Today I was forced to come to the understanding of what the word “goodbye” truly means. Sure, we’ve all said it a hundred thousand times, and even semi-permanent goodbyes, but today I had to say goodbye to people, knowing that I would likely never see them again. And that hit me hard.

I was at my pre-departure orientation with a bunch of other newbies, but it was located at the same time and location at the pre-return orientation. I had met the pre-return kids earlier (in February), and one of them actually stayed at my house for a weekend.

We have had a group chat for several months and have kept in close contact since we met. I have been up to visit Rubén on multiple occasions, but I didn’t have the good fortune of seeing the rest of them. However, today when I went on my orientation, I got to see them again. We fit right in again and it was like no time passed. When the orientation ended, I had to leave. And I had to realize that I was never going to see them again. Some of them are from South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and everywhere else under the sun. They will all see each other right before they go home, but I will not be on that orientation. So I had to say goodbye.

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This is just an example of how well I deal with saying goodbye…

I know that my year will be filled with happiness, challenges, laughter, joy, and a million amazing moments. But this weekend reminded me that I also have to learn to say goodbye. And that I have made an impact on their lives and that they have made an impact in mine and that in the end, whether or not we keep in touch or not doesn’t matter. Whether I am given the blessing of seeing them again or not doesn’t matter (no matter how much I want to see them). What does matter is the memories that I have made and will keep forever. So to any of you who happen to read this, know that I love you with all my heart and that I will never ever forget you. You have changed my life. I love you. Te amo.