The day we have all dreaded has finally arrived and although we knew it would come, I don’t think any of us are completely ready for it.  At first, two months seemed like it would be just the right amount of time, but I no longer feel that way.  Two months have come and gone in what seems like a blink of an eye.  I feel like I am just starting to understand mother Laos, but I still have so much more to learn from her, I wish I had more time.  Even though I am leaving Laos physically, my heart and mind will always be with her.  I will not say good-bye because I know I will be back again whether it be for work or leisure. 

This experience is definitely one that I will never forget.  Everything from going to classes, meeting new friends, exploring the city and visiting my family in the village where I was born have been journeys filled with learning and excitement.  The emotions that I have felt while I was here have been only good ones and not enough words can describe the happiness that I have found here.  The Lao culture and people have welcomed me home with open arms and if possible, I hope everyone will one day get the opportunity to visit this wonderful country.  I am sad to leave, but excited that I will have the chance to share my experience with others once I get back to the States so that maybe I can spark some interest in others to learn about Laos.  I hope everyone that I had the pleasure meeting and/or working with knows how appreciative I am for them because they are the ones who have made my trip here unforgettable.  I can’t wait for my next visit because now I have even more family and friends here than I started out with.