Me dicen "nos vemos, nunca adios."

Today is my last day at Opportunity International. I am slowly finishing up on the work that I have been doing, slowly transferring information to Karla who will follow up on some of the tasks that I have started and/or finished, and wrapping up the items that I will hand over to my supervisor Geralyn. She left for the USA this morning, to accompany a mother with her handicapped child to Rochester, MN where he will have a surgery that will save and transform his life. The initiative to fundraise for this little boy blew me away, and Geralyn's efforts to make this trip as easy as possible for this poor mother and her little son who have never gone beyond Nicaraguan borders, let along to a cold winter in Midwest America. Ger, her 15 year old daughter Santhi, and I went to El Balcon for one last dinner with the 3 of us; the place they took me for dinner my first night in Granada, the restaurant that overlooks the central park and main cathedral, where my journey took roots. I had an odd feeling that I just arrived. That it was my first day at work, my first day of my life here, and not like I spent the past month working with these dedicated, passionate people at Opportunity, living in my comfortable and colorful home, meeting exciting travelers and open-hearted locals. As the wind took full control of my hair, I had the most vivid deja vu, unwilling to let go of it; the feeling that I am embarking on a journey of learning and seeing and feeling, rather than ending it.

Today at work I could feel their conspiracies. The quick runs to the kitchen with large covered plates. Their intentional distractions when some details were being discussed. What a subtle goodbye party this was :) At 10 am they all gathered around my desk, anticipation in their eyes and began to sing and laugh and drag me to the central room where the table was decorated with flowers and the cutest little deserts I have ever seen. We sat together, we shared what we felt about our experiences with one another this past month, and I could not hold in the tears. Dona Gilda expressed her sadness that I will be leaving when I bring such enthusiasm to the office. Dona Lesbia said that she has never met anyone so willing to jump into an unfamiliar task in an unfamiliar place with such curiosity and determination. Soraya and Howel commented on my charm, and everyone nodded with large smiles extending from ear to ear. Dona Marcia said I was a blessing, right before Don Roberto (our guard) recited a poem for me and thanked me for our friendship. Amistad. Isabel began to tear up and repeated "Nuestra amistad." I simply sat there, unable to touch my food, so taken aback by the feeling at the pit of my stomach, spreading around my chest of pure love for these people. The nagging emptiness that I am not ready or meant to leave began creeping up my throat and I could barely say anything. I have never felt so appreciated and so thankful for the experiences and friendships I have built at work. These people's dedication to work with the poor, to walk with the most disadvantaged, has given me so much hope, so much energy, that I am simply unwilling to leave. Had I not have to graduate in May, I would have decided to stay in one heartbeat.

It has been odd what has been happening to me these past few days. Perhaps it is the yoga, or the meditation, or my learning and understanding of my body's chakras (energy centers), or simply my lone co-existence with my own thoughts most of the time, that has got me to understand myself more. I have been thinking of my purpose, my happiness, my path. The path laid out and the path I shape, in synchronicity. I had an acupuncture session on Wednesday and during the process I felt my mind strongly aware and connected to every inch of my body, while my body extending to the universe. I left 'Pure' only to notice the slight discomfort between my eyebrows. The only spot where I could feel a consequence of the needle. I was so curious that I began to read online; what is this spot targeting and why does it feel different. Every website connected this spot with awareness and connectedness to one's own thoughts--the Third-Eye Chakra. I couldn't believe how much sense it made. I have been aware of my thoughts, my surroundings, and my relation to the universe more than ever; stimulating this chakra, opening it more than my body is used to. The discomfort goes in and out throughout the day, as I note its strongest influence during those times when I am left alone with my thoughts.

As we stood there in a circle with all 16 staff members of Opportunity, holding hands and listening to Dona Marcia's prayer, I felt the power of friendship and love and openness surround the circle. "Dear God, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for Vera. Her presence in our office, her dedication, her curiosity and open heart light up our space with so much enthusiasm, we are sad to let her go. Take care of her, so she travels safely, finished school successfully, and comes back to us". I was fully, utterly, completely happy.

Nos vemos.