Good-Bye

Today, the Oasis team left.

Wasn't it yesterday that I wrote about their arrival, and their stock of chocolate dominating the freezer? No, it was five months ago.

It has been five months of living together. I know some of these girls better than I know friends I've had my whole life. You get to really know people by living with them, they can't hide their bad days from you. You learn when they need space, when they need love, when they need to talk, when they want you to talk, when they're cranky because they're tired, and when they're cranky because you've just done something to make them cranky.

It hasn't always been easy. There have been times I've just wanted to run down the street screaming and flag the first taxi I see to whisk me off to the airport. However, the good times chatting and laughing are far more superior in number, and the idea of seeing these girls leave seems unbearable.

Well, the unbearable's happened, and I've cried my guts out. They all live so far away from me, it's just so unrealistic to think that we'll all be together again. For my female emotional heart, I'm being unrealistic for now.

Here's a tribute to my Thailand sisters!

This is Sarah and I in our last week together. Sarah was the grown-up of our group. She was the only one to have already gone through University and had a little more independence experience than we did. She has a beautiful singing voice. I always loved standing next to her in church, or sitting next to her at house group. Her harmonies are perfect! She had so much patience for one of the children at Rainbow House, Nueng, who I was constantly getting frustrated. Her determination to stick with him was so inspiring! I will miss you Sarah!

 This is Holly and I. Holly is the person that is always smiling and always has something positive and encouraging to say. She is hilarious in her cute little blonde way. She has a passionate love for chocolate, which I totally appreciate, and she loves everyone and everything in her path. I am so lucky to have met her!

 This is Lynn and I getting ready to bowl. Lynn worked with me every day at Rainbow House and I absolutely loved every minute I got to hang out with her! She was hilarious and smart and easy to talk to. She loved the kids passionately and it was always so cool to watch her interactions with them. I never wanted her to leave!

 

 

This is Emma and I, always trying to bring the cold to Thailand. Snow and Christmas Trees! I don't think I could've enjoyed Rainbow House anymore than with this amazing girl! She was so ready to do anything different and organize fun things for the kids and youth. She was great to talk to, always ready to do her famous and hilarious laugh. No one can compare!

And this is JULIA.
However, I'm not going to really boost her ego at all.
Since she's staying ON! Until I leave, which is amazing and I can hardly wait for the good times we have yet to have.

I love these girls and am so fortunate to have met them.

I will miss them!