Leaving

So I'm leaving Paraguay on Thursday. Maybe forever! Who knows? But this weekend has definitely been the way to go. My host mom (Enrique and Mirna's mom) came into the city with Ana Paula and Esther (their other sister) on Thursday. It is a HUGE event for a housewife to leave her house. This was truly tremendous. And it was also a wonderful way to force this hardworking lady into a little down time! I spent the day with them Friday while Mirna and Enrique were at work. We talked, sipped tea, went to the supermarket, and started getting ready for that evening's fabulous festivities: Enrique's birthday party! We made brownies, cheesy corn casserole, chipa, and of course pork, sausage, and beef on the grill. Fabulous!

The next morning I waved goodbye to my dear Ana Paula and Esther for the last time through several bouts of tears. Enrique and I then took him mom off to downtown, where we showed her the government palaces, the plazas, the markets, the pantheon, and took her to visit Mirna at her job. We took her to a restaurant before heading home. Again, this was a huge thing for her: riding city buses, being in the capital, visiting the river (in a landlocked country), taking pictures, eating a meal out, etc. Whew! That evening, Mirna took her to get her hair done and buy some jewelry. Again, out of this world for her.

Sunday morning I said my goodbyes to my beloved host mom, and after a late lunch Enrique and I went downtown again to meet up with my dear friend Amy. We walked around town for a while, and accidently came across a retired war boat from times past that had been brought up the river and opened to tour. It was fun for Amy and I, but getting on a boat for Enrique was positively monumental. We got a lot of pictures! I only wish it had been there the day before for my host mom to see.

This week, I've been whittling my belonings down to the few that will fit in my suitcase and otherwise closing up shop. In the evenings Enrique and I share as much fun as we can: go jogging or to the supermarket together, or making a special treat like fritters or french fries to share.

In a few minutes I will be turning in my cell phone and saying goodbye to the Peace Corps office forever. Mirna and Enrique are both trying to get off work for my monumental goodbye on Thursday evening, when I'll be taking a bus to Buenos Aires for a vacation before heading home.

I can't believePeace Corps is over. This is Crazy!