Farewell to Shukrani.

The time came for us to move on the the next stage of our journey - and it was sad to leave Shukrani. Eight weeks seemed such a short time, yet we have made so many new friends and shared in a variety of experiences.

Our last day included finalising some of the stuff we had been working on, and saying our farewells to students, staff and our friends down the market. Late in the morning we delivered some photos to the folks in the food hall (they actually call it the canteen), and Beth got a couple of farewell hugs. In a culture where physical contact in public (except guys and guys or girls and girls holding hands) are unusual it was somewhat remarkable.

In the late afternoon we had a formal farewell. A special occasion for us in the library - and we felt like he bride and groom at thee top table. A light snack plus sodas, and then some farewell speeches (from just about everybody there!). It was gratifying yet humbling to have such nice things said - and to think that we had made a positive contribution to Shukrani. Whatever words we said could not adequately express how much we had gained by sharing in that community, and how much they had given us by their welcome, and their friendship.

Our plan was to head to Lusaka on April 18 - and so for us it is time to leave. We may have left the place, but Shukrani has certainly not left us.