Leaving on A Jet Plane pt1

All my bags were packed and I was just about ready to go. I was standing there just about to walk out the door, when I realized that I don't really want to say goodbye. I didn't feel like it was time but I had a plane to catch.  Jon walked me down to the lobby where we waited for my ride to come. We were talking about memories that we've experienced over the almost 3 months that I've been here, when my ride comes. Inside there are about 20 people from the youth (Youth United Philippines) ready to take me to the airport at 3am.... I can't say that I didn't feel special. I say my goodbye to Jon, I thanked him for everything and then we started to load up.

We squeeze everyone into the jeep and begin the road trip to the airport. We start to sing and I stop for a second and take a look at the kids. I say to myself that this is going to be the last time you see them for a while and for some, they may not be here when you get back. All of a sudden this rush of emotion comes over me and I have to tilt my head back to keep the strange substance you humans call tears from falling from my eyes. 

One of the kids (Archie) leans over to me and says "Kuya Kevin, I'm really gonna miss you when you're gone." I can't say anything cause if I do I know that strange substance you call tears will be streaming down my face, so I put my hand on his shoulder, I shake my head letting him know that I'll also miss him, he smiles and he leans back to his seat.

We all start reminiscing about memories we've shared and before you know it someone says "we're here." A quietness fell over the jeep as we all realized that it was just about that time. We all get out and make our way to the terminal. I see some of the girls ahead and they are huddled together. When I walk up to them I see Maan (pronounced Ma-an) crying. I'm trying with everything I have to keep my composure so I put a smile on and say "It's okay, c'mon lets walk together."

My flight is at 8am so I need to check in by 5am.... It's 4AM. I've got 60 minutes to make some more memories, so I take each person aside and we spend a few moments together just talking. After chatting with everyone, I take a look at my watch and its 4:45. 15 minutes now. We snap as many pictures as we can together and Thes (my very good friend) says a prayer for me. It's 5am now....  I give everyone a goodbye hug and I tell them that I love them. Then I fall in line to enter the terminal.

I'm next in line to scan my bags. Something inside says not yet.... Just can't do it yet.

What comes next is a story for another time. Keep an eye out for it.

Stay Classy