Tuesday night we had the company farewell.  I decided to stay "low key" as I am not into bling-bling events about "me".  Overall, there were about 20 employees/spouses at our dinner at O'caril .... basically the Angola Sr. Management.

Had a great time of visiting and dining, followed by the customary cudos for "a job well done" ... like my son, Paul, there have been times of frustration, times of feeling under-appreciated, times of just wanting to quit.  But, I am a professional ... and I also have an obligation to support my family ... so I continue moving forward.

One person asked me what was the most memorable event of my 4.5 years in Angola.  I surprised him and everyone when I said (without hesitation) ... getting married.  You see, I came to Angola single ... but I am leaving married ... not with an Angola girl ... but with a very beautiful and supportive Indonesian lady.

I have grown a lot over the past 4.5 years ... I have evolved.  I am not perfect .... but I have moved forward.  And, now, it is time to move on ... first Decy (this weekend) and soon me (in late August).

In closing, we received two parting gifts from the company.  The first was a set of paintings of Angolan musical instruments from the moderately famous Angolan painter Kabongo.  The second a 2 ft tall hand carved statue of the pensador (the thinker).  How very appropriate ... a balance of "reflection" and creativity ....

ciao ciao