Hard to say goodbye....

This week has been one big party for me.My dear friends have gifted me with several going away do's. One was even a surprise..... to which I almost didn't show up for! I had been given a fully quilted quilt a couple of years back.... it is safely back in the US. But one day a couple of months ago....as we all sat around stitching on our Baltimore blocks.... I was having a bit of a down day...and being UNUSUALLY quiet.... and they decided to surprise me with some blocks that were going to be my going away quilt! Well, I cried horribly that day...and the blocks were made as Memories....of some of my favorite times here in South Africa. I received a block of the mountain that our community is named after, and a Xhosa hut, and because I love Cricket, bridge and Algoa FM radio....that was added. They also took photos of our church and then got a bit tongue in cheek with some of my very American expressions....like HOLY CRAP and Talk to the hand( I know very old fashioned, but I do say it) and they included my book drive for the LIbrary, and Rotary...and quilting and Baltimore. It was so special..... I say all of this to say....I decided to sew it up this week....and the first attempt....was horrible....the sashing colors I chose were awful...and deadened it up....then I remembered a bright piece of African fabric I still hadn't given away or packed....and when I layed the blocks on it.... It was perfect. Now it isn't totally finished, but I will be adding a black border...and hope to try Tonya's letters....to add SOUTH AFRICA into the border...then finish with the bright African stuff. This is a photo of me holding it up to show the girls. They are such dears. I have been blessed by these lovely talented ladies. I also asked them...rather cheekily, to make me a Christmas block .... to sleep under ...while I am freezing next Christmas ...and they are all sitting by the pool.I think I have been gifted with about 12 so far. Can't wait to figure out how I am going to set that one out....in the US. It is almost like I am not leaving for good.... but just going on another trip home. I don't think I will really feel it, until my hubby and I actually set up housekeeping...back in the states. I am going to have to start a fund to return to AFrica at least once. It will give me something to work toward. Feeling this way...has made it very difficult to say goodbye... though, because it doesnt feel like I am going home for more than a quick trip. Hope you all have a great weekend.My next post will be stateside!