Sad farewells

The first farewell came on 30 June during the summer program, when I had to say goodbye to the children and their parents before the summer break. We spent the day at Lampelri Park near Dochula Pass. Little did I know that the day had actually been organized as a farewell for me.
While I was playing with the children, I was helping one boy with cerebral palsy so he could join the others in a game of football. Suddenly, some of the parents called me over and gathered around me. That was when I saw they had prepared two farewell cakes. One read, “Safe Travels. Thank You,” and the other, “Thank You for Your Service.” They then presented me with many beautiful Bhutanese handicrafts as a token of appreciation for the work I had done with their children.
I was deeply touched by their kindness and gratitude. It was an emotional moment, knowing that the time had come to say goodbye. Several parents asked if I would return one day, and I sincerely hope that I will.
The following day I left for my trek, which gave me some distance from the emotions of the farewell and allowed me to immerse myself once more in Bhutan’s beautiful nature. After returning, I travelled to Punakha to spend my last few days with my friends there. They had become like family to me, and Kinley’s homestay truly felt like my second home.

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On my last day, I gave them the presents I had brought from Switzerland together with a farewell card. In return, they gave me meaningful Bhutanese gifts that will always remind me of the wonderful time we shared. Saying goodbye was incredibly difficult. During our final lunch together, I could hardly eat a bite. We exchanged long hugs, shed a few tears, and I began the quiet journey back to Thimphu with a heavy heart.
From then on, almost every evening was another farewell with friends I had made throughout the year. It is amazing how many close friendships can grow in just one year, and I will miss every one of them.
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Two days later it was time to say goodbye to my colleagues at the office. They organized a wonderful trip to Tashigang Goenpa, where we spent a lovely day together on my final day of work. I felt immense gratitude towards them for giving me the opportunity to volunteer at ABS and, through that, to experience such an unforgettable year in Bhutan. It was a bittersweet day. After so many months, I realized that this extraordinary chapter of my life was finally coming to an end, and the time had come to leave.

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