Day 10 - Saying Goodbye to the Essex Team

Goodbyes are never easy. This is especially the case when the ones you're saying goodbye to are people who have found a new special place in your heart. This is how I feel about the Essex team leaving today. It really sucks. I've just gotten to know them and now they're leaving.

We got to the Team House at about 9am and had our final debrief with the team, after which we had communion. Then it was time to pack up the vehicles and head to the airport. We got them through the baggage check in and the exit fee payment place and then we headed up to the security gate. This is where we had to say goodbye. This was tough. I didn't cry or anything, but I was really sad. It was hard to see them all go.

We went around to this one side where there are windows where you can see people after they've gone through the security check and waved goodbye to everyone after they passed through. And then they were gone :(

Before we left the airport, we got drinks from the Espresso Americano. I don't really know what they have there so I ordered the same thing that Dale got, a lachino yogurt. It was kinda like a strawberry smoothie and it kinda tasted like a creamsicle. It wouldn't be my first choice of drink as I much prefer raspberry over strawberry, but it was interesting to try.

After we left the airport, we went and did a bit of shopping. This time I actually wandered off by myself in the grocery stores, whereas last time I stuck close to Dale or Carolyn. It was fun trying to figure out how much everything equated to in American. We went to a few different stores before we headed home for the night.

There was a really pretty rainbow that we saw after supper. It was the first rainbow that I've seen here, so of course I had to get a picture of it.

After supper, we also went for a walk through the gated area across the street (I think it's called Monté Verdé, or something close to that). It's a nice little area that has a series of connecting streets and you can feel fairly safe in there because there are police officers who actually live in some of the houses there. There are a couple spots that have really nice views while you're walking and I got a nice sun-starting-to-go-down shot along the way. 

The rest of the evening was pretty mellow. I just kinda hung out in my room and watched some videos. I wanted to stay up so that I could hear from Nic when they got home safely. I can be a bit of a worrywart at times. But hey, that can be a good thing. It shows that I care about my friends. But until I heard from him, Netflix was my best friend for the night :P

Speaking of night, it is time for sleep. My friends have returned safely to their country and are now in their beds and so too must I retire to mine. Until tomorrow, sleep well, sweet dreams, and hasta mañana :)

~ Cass Haines ~