Last Post from Prague

Well - I'm sitting here, waiting for three things: 1) My toenail polish to dry (can't have Robert seeing me tomorrow with unpainted toes), 2) My last load of laundry to finish (keep your fingers crossed that it will dry by tomorrow morning), and 3) For online check-in to begin on British Airways. It is crucial that I get my seat assignment in the first minutes of being able to check in - I WANT seat 41D.

Anyways.

I had a great "last" day yesterday (today doesn't really count since it's all packing and running errands) with the Directors of the Burma Center who took me to Karlstejn castle as a thank you for my work this summer. We had a lovely tour and lunch, and I can say it was in saying goodbye to them that it really hit me that I am leaving. And, I was sad. I have really enjoyed traveling in Europe and all of the experiences that living here has afforded me. I'm so excited to come home to my friends and family, but it is still hard to say goodbye to this place. Though I don't think I could see myself living in Prague again, I do think I could easily take a job in Budapest, Vienna or Rome. I love the lifestyle, the people, the food, the respect for family, the public transportation, and the ability to experience a whole new set of customs, culture, and language with a train ride. This summer has left me with a strong desire to continue to explore the world.

Beyond this, the work I did this summer has really changed me. I am so proud of what I did for the Burma Center and seeing their reaction to the "Big Burma Project" really helped to put closure on whether or not I made the right decision for where to go for this IPSP. The director expressed to me yesterday that they were becoming pretty down - rejection of the project from some of the past sources, coupled with the difficult life of running a non-profit, was really wearing on them. However, after my presentation, they both were rejuvinated and are really excited to see where the project can go from here. I was floored. I had no idea they were feeling so down, and for most of the summer, I wasn't sure if the project I was doing was really what was needed in the long term. Spending the day with them yesterday and hearing this affirmation of my work, I, too, feel rejuvinated about service and can see a future in project management.

So, after visiting 6 countries, learning nearly no Czech, meeting 3 Ambassadors, getting lost in 12 cities, spending an INSANE amount of money, eating more Milka bars then any one person should, and learning some pretty invaluable life lessons, I'm making my way home. I cannot wait to see all of you.

My favorite pictures from the summer: