I went downstairs and headed to the kitchen. Meggie was there. I would miss her too. You can't measure how you feel about people. It can't be measured, but it can be lived. So, I couldn't measure what I felt about the Bailey family. There are no words to explain the importance they had for me during this program, and also all people in Cleveland.
I sat on the chair, eating my cereal, when my host mother came toward me. I froze. She went to hug me, with tears on her eyes. She said: "I'm so sad because you're leaving." This is one of the moments that I will always remember. I felt the same, and I hugged her back. She asked me if I had everything ready. Mr. Bailey and Campbell came downstairs. I thanked them for everything they had done, for their hospitality and for hosting me. I hugged each of them. It was time to go.
Campbell and I when I was leaving
My host mother drove me to Westlake High School. As we approached, I saw all the host families and Youth Ambassadors waiting in front of the school. Mrs. Bailey stepped out of the car, helped me to grab my suitcase and hugged me again. The time seemed to stop at this moment. She needed to go. I still remember the words that came out of my mouth when she entered the car: "Thank you for all!". I felt the tears falling, as her car headed off. I saw Ana; she had the same expression in her eyes, as well as all the Youth Ambassadors.
Evrybody in front of Westlake High School
Everyone started saying their good-byes. We got into the limousine and we headed to see Gina.
As we entered, she greeted us and told us what she wrote on her facebook page: "It never gets easier to say good-bye." She asked each Youth Ambassador to talk about all of the experiences in Cleveland. She also talked about Social Justice and Human Rights. She showed this video that really grabbed my attention.
We discussed about the video's message and how the experience of being in Cleveland changed us: about our host families, volunteer work and action plans.
Youth Ambassadors inside of Gina`s office
Well, I was thoughful. I realized Ana was writing on her sheet. I loved it! She wrote the names of people who had taken any part in the program.
Ana`s sheet
After that, we went to have lunch with Gina. We ate and headed to watch the movie "Ring of Fire" at the Cleveland Clinic OMNIMAX, which is located next to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
This is me near the restaurant
João, Ana, me and Gilmar matos in the restaurant
When the movie ended, we left the building. It meant that we were really close to saying good-bye to Cleveland. We arrived at the airport and we checked-in. Gina followed us until the security guard blocked her passage in the line. She hugged everyone. I had just said my good-bye to an important person in the program for us.
Flags of the Ohio State and the United States of America
Flag of the Cleveland City and Great Lake Science Center
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame seen from OMINIMAX
This is me in front of the OMINIMAX
All Youth Ambassadors in the movies
Do you know when you dream of getting something in life for a long, long time, and you achieve this dream. We meet people while walking this path, while you dream. These people are part of this dream and they definitely have an important role to make it all happen. This thought was applicable for the Youth Ambassadors who were with me, for Gilma Matos and for Gina. I admired her a lot, since the first moment. She always showed how important this program was for her, and also how she liked being with us. I knew that she would be one of the people who I would miss most in Brazil.
Our plane was delayed. When we landed in Washington D.C, we got out of the plane and went outside. We saw the other Youth Ambassadors and the staff from World Learning. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs. We headed to 4-H. Everyone was so electrified, telling stories about their experiences in their host states.
4-H at night
Welcome Youth Ambassadors -greetings from 4-H staff
As we arrived at 4-H, we went to our bedrooms. This time, I shared the room with Janailton, Alexandre Monçale and Lucas Alves. We went downstairs to enjoy the pizza party. We also did some activities.
Youth Ambassadors in the pizza party
There were many posters on the wall filled with questions. They asked what we had learned in our host states, and what our thoughts were about Social Justice and Human Rights. We did the activities in groups, and headed to our bedrooms. So much happened and there was still so much to experience in the next few days.
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