Folks, we've arrived. After a week of taking exams, school is officially out. That is, for the students. We teachers still come to school and...don't do much. I'm just here, doing occasional jobs that arise (organizing books, cleaning out lockers, etc.), but for the most part, sitting at my computer, writing blog posts like this one and listening to some great music on MySpace (Sojourn Worship out of Louisville - give them a listen!).
The end came ungloriously, without much fuss and bother. High school got out two weeks ago, after finishing their exams. Junior high and elementary stayed until the past few days, taking one exam per day. Tomorrow, there will be no students here. A school without students is an empty thing, like an auditorium without orchestra or audience.
My fourth graders (aren't they cute?) had a party after their last exam today, and they invited me to take part. Maestra Ana Laura and I gave our goodbye speeches and prayed over the banquet of mom-provided food. What followed reminded me of a Sunday afternoon buffet, only at 9 am. Fried rice, empanadas, Jello, fruit salad, pasta salad, and guayaba pie were just a few items on the menu. All the children broke loose in joyous gluttony, devouring whatever they could in 15 minutes. With all the yelling of "Hey, are you gonna eat this?" and "That soda is MINE!", it was a colorful feast.
I probably won't see many of those kids again. It does sadden me, but as my dad advised me a week or two ago, it's also worth celebrating and praising God for what he's accomplished the last two years. A work of patience, love, forgiveness, and growth: on both parts.
