My final night standing on the rooftop,
looking out over the city of Manila.
Clouds hanging heavy overhead,
streets wet from a late night rain.

Knowing this is my last night
with the beautiful people
I have met on my journey,
a sadness descends over me.

Reflections of my journey
fill my mind as I sleep.

Then as the dawn comes,
I awaken to sunrise for
the last time with
the Philippine Sea in the distance.

A new day for millions of people,
struggling to make a meager existence,
often from the trash around them,
hoping for just one meal for their family.

You give a few pesos hoping
to help a few, but knowing
the struggle will continue,
but with a happiness that escapes most of my world.

So as my final day has arrived,
heading to a jet plane,
I will never forget the
friends I have made.

The smiles I have seen,
happy people who have faith,
to take on another day,
with hope, that their day will come.

I will leave a little piece
of my heart, mind, and soul,
with the beautiful people,
that have touched me deeply.

So now I do not say goodbye, but until we meet again my friends.