Well, here is the last post that I will make on this site (at least until maybe I go back which does not look like it will be soon).
One thing that I have learned while there is that relationships are very important. Having been there much longer than me, I asked a “friend” or two how they handled the changing teams and the coming and going of “friends”. They said that they just did not get close to anyone.
What a bummer. I learned that closeness is a very important part of a relationship or why bother being friends? Yes, “goodbyes” are very hard but what happens when you say “hello” again? If the relationship is not close, you have to start all over again. If it is close, you can pick up where you left off and have a more fulfilling conversation of shared experiences.
There is a saying that “absence makes the heart grow fonder” and this is true in all relationships and relationship help both parties grow and mature and have experiences that they would never have otherwise.
I see relationship problems in our western culture which were manifested in the work in Pakistan. We are so goal oriented that we forget that the relationships are so much more important and we stomp all over people’s feelings and way of life just to get some minor job done. While so much more could be accomplished just by spending time to build a relationship.
There were many friendships that I was able to build but many I really wish I had more time to spend on. Actually, all of them I wish for more time. However, when I see these people again, it will even be more exciting to say “hello” and catch up on what has and is happening in their lives and time will be spent building even better friendships. I feel sorry for those that are afraid to get close to people because they do not want the “pain” of saying “goodbye”.
Well, relationship are very important part of life and I believe these are key to a fulfilled life. Now to go out and work on it.
And finally, I will have to say “goodbye” to all of you that have been reading this blog. Thank you for your interest and I hope that this site has been insightful, fun, and even a blessing.