Countdown…
Tia will be here in the morning to take me away. Can’t believe my month here is up already; feels like I was just starting to almost get the hang of things: I figured out how to navigate the market and buy food (and even got what I wanted); I had some successful days in class; plus I finally managed to get my bearings around town– which is quite a feat for me, as I’m one of those people who couldn’t find her way out of a paper bag on occasion. And just like that, it’s time to say goodbye.
Some of my favorite memories of my time here will be the simplest ones: Walking along a deserted beach and finding an enormous seashell. The neighbor’s puppy sticking her head in the doorway and shrieking for attention every morning. Shopping with Net, and laughing over dinner with her and Anders. Riding around on the back of scooters with strangers. The teachers who welcomed me into their classes and were always friendly.
Of course, the ones that left the greatest impression are the kids, the kids, the kids. There was the boy who leapt up and danced in his seat whenever I looked his way. The one who brought me his toy gecko as a gift. The ones who kept poking my bright pink sunburnt skin to see if it was real. There were moments when their faces would light up with recognition when they “got” it, and confused smiles when they didn’t. Getting mobbed every day with hugs and shouts of, “Teacher, I love you!” Some of them live in pretty dire circumstances, but they still laugh and love as easily as their classmates.
It seems over the top to say that such a short time has radically changed my life, but perhaps it is my perception of my life that has changed most. My small house in the States seems extravagant compared to what I’ve seen here. The pressure to consume more and more has been gone these last few weeks, and I hadn’t even been aware of what a burden that can be until I was away from it. Who cares what the Joneses have? I’m happy that my needs are met… but, I am Soooooo looking forward to a very long soak in a bathtub with no creepy crawlies for company.
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to live in this community instead of just wandering around taking pictures. It has made a world of difference to me to be able to participate, not just observe. I’m already making plans to come back.
Jenn
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