Today is my last day in roquetas and I can't believe it. This summer has been amazing and Roquetas really does feel like home now. I am going to miss so much about this place (maybe even my loud prostitute neighbors...maybe). I am really going to miss the Africans, my morning runs along the Mediterranean sea, the members of the Spanish church in Almeria, kids club, Endyes family, 1 euro tinto verano, saying "no pasa nada," walking every where, visiting the african women, talking in spanish (who would believe that?!), of course the Whitleys,( but I am going to see them next summer!) and so much more.
Yesterday Amanda and I went over to Endyes for my last time. We gave her a picture frame with a picture of her with us all in our African clothing that was taken a few days ago at the wrestling festival. She loved it and thanked us over and over again. Joel told me that if I came back to visit 10 years from now that picture will still be sitting on a shelf in her living room. Thats what I am going to miss most about this place and this summer, the Africans genuine generosity and kindness. These people have given me so much, materially and emotionally when they really don't have a lot materially and have no reason to give to me emotionally. I will never forget the time Beatrice and her husband gave amanda and I fancy african clothes when they were barely surviving themselves. Nothing seems to make these people happier than just spending time with them and allowing them to treat you as their guest and give you things. In America we like to believe in the "season of giving" and that there is so much joy in giving to others but that is nothing compared to the generosity of these africans. Every season and every day is of giving and that seems to natural to them. I have never seen even a hesitation when we knock on one of our african friends doors, they are always so friendly and happy to have us in their home.
If I ever wanted to go to Africa I would have more than enough places to stay for I have been invited to stay with so many peoples families there I couldn't even begin to count. The last student who stayed here ended up going to africa with one of the guys he met here for the african guys wedding. Amanda and I at first thought this was just crazy and that this guy was just a really adventurous type (which he really is). But now that doesn't seem to strange to me. Don't worry, I'm not going to hop on a plan tomorrow and go to africa but one day I would like to.
I have also learned from these people that although they don't yet know God or have a relationship with him, God has been working in these people's lives for a very long time. While they may not be aware of it, he has helped them through their struggles, trials and tribulations and you can see that in their smiling faces. It really is amazing that you can find Gods love in places that you would never expect.
. I spent a lovely afternoon with Endyes family. Fahtu (the new mother) braided meghan's entire head and it looks adorable. She did hair wraps in my and Amandas hair, and they are legit. It was really hard for me to ay good bye to them. Little Fahtu wouldn't stop hugging and clinging to me, making it all the more difficult to say good bye. I am really going to miss these people.
Tomorrow I leave for new adventure, traveling to France. While I am overtly sad about leaving Roquetas I am quite excited to be going to France. While the Whitleys will be in meetings during the day Amanda and I are going to go out and see what Marseille has to offer ( or best that we can given that we know not a word of french). And then on tuesday I fly back to Spain, this time Madrid, to finally meet up with my mom! I can't wait for the adventures we will have those ten days of traveling all over Spain, it is going to be the trip of a lifetime.
This really has been the summer of a lifetime. I am so blessed and so thankful for that all that has happened to me these past two months. As student.go would say, I have been ruined forever.
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