A fond farewell

Today was my last day in the office. so we went out and partied and now...

I return to my apartment euphoric, humbled, and sad all at the same time. I have just finished my two month assignment. I am speechless. I don't know whether to yell in triumph or to shed a tear. So I do a bit of both. I was sent here to solidify the efforts spent by my predecessors and I have done so successfully. But along the way I fell in love with my coworkers. They are a new family to me and one that I care about dearly. They've accepted me with open arms and I feel a little bit guilty for leaving them. In my time here I have been able to offer them answers to their questions and purpose to their efforts. Together we put a face on two distant locations and two different dynamics that depend on each other to prosper.

After work we go to a KTV joint. That's a karaoke room if you don't know. It comes complete with maracas and tambourines and lots and lots of beer that's brought in by the bucket load.

Singing into our mics sharing sides of ourselves that we often keep from the office, I put my best rock mode forward and share my love for them in a very open way. We share many a gumbai, (I did 9 in a row at one point!) and I get hugs from everyone. There are over 30 people at the event and it solidifies for me the love and appreciation they have for me. I am a fortunate man.

I've worked hard, trained hard, and have helped as much as I've could, and tonight I get the chance to be appreciated for my efforts. Kevin gives a heart warming toast at one point and then I get a chance to say my peace. Saying goodbye is hard. handshakes become hugs and turn back to hand shakes again. Followed by one more hugs. It's a moment that will be hard to forget. Ever.

As happy as I am to be leaving, I know now that a little part of me will be staying here forever. As long as our crew is here so will a part of me and my love for my coworkers and the times we shared together, in work, in crisis, in play.

I thank the powers that be for this opportunity, for I have grown a wiser individual from it.


now I silently pack, listening to the moaning machines outside my balcony.