A sweet farewell

Sadly on Wednesday we had to wish farewell to one of our dearest friends who decided to return to the US. He'd been having chronic stomach and digestive problems the whole time he was here, so understandably, he wished to seek treatment at home rather than India. On Tuesday night a large group of us gathered to have a farewell jam session and celebration of him. We all walked together to this outcropping of rocks on campus, and watched the sunset. Once the sun was down, Catie lit an enormous candle, as you can see and the music began. Two people had brought guitars and one guy had a ukulele.

It was so fantastic, everyone who knew how to play anything picked up the guitar and sang a song. This went on for a good while, and I een joined in on the fun playing the one song I knew- Green Eyes by Coldplay. Then after the music died down we decided to go around the circle taking turns telling Travis what each of us appreciated and loved about him. It was so beautiful to hear what people had to say because it was so heartfelt and true. Travis really was a great person to have around the house. Despite the fact that he felt ill most of the time, he always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say. Plus, he also had great music taste. This evening made me feel so happy because everyone was so open and excited to share. It's not everyday where you can be in such a loving and uplifting environment.

We've really bonded so much over these past two and a half months and with each passing day, I like each person a little bit more. Everyone on this trip is so unique and has so much to offer. I've only been in one or two other environments where I've had the ability to be so totally myself around people. It's not rare that you can share so much about yourself and not worry about being judged or taken the wrong way. I'm really going to miss all of these great hearts when I leave here.