It is difficult for me to believe that in less than a week I will be leaving Chile. I am going to miss Chile, it will always hold a special place in my heart. My experience here has opened me up in new ways; challenged me, blessed me, and guided me on to new paths in life. I have had the opportunity to meet and work and dance with many amazing people. I have had the opportunity to travel to different parts of South America and see places I had once only dreamed about. Despite all of its challenges and differences (which most are difficult for me to identify anymore), I have loved this experience of living in Chile. Now, I am accepting the fact of leaving and genuinely anticipating returning to the States, giving everyone a huge hug, and allowing myself the comfort and security of simply being in my own country.
I appreciate the love, support and encouragement everyone as shown me throughout my time here, more than I can put into words. Thank you for the cards, the packages, the warm thoughts and prayers. Everything always brightened my days. You know who you are and I thank you. There are several people I feel I must mention specifically, but a huge, sincere thank you goes out to everyone.
Firstly, thank you to Ellen and the HM community for the opportunity to live and serve in Chile; for the love and support you have showed during and after my service commitment. I am so grateful to have been connected to such an amazing group of people and I find comfort in knowing that even as the years pass by that will not change. In volunteering with HM in Chile, I was blessed to meet and work with many amazing, strong women. I will always remember them and what they taught me. Thank you.
Thank you to my amazing parents, Brian and Terese. There are no words to describe the depth of my love for you both. Thank you for never holding me back, and never forcing me forward. Thank you for always believing in me, and cheering me on. Thank you for being happy for me, always. Dad, I must especially thank you for always respecting me, as your daughter, your friend and as a person. Mom, you are beautiful, thank you for always reminding me the importance of patience ;-) I realize more and more every day that the love I receive from you both is unconditional and priceless. I love you both. Thank you to Paul, my brother. I never doubt that you are one of my best friends, despite our disconnectedness most of the time. I love you.
Thank you to Gretchen, my co-volunteer, my friend. Gretchen, you are by far one of the most amazing women I have ever met. You are so strong, steadfast, honest and intelligent. You are confident in who you are and what you believe in, and I admire your ability to not be influenced by anyone. Thank you for being such a great friend during our time in Chile, for listening to me and inspiring me. You have taught me so much and I can only hope that one day I possess as much charisma and strength as you do. I prefer to not have to say goodbye to you in Chile, but I am looking forward to what the future holds for us both and our friendship! Collaborative research, perhaps? (p.s. I must also thank you for introducing me to the academy… dancing salsa really spiced things up) Thank you and I love you.
Thank you to Margaret Milne. An amazing woman.
Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Koski and Grandma and Grandpa Thiessen. I am so lucky to have such amazing grandparents. Thank you to Debbie, I will always look up to you throughout my life. Thank you to Jeff and Barb, I respect you both very much. Thank you to Monica and Aunt Connie, for the endearing e-cards and notes of love I always received. Thank you to Aunt Mary, for always being there, and for always asking questions. Aunt Maria, thank you. Thank you to Andy, for the poems, they put a smile on my face. Thank you to Chelsi, you mean the world to me. Aunt Bonnie, thank you. Thank you to everyone in my family. For the thoughts and the love, and everything :) I love you all.
Thank you to Bethy, Susie, Christina, Tiffany, Missy, Katie, Sarah, and Aerts. Even though distance separated us by thousands of miles, I knew you were close all the same. You are all some of my best friends and have a special place in my heart. I am so excited to see everything you all pursue and accomplish. Thank you for everything.
Thank you to all of the Americans (and Canadians) whom I have had the opportunity to work with and get to know here in Chile. Thank you for enriching my time here and being friends. You are all amazing. I am sure I will see you all again at some point in the future! Thank you to all of the Chileans I have come to know, even though I know you won’t read this, I have valued our friendship in Chile and hope I see you all again at some point.
Thank you, to all of you. All of my loved ones, all of my friends.
So, I am departing from Chile, but I realize just how lucky I am to be returning to so much love and friendship. I will come back here some day, to the beautiful country of mountains and sea. To visit, to work, to dance Salsa? I am not sure what the motives will be, but I will be looking forward to it, and I know I will have a lot of support. I know I will have a lot of support no matter where my life leads me, as I support all of you in your endeavors. Thank you and best wishes.
