Two Weeks Left (Although Posted Late Due to a Power Outage)

5-15-09 It's hard to believe that I only have two weeks left.

That's right: two weeks. Two weeks full of activities and packing. I have my last dive for my Advanced Dive class, four final tests to give and grade, fourth quarter final grades to do, textbooks to collect and put away, three graduations to attend (kindergarten, eighth grade, and high school), day trips we're taking to various islands in the atoll (to Carlos and Bigej again!), a picnic with my sophomores to Shell, Yokwe/Yokwe parties to go to, and packing to do. And, yes, I will do all of those things (and enjoy most of them quite thoroughly).

The juniors and seniors threw the teachers a farewell party on Thursday (5-14) night. It only started an hour late (much better than the party they welcomed us at). They fed us in the best Marshallese fashion (spaghetti, potato salad, chicken, rice, and hot dogs). We played some parlor games and then all the teachers were unexpectedly given a chance to say some goodbyes. It was a very good evening.

I really will miss it here. Granted, there are things I don't think I'll miss--but who knows what weird things I'll miss once I'm back in the States? Yes, I miss my kids, and, I think, I will miss teaching (although I will very much enjoy my Introduction to Teaching class in August). But what I think I will miss most of all will be my fellow student missionaries. We're a very small group here, and, for the most part, we've become close. They have seen me at good and bad times, and they have seen me change--and vice versa. I will miss them a lot. That day in two weeks that I'm looking toward is going to be bittersweet.

More later.

~Ashlee