Don't Cry Because it's Over, Smile Because it Happened

Some of my youngest students
(Other class pics to follow)

Today was my last day of teaching at L&B Language School. I cannot believe how quickly time has flown by. I feel like just yesterday I was struggling to learn everyone's name. Now, they've become the best part of my day. My heart broke a little each time I watched one of my students walk out of my classroom door today, knowing that I'll never see them again. Never hear them call me "meeeess" or whine "nooo teeeach-er" when I assign them homework. I'll miss the respectful way that even the adults would ask before entering or leaving the classroom and would greet me warmly each and every day that I saw them. I'll miss my "tween" class and their adorable antics; my sweet little children and their slobbery kisses on the cheek as they recite a line from one of our poems (bye, goodbye see you soon!) on their way out the door everyday. I'll miss my crazy Petro Peru class with all of their love confessions; My basic class with all of it's charm. My 6:15 and the way they'd have me repeat words over and over again because they wanted to perfect their pronunciation. Their passion for learning was so inspiring.

My Petro Peru Class - Always full of laughter!

One of the students in that class began to cry when she left today, embracing me and kissing my cheek repeatedly. She looked me square in the eye and said, "You're my daughter". Incredible. Just incredible the way lives connect and intertwine in ways that cannot be expressed in words.

Yesterday they threw parties for me, complete with cake, ice cream, empanadas, snacks and gifts. They told me how thankful they are to have had me here, but the truth is, I'm incredibly fortunate to have been here and to have had the opportunity to be a part of all of these amazing people's lives, if only for a moment.

My sweet 6:15 class at the party they threw for me

To My Students: Over the past 4 months, I have been privileged to get to know all of you. You’ve inspired me, brightened my days, and made my job truly enjoyable. I want to thank each and every one of you for giving me the opportunity to work with you and for welcoming me to your beautiful country. I wish you the best of luck with your English studies and in all of your future endeavors. Keep in touch and God bless. ♥