Day 14 - Saying Goodbye

Monday morning came sooner than any of us expected. The weary travellers arose early (those who had gone to sleep, that is) and prepared to leave the hostel. Some unnamed people chose to begin their packing right as the taxi arrived, resulting in loud voices that echoed down the hallways and woke the remainder of the group up.

The Canadians, Peter Mahar, and our New-Yorker left first, at 4am, or perhaps a little after that due to late risers. Pawel and a few taxis picked them up and brought them to the airport and left only the Alaskans, the RCC group, our fine Japanese friend, and the foursome that was to travel further for another week. The foursome includes us (the Dukes) and David.

We struggled to hold back tears as the RCC group left us at 5:15 am. Many friendships were made on the part of all 3 remaining groups, so it was an emotional farewell indeed. When Pawel arrived to pick up the RCC group, we gave our last hugs and parting words and then waved goodbye. Thus left a sad little group of persons at the almost empty hostel.

Miwaza left us at 8am to travel by train to Poznan, where she would then take a plane to Tokyo, Japan. Her sense of humour and her unique personality shall be missed. And also her photography skills.

The Alaskans and the small Canadian group were now left. So, to pass the time, we all made the walk into town one last time and ate breakfast at a bakery. After some confusion, we finally settled down and ate our last meal together before parting ways. We then returned to the hostel to finish packing so we could leave with Pawel by 11am. We exchanged hugs and goodbyes and then left the Alaskans alone at the hostel. Those wonderful people will be greatly missed. They were to leave at about 1pm.

Now, alone and free from a large group, we, the fearsome four, travelled with Pawel to the airport, where we went through security with no problems and then wandered around for a time before catching a plane to Berlin, Germany.

By the time we arrived, got out of the airport, found a hotel, and got ourselves settled for the night, it was quite late but we were all very hungry. We cured this by searching around for a restaurant and finally settling on Mexican food. Which is funny, since it's supposed to be Germany.
The waiter was really friendly and gave us great service, allowing us to leave with our stomachs full and satisfied.

Sleep overcame us quickly as we went back to the hotel and got some much-needed sleep in preparation for the busy week ahead of us.

The mission trip to Poland was absolutely amazing and we accomplished more than probably any of us ever expected. But none of this would've happened without Pastor Bubu Jarmulak and Pastor Pawel Bartosik. They were our brave leaders and faithful companions, and through their strength and faith, we were able to do much in Poznan and Gdansk. Thank you so much, Bubu and Pawel! We are all very grateful for your work and perseverance and your strong faith in the Lord. We look forward to meeting you both again in the future!

We are also very thankful for each of these pastor's families and their individual faiths. They have all been wonderful to talk to and get to know and they have made the trip all the better!

Praise the Lord for these people and our work in Poland! We are truly and eternally grateful! The precious moments we have all shared together will never be forgotten.