Wednesday, July 11, 2007

These are the days

I don’t think I’ve mentioned this but I went back to work on a part time basis in mid June. I’m teaching English in the town of Memuro again. Same schools I had before save one. Keenan goes to daycare and seems to really enjoy it. He’s usually the only kid his age so he gets full on attention from his caregiver, which suits him oh, so totally fine!

Today was my last day at Minami-sho. It was heart wrenching. The kids and teachers there are awesome. All the grade 6 kids made me a present and wrote me a letter in English. Upon my departure all the teachers and a couple of the students came into the genkan while I changed into my outdoor shoes. They lined up and I shook their hands, then bowed and thanked them for yet another great experience. At the fourth of 7 people I lost it. I started to cry and couldn’t really say much else. Thank God so much can be said with a deep bow. Three of the students followed me outside and saw me to my car. They chased after my car until I got to the road. Waving, calling my name and shouting “good-bye” as they ran. I nearly came undone. Such good boys and so difficult to wave good-bye for the last time.

Tomorrow will be much worse. It’s my last day at Kamibisei-sho. Don’t tell anyone but it’s my favorite school. The kids there are golden and their voices will follow me forever. Something about that place got into me like sunshine and it always lifts my spirits to be there. Tomorrow will be very hard indeed.

3 comments:

Betenoir said...

ah, they look like great kids. You brought a little tear to my eye...sometimes I really still miss my little buggers from my high schools...

Anonymous said...

I remember Kyoka and her little friend coming in the the office and tried to teach us how to make an origami fish. It was one of the most cherished memories of the Japan trip in 05.

Nancy O said...

Kyoka and Shari are still best friends. Shari is much taller now but I think Kyoka is still the same height! They are by far some of the sweetest kids I've ever met in my life.