As the air grows cooler and the leaves begin to fall, I’m reminded that my time here is also slowly but surely coming to an end. Indeed, while it still does feel surreal to say it, I’ve been here for almost 11 months already. Living in Macedonia is something that I would have never believed to ever happen even just a few years ago. Yet, now I am revisiting all the memories from the time I’ve spent here, while trying to make the most of the few weeks I have left.

The thought of returning home soon, along with all the emotions that come with it, is slowly starting to scare me. But there’s at least one comforting thought I can hold onto. I’m uncertain about most things in my life, but there’s one thing I’m sure of. And it’s that I will come back in the future. So while my time here as a volunteer is entering its final chapter, my time in Macedonia, or the Balkans in general, is only in its opening act… 

Chloe Gaschy