremonial bell in the Peace Corps office and officially finished my service as an environmental educator in Nicaragua. 26 months serving abroad have finally come to an end, This experience has been by far the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life, but also one of the most rewarding.The incredible people, places and experiences I was fortunate to encounter have formed me into a more global sensitive person (or at least I hope so). I came into Peace Corps, like many do, with the desire to change the world, when really it is us who change. Change to be more tolerant, patient and understanding of places, people and cultures different than your own.
That last week in Nicaragua was one of the most sad but joyful weeks of my life. If you have kept up with my blog than you know that Peace Corps was not easy for me. I struggled quite a lot and was close to terminating my service, and yet here I am now...a RETURNED PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER :) I was ecstatic to finally be going home, to my family, my friends and my comforts, but also dreadfully sad to be leaving my new friends and family I had gained in two years.
As my months to leave became weeks,and weeks to days I was not looking forward to saying goodbye. Part pf me just wanted to pack my bags and leave my site in the middle of the night, in order to avoid all those goodbyes. I didn't even plan a farewell party like many other PCVs had done so. I just didn't have it in me to do anything, part of me felt that no one would show up. But on my last week, I was very surprised by my friends in site. I didn't have one goodbye party...I had 4! All wonderfully planned by my friends in site that I had made during my two years. I cried many many happy tears during my last days. Saying goodbye to my host family was really rough! And seeing so many of my students crying and asking me not to leave made all those tough moments in service a little less tough.
I know I did not get all the projects I wanted to started in my site, but I feel so incredibly content with everything that I did and didn't accomplish during my 26 months. I gained a plethora of friends that I will treasure forever, and I look forward to returning to Nicaragua.
That last week in Nicaragua was one of the most sad but joyful weeks of my life. If you have kept up with my blog than you know that Peace Corps was not easy for me. I struggled quite a lot and was close to terminating my service, and yet here I am now...a RETURNED PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER :) I was ecstatic to finally be going home, to my family, my friends and my comforts, but also dreadfully sad to be leaving my new friends and family I had gained in two years.
As my months to leave became weeks,and weeks to days I was not looking forward to saying goodbye. Part pf me just wanted to pack my bags and leave my site in the middle of the night, in order to avoid all those goodbyes. I didn't even plan a farewell party like many other PCVs had done so. I just didn't have it in me to do anything, part of me felt that no one would show up. But on my last week, I was very surprised by my friends in site. I didn't have one goodbye party...I had 4! All wonderfully planned by my friends in site that I had made during my two years. I cried many many happy tears during my last days. Saying goodbye to my host family was really rough! And seeing so many of my students crying and asking me not to leave made all those tough moments in service a little less tough.
I know I did not get all the projects I wanted to started in my site, but I feel so incredibly content with everything that I did and didn't accomplish during my 26 months. I gained a plethora of friends that I will treasure forever, and I look forward to returning to Nicaragua.
Goodbye party with my ecological brigade
 FINISHED the mural at my rural school!!!! I was so proud of the final result |  Many many thank yous to the very talented Professor Ruben, who helped immensely with this project |
 Surprise goodbye party with the teachers from my rural school. THEY GOT ME A PIÑATA |  Breaking the piñata :D |
 Saying goodbye to one of the teachers that inspired me so much |  This teacher taught me so much about science and teaching |
 Goodbye surprise in the classrooms |  Best supportive counterpart I could have asked for |
 My 4 student leaders I had a pleasure to work closely with for 2 years |  The four students that inspired me to become a science teacher :D |
 My sixth graders performed for me the traditional dance El Gueguense during one of my goodbye parties |  Picture taken after we both had cried A LOT! |
Nothing beats this feeling!
Blessed to share this day with such an awesome PCV and friend during my service
 Day 1 in Nicaragua, August 13, 2014 |  Day 788, Back in the USA as an RPCV, October 8, 2016 |
