Last Day at the School

Today was the last day that I was able to go to the school, finish the map and play with the kids. I woke up early with Lydia and made chocolate chip pancakes. (YUMM) I took a nap before making the hike out to the school just in time for recess. I was hoping to tell the teachers that this was my last day before starting to play soccer, but they were occupied and the boys were getting ready to play. During a break in the action I went to talk to the director of the school and thank her for the opportunity to do this service project and get to know the kids. She was very grateful for the work I had done. It was a really good feeling to know that I had helped and that my work was appreciated. I then said good-bye to the teach who’s class I helped with the alphabet. After school some of the children stayed to play and I pulled out the camera, which they loved. They kept asking me when they would see the pictures so I guess I will have Lydia print some of them out and take them out there. I had spent a lot of time with the boys at the school (apart from one or two girls only boys played soccer), so it was fun to get to know some of the girls today. As I said goodbye to all the kids, one hugging me and saying “don’t leave”, and started walking back home I was sad to think that was the last time that I would be making that walk that I had become so accustomed to. I noticed how much the land had changed during my time here, the once vast expanse of brown maize stalks had been torn up, piled up and burned, now it had become acres of brown tilled soil. I had also changed during my time here. I have seen a side of life that is completely different than anything I have been exposed to. I think what has struck me the most was the children working in the fields after school. It just makes me think about how fortunate I am. Anyways It was a thoughtful walk home. Tomorrow we are headed to the famous Lake Atitlan to see what it’s all about.