Today was an interesting day. Kindergarten did not go too well, but it wasn't as stressful as it could have been. The children were so into their own little world that doing anything with them seemed impossible. They had ballet today, so that was a benefit.

 

I talked with my director about the boxes, and she had the post office come to get them. What she failed to realize is that they only come to get them if you ship by air ($250). It wasn't totally wasted though, as the man gave me and my boxes a ride to the post office where they were set to be shiped by ground (boat) for only $84. It is a ton slower, but I was looking for cheap!

 

In my afternoon class (only one today) my students through me a party. They made me stay in the teachers' lounge while they prepared the room with balloons and wrote good bye to me a million times on the white board. They also included little sad faces to make it look good. When I was finally allowed to go in, they jumped out at me and sprayed me with soapy foam stuff. It was your traditional surprise party, though it wasn't really a surprise to me as one of the students told me that I was to stay in the teachers' lounge because of a party. Another student told her to not tell me, so she quickly said "no party."

 

After the "soaping", they all produced little snacks from their bags: crackers, chips, and similar items. One student gave me a pen with a little note that told me how I was a good teacher. Two other students gave me little fake velvet roses (one red and one white) that were made with candy at the middle. We played games for the rest of the time.

 

At the end of class they all said good-bye again. One student took the picture of me off the door and kept it. That was something I didn't expect. It was a day of sad good-byes and feeling good that the students felt I was a positive influence in their lives.

 

I should be packing right now, but I don't think my clothes are dry yet, and, besides, I like to wait until the last minute to do things. I really do not want to leave, but it will be nice to visit friends and family again.