It is Like Taking off a Band-Aid

We are very slowly saying good-bye to all of our new friends and it is hard for each of us.
Today we gave our presentations about the non-profit or non government organizations (NGO's) that we visited. In each case there were things that impressed us and were new to us. Most of all it is a case of realizing that we are in another culture and what works for us in the United States will not necessarily work here. We have all gained new insights and ideas to take back with us and we hope we have left some positive and helpful insights and ideas in our wake with our new friends.
After our presentations we had a special treat. Each group brought back regional specialties in pastries, cheeses, and other delectables to share with the group. We had a little reception with Artur and Tim and presented them with a small, but heavy token of our appreciation, a copy of Carolina Preserves that was signed with a personal message from each of us.
Both Tim and Artur joined us for our last meal in the cafeteria. Afterwards, it was time to say a final goodbye to Tim. As he reminded us we can e-mail and even though some would point to that as a flattening of the world, we like to think of it as an easier way to communicate with our new found friends just across the ocean.