Saying Goodbye—and Summer School
Faith and her children now are parted. The day after the KG Annual Show was her last day, and, as predicted long ago, it was an emotional day. When the time finally came for her students to leave, there was a lot of crying all around. Faith loves her children and they love her: the bond she’s forged with them is amazing. I refer to this day as “Mrs. Faith’s Revenge,” because the FIRST day she was with her kids they were crying and wailing and throwing up and even,in one case, scratching her pretty badly. But now, on the LAST day, it was Faith’s turn to cry hard and get THEM all upset.
What I predicted has come true: on that first, awful day I told Faith that “right now they’re other people’s kids—but by the last day they will be YOUR kids.” I’m so happy this came true, though it’s also hard for Faith. She loves them so much that being separated from them hurts. But this is definitely one of the great experiences of her life, and she wouldn't’ change a thing.
Yesterday we met several of Faith’s parents and their children at Chili’s. We had a great time, and when Faith received a big card (see photos) signed by many of her students she got all weepy again and everyone was very touched. It was also very funny to see the kids coming up to her the entire time to tell her things—”I love you so very much, Mrs. Faith,” “I’m finished eating, Mrs. Faith” (they always told her this at school because, once they finished eating, they could go outside to play), “come play with me, Mrs. Faith” and “Mrs. Faith so-and-so did such-and-such!” It was like they all were still in school, or just assumed that this is what Faith DOES: that she always is, and will be, a peacekeeper, a caregiver, and a playmate.
It was so amazing for me to see them look at her sometimes: there was such a glow of happiness and affection in their eyes.
It was beautiful.
Faith is not entirely done with the school, though, since she’ll be doing various things, like interviewing prospective students, over the next week or maybe two. I, meanwhile, am teaching a summer school writing course for ONE student! Because he needs to pass this course to graduate with his fellow seniors, he’s pretty motivated and we’re having a good time. He’s by no means unintelligent, but was (like all too many seniors) terribly unmotivated most of the year. He is particularly interested in science and physics, so our reading and writing work is centering on scientific essays and ideas. My wide-ranging interests are coming in handy in this case, since I’m very interested in science and the scientific method as well.
The course is done this Wednesday, and after that I think I’m probably finished at the school. Then we will be packing, shipping some stuff back home, saying more good-byes, and mentally preparing ourselves to fly out of Cairo, perhaps not to return for many years.
It is a strange and sad and happy time.
What I predicted has come true: on that first, awful day I told Faith that “right now they’re other people’s kids—but by the last day they will be YOUR kids.” I’m so happy this came true, though it’s also hard for Faith. She loves them so much that being separated from them hurts. But this is definitely one of the great experiences of her life, and she wouldn't’ change a thing.
Yesterday we met several of Faith’s parents and their children at Chili’s. We had a great time, and when Faith received a big card (see photos) signed by many of her students she got all weepy again and everyone was very touched. It was also very funny to see the kids coming up to her the entire time to tell her things—”I love you so very much, Mrs. Faith,” “I’m finished eating, Mrs. Faith” (they always told her this at school because, once they finished eating, they could go outside to play), “come play with me, Mrs. Faith” and “Mrs. Faith so-and-so did such-and-such!” It was like they all were still in school, or just assumed that this is what Faith DOES: that she always is, and will be, a peacekeeper, a caregiver, and a playmate.
It was so amazing for me to see them look at her sometimes: there was such a glow of happiness and affection in their eyes.
It was beautiful.
Faith is not entirely done with the school, though, since she’ll be doing various things, like interviewing prospective students, over the next week or maybe two. I, meanwhile, am teaching a summer school writing course for ONE student! Because he needs to pass this course to graduate with his fellow seniors, he’s pretty motivated and we’re having a good time. He’s by no means unintelligent, but was (like all too many seniors) terribly unmotivated most of the year. He is particularly interested in science and physics, so our reading and writing work is centering on scientific essays and ideas. My wide-ranging interests are coming in handy in this case, since I’m very interested in science and the scientific method as well.
The course is done this Wednesday, and after that I think I’m probably finished at the school. Then we will be packing, shipping some stuff back home, saying more good-byes, and mentally preparing ourselves to fly out of Cairo, perhaps not to return for many years.
It is a strange and sad and happy time.
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