Goshen College has a tradition of hosting a despedida at the end of our time in Lima to thank the host families, language instructors, coordinator, cooks, house keeper, church staff and others who have supported us for the past six weeks. This semester's event began with words of gratitude and a collection of hymns in four-part harmony. Next were two original raps and several musical renditions accompanied by piano or guitar, including the Beatles' Black Bird. We followed this with a slide show of photos from our field trips and visit to Cusco.

Then we moved outside to the patio to witness a dance from the selva (rain forest). Seven students dressed in grass skirts and feathers, with wooden boas for the women and bows and arrows for the men, performed marvelously. The music was live this time, with one student playing a flute, another shaking a bottle of stones and a third beating out the rhythm on a cajon, a fitting accompaniment to a memorable dance.

The party closed with American-style refreshments -- chicken salad sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies and sliced fruit -- followed by picture-taking, gifts and teary goodbyes.

The next day we finished our preparations for service with worship and a final orientation at Goshen Tambo. We sang what are becoming our favorites from the Sing the Journey hymnal, "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" (with all those lofty Amens) and "Be Still" (...God will fight your battles if you just keep still).

We ended with a group hug and said goodbye until we reunite again on Thanksgiving Day.