The Lasts

For those of you that do not know, I am leaving Haiti on Saturday.  Because I'm not ready to think about it, I am not going to get into all the emotional thoughts that are in the back of my mind.  They will come...just not yet.

For the past week I've found myself taking mental pictures of everything.  And thinking to myself "this might be the last time I...."  I try to memorize how things feel, sound, and look.  I try to savor special moments with loved ones.  As I tried to fall asleep sleep last night, I reflected on the many ups and downs of this year, and I admit I cried as I remember this year and thought about leaving.

Tonight was my last English class at Union School.  As you know, I teach Haitian adults two nights a week.  They still have two more classes after I leave, but because it was my last class, they threw me a party.  They bought Dominoes pizza (yes, we actually have a Dominoes here!) and sodas.  One of my students is a prestigious judge in Haiti.  She stood up and gave a really special toast to me.  She talked about how much she learned and how much she likes me.  And, at the end she said, "I know you will be back to Haiti.  You have a home in the United States, but Haiti is your home, too.  You have many friends and children here who love you.  You have to come back."

That is precisely what makes this so hard.  No, not hard.  It feels more like impossible.  I have two homes.  Two families.  Two groups of friends.  No matter where I am, I feel like I'm abandoning someone or something.  While I love Haiti with all my heart, I also love and miss my family more than I can explain.

Saturday, I am boarding a plane back to home number one.  Thankfully, Mr. Nickson is accompanying me for this transition.  I don't know that I could do it without him.  I have no idea when I will return to Haiti.  I have not committed to teaching at TLC next year.  My plan is to stay in the United States indefinitely.  But, I have to be honest, I don't know if I am capable of that.  The thought of being away from my Haitian kids, friends, and home is too much to bear.  Words cannot even describe how difficult it is.  So, I guess what I should say is I don't really know what I am doing...I am leaving it up to God and praying that I have the strength to do what he requires of me.  I feel caught in the middle of my own life.  I'm afraid to leave and I'm afraid to stay.

8th Grade Graduation

Last Friday was the last official day of school for the 2011-2012 school year at TLC.  We had a special graduation ceremony for our four 8th grade graduates.

L-R: Junia, Fednel, Reginald, Manuela

The parents of the graduates and all the TLC students were invited to the ceremony.  Everyone came wearing their very best clothes.

Mr. Nickson was the MC for the event.

Pastor Bobby joined us for the celebration.

The students prepared songs, speeches, and dances.

The graduates asked the school staff to join them on "stage" for special recognition.  Our school staff come before 6 AM every day and work hard until 3:30.  I'm amazed that they work so hard for so little pay.  I wish that we could afford to do more for them.

Each of the 8th graders received a diploma.

Everyone joined together to pray for our graduates.

After the ceremony, the graduates, parents, students, and teachers enjoyed a meal of rice, beans, turkey, and cake.

Special table for the graduates and their parents

It was a wonderful day for everyone!

Mr. Nickson with his daughter and wife