And so it ends …. But what an experience!

Friday was a day of emotional highs and lows.  I guess that isn’t unlike many of the days of the last month.  However, it was significant in that it was a day of reflection as to whether we made a difference.

We started out with a brief overview of the work done by each of our sub-teams.  This was followed by a panel representing members of each of our host organizations.  Each of these individuals then described why their organization had asked for assistance from IBM and what would be done now that we had submitted our work.  I think we have made a difference.

From there, we headed back to our host, TURKONFED, for one last goodbye at the office which had been our office for the last month.

And that was only the first half of our last day.  We took the afternoon at the IBM Office to de-brief with DOT and IBM.  Again, we reflected on how we could have done things differently, what will happen next for these host organizations, how IBM can stay involved and potential next projects for subsequent CSC teams.

All in all it was an emotional day.  I am sad to leave my new friends, some of whom I may never see in person again.  We’ll stay in touch for sure.  However, I am ready to go home to my family and friends.

It has been a wonderful journey.  Jim arrived Friday night and we will spend a few days here relaxing and enjoying Istanbul before returning to home.  #ibmcsc turkey