The final day in Ecuador

My last 24 hours in Ecuador were unforgettable. Waking up to a half-packed suitcase reminded my that the end had finally arrived. After four weeks, I was both excited to go home, while at the same time, wishing I could stay four more. I went to school for my program Friday morning, teaching English to middle schoolers at the public school. I was hanging out with the students in the school yard before class, getting ready to go into the classroom, when they proposed we "play a game." This game then involved blindfolding me and my fellow volunteers...but we all went along with it. They brought us to our classroom and removed the cloth to reveal a surprise goodbye party the students themselves had organized. They had some snacks and soda, a couple balloons, and a poster. I was so shocked I cried. I realized then just how much this program meant to me and how much I would miss it.
Later that night, I was headed to the airport with my friend. Time for another round of goodbyes, this time to my host mother and 5 other volunteer friends who I lived with. As sad as I was to leave them, the goodbye was not too tragic. We had become so close over the month I had no doubt I would see them again at some point. In fact, we already had a trip planned.
I just could not believe I had been there for a month, traveled so much, met such incredible people. Overall an amazing trip.