Farewell America

So, here it is. My final few hours in America. I've so far been able to stave off the tears, but I fear that's not going to last for long. Has it really only been three months? For some reason it feels like I've been here forever. Fairfax genuinely feels like home. The friends I've made feel like they've been friends for a really long time. Yes, three months has flown by when I think of it, but when I consider everything I've done here - well, how I packed that into less than 90 days I will never know.

This has, so far, been the greatest experience of my life. And it is the perfect end to a year that has, quite literally, changed me beyond recognition. I have learnt more about myself in three months than I have for a very long time, understanding that I work best when dealing with people; that I function well under pressure and that I can keep myself incredibly motivated if it is for something I believe in. That I can make friends quickly in any situation I find myself. That I am happiest, truly happiest, when I am busy; when I have a cause; when I'm surrounded by people that value my work, friendship and energy. That I can be trusted to get the work done, even with insanely short deadlines and incredibly pressurised environments. I rose to the challenge every time and, although could have been calmer, I succeeded at every chance. I am utterly proud of myself for what I achieved here in Northern Virginia.

But my greatest achievement was not at work. Not entirely. The thing I am most proud of is the number of wonderful friends I have made (OK, here come the tears...). As a social animal, making friends is something I have never really struggled with, but the bonds I have built with a good number of people will endure for a long time. I have a new family in the Johnson's, the most wonderful people I could ever have hoped to work for and spend time with. I have friends ranging in age from 20 to 86. I have relationships with people from California to Georgia. I have met soul mates. I have friends in professions I didn't even know existed. I know that I will see many of them again; I am more sure of this than most things.

And I will be back. There is no doubt about it. Whether in a year or five, I will return to Fairfax and reunite with old friends. A part of me hopes a job in Washington, DC will appear and I can live here, at least for a few years, but I won't hold out for it. I have fallen in love with America, I can't quite place why, but I have. I will find it incredibly difficult to know that my friends will move on, find other campaigns to be a part of, find other interesting people to meet. But, with an ever shrinking world, and global communications a common reality, I am sure that we will remain in touch.

For now, though, I will keep the memories of everything we did together safely in my mind. Because they are incredibly powerful memories, filled with happiness, excitement, love, passion and dedication. And I will remain excited about seeing all of my wonderful friends and family back home. I can't wait to see them, to share my experiences with them, to make more memories, to rekindle great friendships and to make new ones.

There really is nothing more important to me in this world than the friendships and relationships I make. These I will treasure above all things.