Last Day at School - Our Longest and Best

We got going a bit earlier than usual on Thursday. It was going to be our last day at Escuela El Hato, and we had lots to accomplish.  We made a short stop in Cotui at the shop manufacturing the large storage cabinet for the learning center, and learned that it would be delivered that morning. Perfect! One more quick stop at a hardware store to procure some necessary supplies, and then it was off to the countryside on our now-familiar route, dodging motorbikes every kilometer of the way.

We arrived at school shortly after 9:00, finding the children all back in their classrooms, engaged in a normal routine.  While several of our crew got busy finishing the "hands" banner, and cleaning the library, Peter Huizenga and Caroline Rodi took charge of a crew preparing to hand out the beautiful new backpacks, one to every child.  We slipped into each classroom and got each child to write his/her name on a slip of paper, and then brought the names back to the bus, where Peter and Caroline carefully wrote the name on a backpack.  Then the delivery crew brought the backpacks (filled with school supplies, toothpaste and brush and a washcloth) to the classrooms, one grade at a time. This children caught on quickly what was happening.  Some were thrilled right away, and some were a bit overwhelmed.  But soon there were broad smiles everywhere.  While this was going on, the cabinet was delivered right on time and installed.  The library infrastructure was complete.  The banner was hung by Wilhelmine and crew.  Soon it was lunchtime, and while all of the Hanover students left by bus for a special picnic lunch, Terry, Penelope and Beth stayed behind to do the final decorating of the room. It was going to be ready in time for the big afternoon dedication.

The bus took the students and the rest of the adults to the small resort near the reservoir we had visited two days earlier.  We had the place to ourselves, and enjoyed a wonderful lunch catered by the hotel.  Then, having been told to bring bathing suits, the students had the chance to swim in the hillside swimming pool at the resort.  It was a nice respite after a hot morning.

Caroline Rodi's turn to write:

"After a nice restful lunch we headed back to the school where Penelope, Tracy, and Beth had all stayed to help finish the book corner.  When we got back we were welcomed by the kids, as usual, and were herded into the classroom with the library. Quickly we unwrapped the puzzle piece foam carpet and set it up, and after 5 minutes we all took a breath, stood up, and looked around in awe of what we had accomplished. Just that morning it looked like it had when we had first arrived on Monday, the only exception being the freshly repainted walls. Now it was totally transformed!  The books lined a large bookshelf, and colorful posters hung from a line strung across the ceiling.  Art was everywhere. Kids would peek through the windows to try and see the finished project, but were shooed away. 

Once it was completely finished and school was over, we gathered as a community in a circle just outside the room; parents, students, teachers, grandparents, siblings. Los americanos mustered together enough good singers to perform a nice sounding version of "Imagine" by John Lennon. And we thanked each other for the week we had together. Then came the big reveal. Everyone lined up at the door, and small groups of ten of so people got to go in for three minutes at a time. The kids didn't say much as they entered; just smiled as they tentatively sat down on the mat; taking in their new surroundings. As groups came and went in the room our group and the kids said our long drawn out goodbyes. "No no no don't cry or I'll cry. Don't be sad." One girl said over and over. Despite that, there were more giggles than tears as little kids poked at the boys but pretended they didn't, and hair was braided, and goodbye notes were written. The best part for me, (Caroline), was that when we came together for the closing circle every kid was proudly wearing their new backpack. And when asked who got a backpack, all the students raised their hands, with smiles spread across their faces."

Rob writing again:

 

Slowly students left school for home, some accompanied by delighted parents.  Most of our group and a dozen or so schoolchildren decided to walk the path to Anna Maria's house one final time.  We strolled slowly past grazing cattle, taking in the beauty of the proximate hills and the lush growth.

We dallied at Anna Maria's with friends and neighbors, enjoying some fruit and giving all of the kids (our and theirs) to play a final few games.  Then it was time to board to bus and say "goodbye" to the village for a final time.  Many of us hope to be back, but it was nevertheless bittersweet.

 

We got home at dark, changed for a night one the town, and enjoyed a special pizza dinner on the roof of the hotel under the stars and moon.  Cotui twinkled below on a warm night.  We said a special goodbye to one of our favorite translators and friends, and then boarded the bus.  The students were delighted to discover that our destination was a disco and karaoke bar.  We had the place to ourselves, ordered drinks, and soon nearly everyone took the mike and tried their hand at karaoke.  Several of our students have undeniable musical talent!  Then the DJ turned on the dance music, and before the night was over everyone  (yes, every single student!) was dancing.  It was nearly midnight when we finally settled down for the night.  Tomorrow we leave Cotui, and begin the process of heading home.

It would be a challenge in this space to try and process all that we have accomplished, and all that we have learned, and how much we have changed.  There will be time for that later.  But there is no doubt that this has been a transforming experience.  We have made many new friends, discovered new things about ourselves and our small planet, and in many ways have made a difference.  Not bad for a week of April vacation, given in service to others.