The end is only the start of something new.
Here it is, the last blog I’ll write on this site. In 15 days, I’ll be returning to France, leaving my room to Ana, who is currently sharing Romi’s old room with Theresa. The signs are there; the adventure is ending. It’s time to make way for the new duo who will walk the streets of Murter for the next year.
September was full of adventures, just like every other month. It started with Romi’s last week here, during which she had turned into a goat, pulling her hair out while trying to pack her suitcase. One last evening together: dresses, the restaurant, our wishes, our memories, our love, our promises. So many tears flowed when I watched her get into that car and leave for good. Her empty room, the silent house – I had become a goat myself.
But the charm of Murter comforted me; we were ready for the end. The emotional wave didn’t sweep everything away. We knew, and we’d had time to prepare. So I set out to make the most of my last month here, to take everything Murter had to offer me, and to complete the things I wanted to do before leaving.
A friend came to visit me for a week. Mostly in the rain. But rain doesn’t stop the laughter and the movies under the blanket. It calls for hot chocolate and paddleboarding in a coat (and we ended up soaked, laughing till we cried). I’m glad she was my last visitor here, sweet and joyful.
Once again, I found myself alone, face-to-face with Murter, and it felt good. One last date between me and this island that has given me so much. An intimate, introspective moment where every corner of the island showed me the memories I’ve made here.
Then Ana and Theresa arrived. It’s funny and truly interesting to see them with that slightly lost look, wondering a bit what they’re doing here, but motivated to embrace this adventure. It’s enriching to see them making their first discoveries here, with the same questions I had when I arrived. It’s touching and beautiful because I know what awaits them, and I know they won’t be disappointed. I feel like my emotions are processing in the background of my mind, preparing me to leave. Seeing them here, so full of energy, brings me joy. Leaving the house to them is much less sad than leaving it empty. I’ll read their blogs each month, just as they did, to follow their journey here with pleasure. I feel like the wise one, passing the keys to the young fledglings. It’s amusing.
The time has come for goodbyes: to the people, the sea, the hills. I’m happy to see my loved ones again in 15 days and to feel truly at home. I can’t wait to tell them about all that this adventure has brought me. I’m so grateful for everything I’ve experienced here. We’ve become beautiful poppies, ready and strong to live new adventures, ready to move mountains. Independent, strong, confident. I don’t quite realize that I’m leaving, so I’m letting life happen, savoring the present moment – one of the most beautiful things I’ve learned here.
Juliette, volunteer from France
About the ESC : The European Solidarity Corps is a program of the European Union to strengthen solidarity in various areas: from helping the disadvantaged and providing humanitarian aid to engagement for health and the environment in the EU and beyond.
The program offers young people the opportunity to respond to the needs of the community, make a concrete contribution to society, and in the process gain invaluable experience and develop new skills. The program is also intended for organizations active in the field of solidarity that want to involve young people in their activities.
