I'll Come Back When You Call Me. No Need To Say Goodbye.

I can't believe that our time here in Kasese and at Rwentutu has come to an end. It feels as though we had just gotten here. It seems just like yesterday that were driving up to the school and were being introduced to the school and our students. It always felt to me that our time at Rwentutu was going to be endless when in reality, the time flew by too quickly.

My last day with my students consisted of making sure that we could spend as much of it together as possible while having fun. I started my day with a typical Morning Meeting before heading out and playing several new games with my students (one of the included "Salad California" combined with Emily's P4 class). My next period included a game of the Human Knot, which proved to be difficult at first but was doable near the end by splitting the class in half. The group I led showed me impressive communication skills with each other.
I proceeded the day by reading the students Oh, the Places You'll Go! and telling them that the reason I chose to read the book was that I believe in every single one of them. I know that they will go far in life and will have the ability to achieve their dreams, but just because times can get rough and difficult does not mean that they should not give up.  I truly believe that each one of them is special and have the ability to achieve and be successful. I will admit that I was getting a bit choked up during the reading because I knew my time with them was coming to an end. I knew that I had to part with my students, but I honestly believe that I will return to Uganda once again to see my students before they leave Rwentutu. I think they are so used to people coming, going, and leaving them. But I want them to know they have a special place in my heart and that I will not forget them.

Reading Oh, the Places You'll Go!

After lunch, the school assembled and held a farewell assembly for the four of us. The school choir started the program by singing farewell several songs. It was extremely emotional for all of us, as we each had some children participate in the choir and had to witness our students saying goodbye to us. After several songs, the four of us gave a little speech addressing the whole school. The guys from Freekicks came to the farewell party and thoughtfully and kindly bought a little cake for us, which the whole teaching staff cut together. After the cake cutting, the student choir sang several more songs before ending with a song in which they came down the line and shook our hands which soon turned into hugging. Soon, other students got up from the crowd and came down the line to bid us farewell. It was definitely emotional when one of my kids would come to me. I would embrace them and not want to let go. Afterward, we returned to our classroom and did one last final farewell. The feeling of having to leave the school and the children was tormenting, but to see the children's emotions upon leaving made me realize how much I connected with these students and how much the students connected with me.

School Choir

Teaching staff cutting the cake

The students coming down the line to say good-bye

Last group picture with my class

My cooperating teachers, Merence and Jocknus

P1 and P2 teacher, Pamela

I'm so sad I have to leave my P3 students. I wish I could spend the whole semester with my class rather than leaving them half way through. I feel like I could do so much more with the students and the students could show me more if I had several more weeks with them. My students have taught me so much while I've been here. I've learned how to be mindful of the abilities in my class, how to plan to make the lesson culturally relevant, how to scaffold my instruction so that the students understand, and how to make sure that students are enjoying themselves while still learning. They've not only given me a new outlook on teaching and education, but life in general as well. Some of my students don't have shoes to come to school in, have to walk 2 hours to reach school, get malaria and are out for a week, or can't afford school fees. But no matter the hardships and struggles these children face, they are still grateful, appreciative, and happy for what they do have. They enjoy life and they love being at school. They make the most of their situation and I feel as though I have learned more from my students than they have learned from me. It's hard when you have to leave a group of people that you have emotionally invested yourself in. Each one of my students are unique and beautiful in their respective ways, and I've grown to learn about and care for each one of them. I strongly believe in each and every one of them, and I do believe that they will be able to do whatever it is they want in their future and will accomplish great things.

MJ's crays

Bukyayi, Rwentutu. Bukyayi, Uganda. But definitely not for long...