An Emotional Week

It probably all started when I spent my lunch duty time on Tuesday talking to a student about Michael Jackson's death. She was still in mourning.

Then Wednesday came along.

Wednesdays = Morning Tea

aka: someone brings a lot of food, and we eat.

Only this time, it was a special morning tea in honor of us - the BYU girls.

The school staff presented us with lots of gifts and a thank you card requesting that we keep in contact. They treat us so well! I can't believe how lucky I am.

Then it was my associate teacher's turn. She presented me with a very nice bone necklace in the shape of a hook. The hook is a Maori symbol which means safe travels over water and in the future. It is a very nice and meaningful gift. She put it over my head, and then sang a Samoan farewell song with Mrs. Schwalgar (the junior Samoan teacher). During the song, they both teared up.

So did I.

Since when was I the crying type?

Since never.

It was very weird....and embarrassing. Although I don't think anyone saw.

It was just so beautiful and I love their deep, raspy, Samoan voices.

Then we had a special Senior Assembly where they honored Nancy and I (because we worked with the seniors) and gave us lots of praise and love. Room 12 then presented me with a beautiful tapa cloth they made for me without me knowing, where they all signed their names. I was so overwhelmed with love for them.

Then they came up, one by one, to tell me (in front of everyone) why they love me and that they are going to miss me and their favorite part about having me here.

Talk about self esteem boost.

It only made me love them even more.

This only added to the cascade of handmade cards and notes that have been pouring in over the entire week.

Honestly, I have a stack of homemade cards and "treasures" from my students sitting in the corner of my room right now. They are so precious.

Now it is Thursday.

My last day.

Today was so joyful!

We started off doing real school work, but ended up reading my favorite children's book which I gave to the class. Afterwards, they spent about an hour asking me questions ranging from "Have you ever been to San Francisco?" to "How old are your mom and dad" (yeah, sorry mom...they all know now).

I even wrote down my email address for them so they could write me more sweet nothings. Oh boy.

The best part of all today: Shared Lunch.

They all brought in TONS of food (literally....it was a Samoan celebration) for lunch and we gathered around to eat in honor of....me! It was so flattering and I know it is very special to do for someone, so I feel honored. They had a little celebration for me! They sang me songs, cooked me some delicious Samoan food and piled heaps of the food on a plate and handed it to me, expecting me to clean the plate and go back for even more.

All I can say is, ouch. I ate so much.

How could I not? Everyone wanted me to try what they brought. Times that by 24 and....you get the picture.

It was such a sweet gesture for them to do for me and food is how they celebrate. It was very generous and I was very very grateful. They are so genuine in what they do. Mrs. Auva'a especially.

We ended the day outside taking pictures. You'd think these kids had never seen a camera before....oh, they probably haven't. (Side note: I asked today how many had a computer/laptop in their homes.....less than half the class raised their hands.)

But I really do love these kids. I have seen them grow so much, even in the 6 weeks I was with them. They are so bright and lovable.

I'm going to miss them.

Room 12 took a part of my heart.