HOW DO WE SAY GOOD BYE?

Sorry for the delay in this post - lack of electricity and access to a computer was the reason for the delay.  On Thursday we were able to visit the new high school, then we finished painting the chapel and had to say good by to the people there - just the first of many good byes coming for us all in the next days.  Then we went to an English class here and broke into groups to speak English with the students (to help them hear a native speaker).  Once again with the evening came rain but the girls decided to all meet at the parish office anyway.  The electricity was out so they colored by candle light and spent more time talking to their new friends from the Dominican Republic.  Today it is Katie Sander's birthday.  I was able to find a lady in town who makes cakes and paid her to make a cake for Katie's birthday.  I told her there would be about 20 people eating the cake but she made us a cake big enough for about 50 or more.  We only ate about 1/2 of the cake and the girls said it was one of the few things they have had that has reminded them of home.  The tears began this afternoon as they all started to write letters to their families here to let them know what this experience has meant to them and how much they are going to miss them.  I have had the chance to help translate some of these letters for them and they are very heartfelt.  Carolina made her way here this afternoon to wish Katie a happy birthday and as she sat on Katie's lap and Katie was feeding her the cake there was a tear in both of their eyes just thinking that this may be the last time they see each other.  It will be a difficult night and day tomorrow.  As sad as they are to leave here and leave their families here - they are as equally as excited to share this experience with their real families.  We were able to go to the Friday market today and many of the girls found small gifts for their friends here and family at home.  There isn't much here to get for gifts but they found a few things.  This will probably be our last post until we see everyone on early Sunday morning.  Thanks for following our journey and for your love and support through your prayers during the week.