"Oh you guys, there are no words to really express how much you've done for me. For a long time I struggled to find myself a place in Metz and six months ago, when I walked through the door here and offered to work with you, everything changed. I'm proud of every single one of you, for the work that you do, and the passion you have for helping people in Metz and all the surrounding communities. Please don't ever underestimate the impact you've had on the children and families in this area... and the impact you've had on me. You welcomed me with open arms and there is no way I could ever forget you. You are part of my African family and I'll love you forever."
And then there were speeches from a few staff members that made me tear up. Mosuma, one of the security guards, told me to go well and that God had many wonderous things planned for my future. Ledile said that she wished I didn't have to leave, that I would always have a family in Africa who loves and cares about me as much as the one I'm heading back to in just a few weeks. And Collins' speech. Wow. Collins talked about how much he was going to miss me and how impressed he was with me as a person. That he felt I never drew a boundary between me and "them".... that my relationship with everyone in that office and the community went beyond color and culture. He ended by saying that I would always belong. I didn't cry then, but I certainly cried later on when I was thinking about it. Amazing.
Kodumela ADP with its dairy project, goat project, community garden, 26 lay counselors, 26 carers, 112 home visitors, 30 full time staff members, WorldVision Sponsorship Program sponsoring over 3,000 kids in the local area, 7 drop in centers with their cookers and staff, 15 "kids" sponsored by an ABSA grant for monthly food purchases, overseeing several construction projects in the local area including a disability center and a school building in Worcester Village, arts and crafts trainings for income generating activities, mealie meal grinding, and the list goes on.....
And here's some of the awesome staff....
Our cold drink and Simbas party which included lots of singing and dancing.
Mmapula and Mmapula, the YellowWood Tree, my gift to the office. It's going to grow big and shady, and when it blooms, it is covered with yellow flowers. It was planted right in front of the office. 
The teapot I gave Maite so she could continue to enjoy tea times after I'm back home. 
Rejoice enjoying her gifts!
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