There is something very special about symbolic gestures of achievement and welcome - like the moment the VC of your Varsity whacks you over the head to confer a degree and accept you into the academy, or this moment, where the team from FHI 360 hands out Fulbright badges to welcome our group into the Fulbright family.
As a side note, I am totally in awe of the FHI 360 team - Holly, Maggie, Meredith and Amy. Not only are they unbelievably efficient, but they manage to combine that with a depth of care and love that has made the past week one of the most special in my life.
Today the US teachers leave us, a very sad moment. We have all become very close over the last week and it is strange to imagine the next without them. But the wonders of technology mean we won't be too far apart. And I can't wait until Team South Africa gets to see my wonderful country for themselves.
Enough soppiness for today - I'm off to an excellent breakfast and a panicky last-minute suitcase pack and then to UMD to see our new apartment and get settled in for the long haul. More excitement! My brain continues to fizz.
No comments:
Post a Comment