Saying Goodbye

 After living in Thailand for a total of 6 months, we had finally found routines of comfort and just felt a sense of the people and places we had been lucky enough to explore and adjust to. We only just began to realize the impact Sam Phran had on us and the blessings I had encountered throughout my journey of this amazing small city outside of Bangkok. The supervisors, fellow teachers, and locals that graced me with their presence all taught me different lessons from grace to gratitude. Part of my anxiety approaching this two month backpacking trip included my need to break ties and create farewells with the people and places I had considered home for 6 months of my life. What started as a complete and utter foreign landscape became everything I then knew. I always find that if you stay somewhere for only half a year, you find yourself beginning to find comforts in that six month, finding yourself exploring more, understanding and not being worried of language barriers and feeling oriented and safe enough to travel on your own. It was right at that moment while abroad in Italy in college or getting ready to leave Sam Phran, Thailand, that I felt this extremely overwhelming sense of melancholy. I personally become sentimental and create innovative goodbyes and leave relationships on a good note, give a small gift or letter expressing my thanks for their part in my life. The last week of school was not one that was easy, nor a week that I could ever forget. My students threw me parties, sang songs, recited poems or jokes and gave me some of the longest and warmest hugs you could imagine. Even the children that caused me grief throughout the school year were visibly upset hanging off my shoulders and writing me goodbye letters in broken english.  

The children like to bring food on big days. For them, any transition is a moment of celebration, whether it is finishing a state wide exam or a Friday afternoon, home made food, smiles dance competitions and fun is always had. Saying goodbye to these girls who have been such a big part of my life for the last 5 months was so difficult. I couldn't imagine staying longer and having to say goodbye. They helped me through my exhaustion and time change as well as made me feel most welcome in a country that could not have been farther from home. This communal kindness and thankfulness is something that is so rare to fine. To feel home in a room full of strangers and know that everything is going to be alright. The pictures and gifts from my students are something I traveled with all the way home and something I will keep in my mind forever. 

Until next time., 

Samantha Jane 

xx