Farewells

Yesterday, Oct. 17, was my final day teaching at Junob National High School. My students are so adorable. They planned a farewell program for me. And it was quite a production. They made me wait outside the classroom while they finished with their tasks. I heard desks scraping against the tile floor, giggling girls and boisterous laughter coming from inside. I waited patiently, anticipating what I would see. Finally they said "Come in Ma'am!" I was so nervous, and I can't begin to tell you why. I walked in and on the chalkboard they had written "Farewell & We'll Miss You Ma'am." They had me sit on my throne in the middle of the classroom and then they crowned me with a wreath of flowers they had weaved themselves. It was lovely. And smelled incredible!

The students then began to say such wonderful and heartwarming things. Such as, "You are my favorite teacher, You are the most beautiful woman in the world, You have taught me so much..." They are all such dears. One of the girls, Angel, dressed up to look like me. They then reenacted my first day. I couldn't stop laughing. Then all of the students stood in front of me and sang "Farewell my Friend." Then they proceeded to tell me how much they would miss me and how much they love me. Each of them had prepared beautiful cards for me. They deposited the cards, gifts and roses into my lap. I read some last night. They are incredibly sweet. I stood up after the show and told them thank you and told them how special they are to me and that I will treasure our time together and they will always be in my heart. I was crying by the time I finished my little speech, because they were all sobbing. Oh my!

You really have no idea the impact you have on a student's life sometimes. My experiences in the Philippines has made me want to continue teaching when I return to the States. I finally understand what it is all about. The light in their eyes when they understand a concept I'm trying to teach, the anticipation and pride I feel each time they succeed at a project in class... They are incredible people and I will miss them all very much. But I look forward to teaching at BayBay National High School next month. And for the next 2 years. I hope my next experience can match that of JNHS. But I don't know, they set the bar pretty high!

Pictures of my journey thus far can be viewed on my facebook profile...

More to follow...