Saying Good-Bye Friday, July 7th, 2006

After washing off all the dust and getting good nights sleep, we were up early for another full day. We decided to go back to the Valley to say good-bye. The way we left on Wednesday was not enough closure. Everyone but my mom and dad went to the school early to say good-bye to the teachers and students. Wow was that hard. We only wanted to stay a short time. I felt like I had made some real connections with some of the teachers. I wanted to give them my address and get theirs in return. But most of all I wanted to let them know what a wonderful job they are doing and that God is working through them as they work with the children.
I was drawn back into the preschool class. I just felt called to be with the teachers and the kids. It was sad to say good-bye, but I know I will be returning soon. I promised to write and know that I will be thinking of them often. The teachers like Rose and Kathryn, who only had good things to say about us and all we are doing…touched me the most. They are giving of themselves, not only as teachers but also as role models for the children who have little. They are the ones who god had blessed and is watching over. They are the ones who are touching the lives of so many children. For them I am truly grateful and pray God continues to bless and watch over them.
After saying good-bye to Patrick, I needed a few moments by myself. It was hard to leave, but I know and hope I will be back soon to see even more improvements!
Then it was back to the Guesthouse. Three of us were leaving today and then 2 were leaving tomorrow. The rest would go to Tanzania for a week before returning home. Everyone but Bryan, Rob, Ashley and I headed to see Ester’s Family. Ester is a friend of the family who is from Naivasha (about 1.5 hours from Nairobi).
The four of us headed to do some last minute shopping and get a bit to eat. In the Market, I meet some neat people. I met Rose and Anna. I finished my shopping and had no money left. I traded my shoes and jacket away. It was fun to do some shopping. We headed back to the Guesthouse to pack up and head to the airport. We had so much luggage that Ashley and I barely fit in the back of the car. We must have hit every stoplight and traffic jam. I thought we might never reach the airport.
We did and our flight was delayed.
The flight boarded around 7:30 and we all three made it okay. We were headed home!