By tinavisc
The last week of my study abroad program has at last arrived, and I feel exceptionally unprepared to part from the close friends I've made. Somewhere in the mix of university studying, working, and exploring Cape Town, I forgot to spend every waking second with my new friends! I feel so blessed to have met and learned from the wonderful people on my program, however I'm not quite ready to let them go.
I felt very similar the last week before I left D.C. for South Africa. It had been the first time in my life that I didn't want to run away; I had essentially planted my roots and my love in one place. I was comforted by the fact that D.C. would still be there when I got back. Sure, life goes on and things change, but the friends I consider family would still be there. The friends I've made in Cape Town are a different story. Who knows if we will, in fact, ever be in the same geographical location at the same time? Who knows if we'll be able to maintain global contact in this ever distracting world? In any case, thank goodness for Skype.
I have a feeling that as life goes on, you experience more and more friendships with this naturally expiring time limit set. This fact, however dismal it may be, can't let you avoid making friends in the first place. We can always learn and grow from each other, no matter how long we'll be in each other's presence. Although I'm so sad to part from my new friends, I'm so thankful to have met each and every one of them.
I will forever hold a special place in my heart for those I've shared this incredible journey with.
When the friends you’ve made, the ones who’ve forever changed your life, return to their lives around the planet. #GWU #GWAbroad