So long, farewell...

So I'm enjoying my last few hours in Bongolo feeling like Aerosmith's song about insomnia. I don't want to miss a thing. I don't want to leave actually.

So I'm sitting in my room with the light on enjoying the fan and listening to the thunder rolling in another storm.

It's been a fabulous few days back here. I haven't posted or really called home because I keep figuring I can do that later and enjoy being here now.  

Well the power just went out... so much for the light and fan.

I suppose i'm just posting to say that I am leaving Bongolo tomorrow (today really...I need to go to sleep!) and I don't want to. Even if the power does go off, and there are cockroaches infesting the house again, and a new mouse in the kitchen, and  a million other less than fabulous things about this place.

When it comes right down to it, despite those things the people I've met here are absolutely amazing. They've become instant family. Really. Everyone here feels like family. And I am heartbroken to be leaving it all behind. 

Don't get me wrong, I really like my real family at home too and I am going to be thrilled to see them. But right now Gabon, Africa feels like home. And it hurts to leave your home behind, especially when you know this may be it. 

I never dreamed I would get so attached to the people here an to this place in the short time I've been here, but I have.

Before I lament my sorrow too much, I think I will cut myself off and give you a quick rundown of the itinerary since I'm not sure there will be much posting for a week! Then you'll start getting my remarks as I rethink through everything from this trip!

Tomorrow morning Philippe is driving Carolyn and I to Mouila. We'll take a plane from there to Libreville. I'll be there until Thursday night, when I fly out to Paris at about 10pm. I have a short layover in in France and then fly to NYC. I'm taking advantage of the neccessary layover in NY and staying there for a few days with a friend. Monday morning I fly to Minnesota where my mom and dad and Kristi are all going to pick me up and where I'll hopefully get to see Aunt Rita and Uncle Eric before we drive to Fort Dodge, Iowa and I see our new home for the first time and meet the new dog!

I'd really appreciate your prayers for the travel! And I have a kinda yucky infected bug bit that is really sore! Please pray that it will heal and that it will not get any worse while I'm traveling!

A la prochaine,

Jessica