The End

As I sit down to write my final blog, I think back to what an amazing two weeks this has been – all the things I did and saw, all the things I learned, and friends I made that have touched my heart. I am so thankful I got this chance and opportunity to improve myself, others around me, and the education at LOAMO School.

Friday was our last day at the school, and all day I was constantly receiving notes from the kids, hugs, kisses, and powerfully kind words. Leaving the younger kids was really sad, but not as hard as I was expecting. There is hardly even a comparison to Cambodia and here. Honestly, I cannot remember the last time I cried as hard as I did when leaving Cambodia. However, on Friday we were so overwhelmed with the dance and goodbyes that there really was not time for tears or sadness. I made lots of cards and bracelets for the kids I connected with most. I put a lot of thought into the gifts and made each one very personal, to let them know that they really are in my heart forever.

We left the school at about 1:15 in the afternoon, and went back to the house getting right to work on preparation for the dance. Our group bought fruit, buttered bread, made popcorn, nuts, etc. The dance started at 4:30, so we had plenty of time to prepare the dance floor for an amazing night. I really don’t think that the sixth and seventh grade kids have ever been to a dance or anything close to what we had put on. When they showed up, I honestly didn’t recognize them out of school uniform. Most girls had taken their hair out of their braids and definitely had their best clothes on (I am talking fancy dresses and heels), while the boys wore casual shoes, shirts and flat-brimmed hats. It was an incredibly fun night, with Rasta Jon as the DJ. At about 6:15, the power went out, and the entire room went pitch-black and silent, so with fifteen minutes left we took everybody outside because it was still somewhat light out. Nicodemus the headmaster gave another one of his amazing, appreciative speeches, and put on a little ceremony, having ten kids walk out to each CGA student and give us a bracelet and two red and white roses. My tears were coming but not quite there. The ceremony ended just past 6:30, and it was extremely chaotic having everyone gather their things and leave. There were some teachers and students I did not get to give a proper goodbye to, one being Flora. She is so incredibly special to me and knowing that I possibly will never see her again leaves a whole somewhere in my heart.

Today was Saturday, and Lisa Marie had something planned, but we had no idea what – I love these surprises LMH puts on for us. We were told to dress nice, but not as nice as we would for the school. Hopping into the Dolla Dolla, we had no idea the ride was going to be about three hours long! We went to the Maasai camp and were introduced to a man named Freddy, and welcomed by all the people at the camp with a nice (though interesting) song. The tour started out with a brief explanation of a couple of huts and then a long overview of the Maasai background up to today’s culture. It was so crazy to hear how different they live their lives from the way we live ours. Relying only on cows’ meat, blood, and milk as food, to circumcising males at age eighteen and females even before then. These are two of the many things we learned that were so surprising to hear. They had prepared a great lunch consisting of rice, (cooked) meat, vegetables, and watermelon. Having made sure we were as full as possible, we set out on a “tree safari”: we learned about many different trees and their purposes, and we also learned how to throw the spears that are used to kill dangerous animals. Of course, Ms. G was the only one to get the spear to land straight up, with the tip sticking in the ground. She would make a “strong Maasai warrior.”  At the very end we were given the chance to look at or buy some beautiful jewelry. It was a long, but fantastic, day. We spotted wild monkeys, zebras, and giraffes on the way back. It was so exciting that we needed to pull over, get out and take pictures. I am so thankful to LMH for putting on such an unforgettable day. I am hoping we get the chance to go to a market quickly tomorrow, because I am still in need of a couple gifts.

I can’t believe this trip is just about over. I am so emotional about leaving, but at the same time I’m excited to be home and reunite with my family and friends. This trip has been life-changing, teaching me more about myself than I ever think I could learn with just everyday activities and challenges. Tomorrow is the day we let it all go, pack up, and fly away.