Goodbye.

Our last day at Smile was one that I, in the first few months, never thought would ever come and ended up to be a day that came all too quickly! I had prepared my mind for the day and tried to prepare the kids as well by letting them know how many days we had left. 

We arrived at Smile early that morning to drop off some things and when we arrived all the little ones were chanting our names, running to us to greet us! It brought tears to my eyes knowing that was the last time I'd hear those sweet little voices and receiving ALL those hugs!

We had a wonderful day playing with the kids, handing out some clothes, receiving the many necklaces /bracelets. *When people leave that they respect and love they give gifts of necklaces, bracelets, or anything they have such as avocados etc. Such a blessing. We were definitely loaded with necklaces and felt so loved. We received so many hugs and said goodbye to the kids. It was awful. But I am so glad it was hard because that reminds me how much I really loved all of them and what an impact they had on my life! 

It is always hard to say goodbye to the little ones, like my little Jose I think he understood that I wasn't coming back but for the older kids who fully understood some of them were crying so hard they couldn't catch their breath. I just hugged them and held them while I prayed for a little while. It was a mutual sadness. 

I am SO THANKFUL for my time at Smile Africa and all that I have learned, grown, experienced, and all the friends that I have made. It will be an all round experience that stays in my heart forever.

Dota and my sweet baby girl Esther! 

BIG SMILES!

I gave Lodo my NDSU shirt...sharing the "Bison Pride"!

Group Photo!

Group Photo!!

The day went so quickly I didn't think I got one last picture with Jose. Sure enough I checked my camera and we did get one, and its the BEST one I have!