K's Days: School Is Out!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

School Is Out!

Man, oh man, am I going to miss these kids. This was our last week of school, so it was full of the fun stuff. Picnics and parties all week! Today was the last day of school. I gave the sixth graders stickers and chapsticks from my friend Olivia and little rainbow drawing boards from my mom. Some of them wrote me little notes on them. One of the boys wrote the sweetest thing.

“I LOVE you miss Karissa more than I can say and I just want you to know you’re your name will be in my heart and God bless you on your way thank you for anything. Rufos”

As if saying bye wasn’t sad enough, one of the girls in my class asked me why I was leaving. I told her, “When I decided to come I signed to be here only until May.” Then she looked at me with sad eyes, “You should have signed to be here forever.” Later she asked me why I decided to come to Ebeye and I told her why and she said, “I want to be that person when I’m older. When I am in college I want to do what you are doing.” She wants to help people! She didn’t know it, but that was exactly what I needed to hear—that my time here made a little difference in her life and that I’ve inspired her in some way.

I wish I could continue to be a part of their lives and see how they grow and what they are like when they are older. I would have loved to be here longer, but I know God has it all worked out.

May 22 is Littil’s birthday (also my mom’s birthday!) so the girls are coming over the 23rd to celebrate. Should be fun! This island is like a small town so I will see most of my students again before I leave on Friday. Next week will be the epitome of bittersweet.

I watched the sun rise every day last week! It was a good week.

Eighth graders during our class party

Oronia had to go to the doctor after school so Ngedikes and I went with her. As the doctor was putting the ear-light thing in her ear, she starting mouthing the words, "Take a picture. Miss, Miss, take a picture." Haha!