Tearful Goodbyes

I am crying again. These however aren't tears of sorrow, but of joy. I am thankful to have had such wonderful experiences and friends so meaningful to me that it makes me cry when I have to leave.

Somehow the time has come to leave Berlin. Soon it will be a wonderful memory. I am trying to wrap my head around the idea of the semester being over already. I still remember arriving back in August, jet-lagged, disoriented, and quite nervous. I had never been on my own so far away from home, and the idea of 4 months of this scared me. The first time I walked into the IES center and saw all of the faces of the people I would be taking classes with, I was completely overwhelmed. I am actually a fairly shy and awkward person in social situations with people I don't know. It took every effort I had to go in, sit down, and talk to everyone. I sit back now and marvel at how far we as a group have come in the last 4 months. Every one of those people has become a good friend and has contributed a unique element to my experiences in Berlin.

Now for many pictures of me saying goodbye to my friends and Professors (I will upload more when I get home):

Thanks again everyone. No one will ever take the place that you all have in my heart. I wish you all the best in your efforts and good luck with future studies. I am going home with a happy and thankful heart and absolutely no regrets.

I will leave you with my favorite blessing:

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and the rain fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Goodbye friends. Goodbye Berlin.