I got a present today!

This is not precisely a Hanukka present but it has more significance than any of the presents I have ever received. My father, who had always been recluctant to accept my approximation to judaism and natürlich, even more recluctant to have me living in Israel, spoke to me on the night of the 23rd and well, we kinda told me he agreed and supported me. I say kinda, because what he actually said was "Well, I guess I'd have to start saving money to go visit you in Israel and learn hebrew so I can use it when I am there". This phrase is worth more than a million bucks to me! :-)

I also got another present, courtesy of the Tech Department, and exquisitely painted by Stefanie Goebel, one of my greatest friends at ECA, with a message on the background written by Diane DePauw, the ES Tech teacher and one of my everyday partners :-) Ain't it beautiful?

My farewell e-mail

From: Carlos Manuel Colina
Sent: Viernes, 14 de Diciembre de 2007 04:09 p.m.
To: General Information
Subject: On my way out..

Dear all,

The first time I came to ECA was exactly 3 years and four months ago, and I still remember that day; I was really impressed because I never thought an international school could be that big and with so many resources available. Now, not just I think the same but I also think ECA stands out because the quality of the people in it. These 3-and-something years have been very special to me, and I have grown a lot in many aspects: professionally, personally, spiritually and even physically -when I joined school I was a skinny brat weighting 160 lbs and now I weigh 180 (sometimes 182) . Now that I am not just about to leave ECA but also my beautiful Venezuela in a very short time, I want to thank you all for all those great moments we have spent together, all the laughs, the bad jokes, the tasty treats, all the knowledge I acquired from many of you, all the opportunities and yes, all the patience you had for me and even the times when I kicked my desk! The step I am taking now is going to change my life in many aspects but, also the time I have spent working with you guys has left a mark on my life as well; I have to admit that I was really lucky because I have been in a really well-knit team and also made great friends here.

I think I’m writing too much and getting too emotional for my taste, hehehe, so I guess I’ll finish this by saying that I am going to miss you a lot, and will always have you guys in my thoughts and prayers. If you ever get a chance to visit Israel, please do let me know; I’d be most glad to show you around, and you’ll have a place to stay with warm food and a drink; no pork allowed, obviously! Here is my e-mail address so we can be in touch anytime:

jewbask@gmail.com

It was simply great working with all of you. I am going to miss you all.

All the best,
Carlos

Carlos Manuel Colina - Information Systems Specialist
Escuela Campo Alegre
Final Calle La Cinta
Las Mercedes, Caracas 1060
Venezuela