Close Of Service = COS

To all-
I will be coming home very shortly. I was picked up from my village at 5:45am March 27th and was driven to Banjul from there with all of my stuff. My host family took it well. My host mom started to cry but turned away and acted like she was washing her face with water. My host father just sat there looking angry. I was later told that Gambians save face and make it easier from them to cope with loss by showing anger towards the person that is going/passing. No biggy, I understand. I got what I wanted out of them. I didn't come here to live with a host family so I could feel like I was actually a part of their family, I already have a family in America. I respect my host family here, they did a great job of taking care of me, being patient, making me meals, doing my laundry, and keeping me safe for two good years. The tie was severed when I drove away, time for all parties to move on. The fact that I am not coming back mostly likely ever to see my host family here ever again wont hit me til I am home, I'm still pretty numb at the moment. Prior to leaving I attempted to say last minute goodbyes to all of my friends and people I've worked with in my community, as well as wrapping up projects and buying gifts and cultural souvenirs from local markets. Yes mom, I took pictures and had my friend take pictures and videos of me my last few days at site, but still no pictures of birds. I got a lot of support from my PCV friends who live near my village, I stayed with a few the weeks before leaving, had a few brews with a few in Basse for the last time, and then had a friend stay with me a few days before getting picked up. I feel fortunate to have found great people here you understand and support me, knowing that we all need that support when making another huge transition in our lives. All volunteers leave here at some point, either earlier then expected or after 27 months of service, it is the way it goes.
I now live at the PC hostel house in the greater Banjul-area until I fly home for good. Now, there is amble paperwork, last minute reports to type, and final project hand-over. Overall, I will walk away from The Gambia with a great sense of accomplishment and knowledge that Peace Corps paved the way towards my future career in international development abroad.
Looking at jobs now for the spring and summer, hope to make some money for grad school and to support myself so I'm not another college grad living with her/his parent's couch (which will most likely happen more or less when I first get home, ha. Terrified to come home, but excited to simultaneously. Having to re-tell my tale to the many people back home without upsetting folks (unlike Aug) will be difficult. I will practice my story telling abilities on the flight home, I am sure there will be a lot of people asking questions after I am detoxing from rice and peanut sauce.