I composed this poem and read it last night to our group during our COS dinner. Silly, yes, but it’s the best I could come up within 15 minutes. A silly and poignant Dr. Suess style look back at our two memorable years of service.

An Ode to Group 26 at COS

From D.C., to Amsterdam, to Buc, and beyond,

Through IFV and PST we started to bond.

Away we “merg-ed”, to our sites we went.

To schools and NGO’s we were sent.

Off to great things, off and away.

Sometimes through difficulties we had to sway.

Through highs and lows, downs and ups

We passed the tests and got through the ruts.

Goodbyes to old staff and hellos to new.

Big changes we conquered and all grew.

Now projects are ending, grants completed.

But our energy, heart, and passion are far from depleted.

Here’s to the next step, the adventure new.

Uncertain and sad but we shouldn’t be so blue.

We have memories of mici and tuica

maxi taxis, trains, carutas, and mamaliga.

Our beloved flipcharts have been layed to rest.

LPI’s are done and hopefully we all passed the test.

Group 26 this is our night,

we’re at the end of the tunnel reaching the light.

Proud we should be of all we’ve achieved.

In all of our abilities we should believe.

so goodbye we say,

flying up and away.

each other, Romania, and peace corps we will never forget.

we’re thankful for everyone on the journey we’ve met.

Here’s to the group most awesome, groovy, creative, and rad,

and all the experiences, memories, and moments we’ve had.

love we’ve shared and bridges we’ve built,

the kids we’ve taught and the live filled.

Three cheers to 26, hip, hip, and hooray!

Thank you Corpul Pacii we all say!