Lots of Goodbyes

Today was Cameron's last day of school.  It started with breakfast.  Everyone was invited to bring a dish to share and have breakfast at school.  We went but didn't take anything or eat anything.  We have had some stomach issues and we were leaving for Hawaii.  We didn't want to push our luck.

I ran home.  I colored my hair, showered, and finished putting everything in our bags.  I cleaned up the apartment and left to pick Todd up at work.  We then went to get Cameron at school.

Todd took Cameron and Alfredo home because they had to go to Manuel's birthday party.  I stayed with Ileana so I could ride with her to lunch.

Today was tough...emotionally draining.  It was the day for many goodbyes.  They started with Rachel.  We hugged and cried.  I love that girl and will miss her.  Hopefully they move back to Iowa so we can see each other.

I went to Jacky's 2 for lunch with Mette, Heidi, Anna, Claudia, Ileana, Peter, Megan, Stine, and kids. We sat outside so the kids could play but man was it hot.

After a great lunch it was time to go. This is when there were tons of tears...from almost everyone.  It is so hard to say goodbye to people that have become so important in your life.  Knowing we may never see each other again is heart breaking.

Ileana and I got in her van.  Every time one of us said something we would both start crying again. Marcela thought we were nuts.  Leo (her driver) looked at me in the mirror.  I said "sorry Leo".  He shrugged his shoulders and handed back a wad of Kleenex.  What a nice guy.  He will miss Ileana and my craziness among other things.

I walked into the apartment and Todd asked me what was wrong.  When I told him he just shook his head.  Pretty sure he thinks I'm crazy too.

Cameron came home from Manuel's birthday party at 3:45.  I quickly gave him a haircut and he jumped in the shower.  He grabbed a quick bite to eat then we grabbed our stuff and headed to the van.

We arrived at the train station at 4:45.  Loaded the train at 5:00 and left at 5:23.  We arrived in Beijing at 6:15.  I love riding the train.

Jumped in a cab and went to the hotel.  We walked to Home Plate for dinner.  It was a nice night so we decided to eat outside.  Back to the hotel and off to bed.  Hawaii tomorrow.