"Goodbye ... see you later"

The packers came this morning to pack our unbelievable collection of stuff in boxes, and after about 5 hours, they left us with a semi-naked house. I have to admit that the house, at the moment, feel un-cosy and even cold. The past few days, while mama and I were sorting out things to pack, Sera went around the house commenting how 'messy' it was. Today, she walked in the house, after school and exclaimed 'empty'!

So the reality is that we're leaving Doha in a few days. I haven't really had time to reflect or reminisce about our departure but today was Sera's last day at school and I was getting a little emotional. I brought a cake to her class and like bees to honey, the kids just followed me to the table, eyeing the cake happily and greedily. Sera helped me distribute the plastic spoons, calling out the names of her classmates (most of them) as she went along. She bade everyone "Goodbye... see you later!", and was a little overwhelmed and confused by the extra hugs and kisses today, from her teacher and the assistants.

But life goes on and the remaining days, aside from packing the remaining stuff, I'll be making it a point to say not goodbye but 'see you later' to the friends I've made here.

Sera and her classmates wait patiently around the table, waiting for lunch to be served

With Ms. Vicky, Ms. Georgina, a very pregnant 7 month mama and Ms. Sally