Quotes of the day:
“It ain’t no sin to be glad you’re alive.” -Bruce Springsteen, “Badlands”
“May God bless you for what you have done here.”
- Georgina (said by a child at the library to Sarah)
Our next to last breakfast together…sadness is creeping in. Our questions and comments for Esther now have to do with finishing up our work and the anticipation of leaving for some of us. Seven are leaving—Steve, Grace, Margaret, Sarah, Jeff, Mary and Will—while four will stay on—Laurie, Kay, Tracee and George.
As in the days of the past two weeks, the teachers went off to their respective classes with insight and experience gained during our stay thus far. We have had countless discussions in which we brainstormed what we might do with our students and even more endless discussions after each day’s work as we process our experiences and observations. While it’s sometimes difficult, we try to remain non-judgmental, continuously stepping back, putting our observations into perspective. In Sarah, Grace, Margaret and Mary’s classes, extra pictures were taken and heartfelt “goodbyes” were said to the children and teachers who generously shared their classrooms with us. Rumor has it that a riot nearly broke out in Laurie’s class having something to do with Grace’s class and some chairs (you’ll have to ask Grace and Laurie about this). At the Peace Perfect School, there was no other way to finish the two weeks except with a final, frenetic round of “Who let the Dogs Out…Who? Who? Who? Who?”
Concrete work continued at the construction site. Steve, George, Kay, Will and Jeff, along with a crew of local residents, developed a highly efficient rhythm resulting in the processing of thousands of pounds of concrete. It was very hard work but the teamwork was gratifying. Hopefully, the remaining crew will be able to get more done next week.
After lunch we went to the library to read with the children. It was the last library visit for many of us. We met with more children than had been available the past few days, and were touched by their songs of goodbye. It was a tearful moment full of hugs. On the way home we spent some time watching a local soccer match featuring some excellent athletes with amazing foot work. With a score of 2-1, Amo shepherded us along just after a broo-ha-ha broke out on the field.
We had a number of special guests during dinner, including the mayor, community leaders, and teachers. Dinner was quiet at first, eventually becoming more interactive. We appreciated the comments which Esther, the Mayor and the leader of our host organization made in expressing their gratitude. We took some pictures before our guests left. Then, we gave Esther and Amo handmade cards and a first occurred…Esther (our “abrofu Mommy”) was rendered speechless after reading hers. Finally, the evening ended in picture taking with every possible combination and permutation of our group.
In closing for today, we believe that we speak for our team in saying that it is with some painfully mixed feelings that seven of us leave tomorrow. Of course, there are some things which draw us home…family, pets, familiar surroundings, hot water, potato chips, pizza, Starbucks…to mention a few. But, because this community has been so welcoming and the experience has been so impactful, we leave a bit of our hearts in New Akrade. Feelings about going home are also complicated by the fact that we leave behind part of our team. While we know that they will continue as a strong core, we will miss them and because we have moved through these past two weeks together as one body, it doesn’t quite feel right that we can’t share leaving with them. Know that our hearts are with you!
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