Schola (short for Scholastica):
Some of my favorite moments over the last month were in the staff lounge, discussing everything with the teachers - from Kenya's treatment of the disabled to how Kenyan's believe a bosom's size reflects how caring a woman is (Linda and I were proclaimed to be caring women). So many laughs.
Linda and I:
I tried to keep myself from getting too attached to the children, but I've really grown to adore the girls in the 6th and 3rd grades. And I, like all the volunteers, have my favorites. Winnie stole my heart from day one: she is the cutest thing, and the definition of bashful. Daniel in 3rd grade is brilliant, and I have a soft spot in my heart for him because I think he'll go very far if he keeps applying himself.
I need to go back one more time before I go home to say goodbye to everyone; I was unable to do it today. I meant to, but instead I left early without telling anyone. I know I have to say goodbye, but its very hard, because I have no idea when I'm going to see them again. I've seen the kids say goodbyes, and they are always filled with tears... I want to remember them grinning and laughing, not tearful. I have an idea for the orphanage that I need to discuss with Salome, so that will force me to actually face saying goodbye.
Mary, who I've adored since the first day I met her, asked me to bring my computer in today so she could write me a note. I had to fight back tears when reading it; I hope she won't mind if I share part of it here...
"S.J you have been so good to us and knowing that your time to go back to your country has come, it makes us all sad.You have brought a smile to soooooo many faces, thanks for that. I really appreciate all the good things that you have done to me and i must confess that you are such an awesome person. Everyone here thinks that you are very creative, smart, and a good dancer. Yesterday mum told me that she really really like you and ever since you came she noticed something special in you.she added that you are special and you really know how to relate well with people.All that she can do is to always pray for you. BYE FOR NOW, I WILL MISS YOU."
3 comments:
Heartbreaking stuff babe. Very proud of you! - JOD
Awwwwww thanks Jo'd. Love you!!
The first year I was there, goodbyes were hard...I had been there for 2 months and had gotten really close with some of the kids by then. Last year, things were even harder...nothing but down faces and sad eyes all day long. Once school was done I gathered them all in the chapel and told them I would have no more of it. We were going to enjoy our last hours together...no frowns or sad eyes. We were going to be happy today, and we could be sad tomorrow when I was gone. It worked tremendously and we managed to spend the last hours laughing and playing and doing our usual silly things. Then, this year, I didn't even have to tell them. Many of them came to me and told me "we will be happy today, but we will be sad tomorrow." Remind them of this and your last hours should be filled with smiles and laughter. (Just don't take too long walking away, or you will see the tears as you go.) So many of those kids love you, and even if you never make it back, they will remember you forever.
Post a Comment