Farewell, Little Ones, Farewell

This morning the air was crisp and the sun was bright in the African sky. The bus was quiet this morning; we were soaking it all in. I savored the picturesque view of Zomba Mountain in all its majesty as we drove to school. It was our last day. As we drove into Malemia Village, children happily awaited us along the small dirt road, smiling and chanting all the way. They prepared a goodbye ceremony for us. They read speeches, did mini-skits and performed drumming and dancing -- all to say 'thank you.' They wanted to express their gratitude for our time with them over the last few weeks. At the end of the ceremony, the teachers presented us each with a beautiful red, black and white chitenge (a wrap-around skirt like the ones they wear). We presented the teachers and children with classroom sets of balls and game supplies to go with them -- one for each classroom. We also gave the teachers RU t-shirts as a token of our thanks. After all the festivities, we took many photos with the teachers and children and then slowly made our way to the bus. The moment we had been dreading was there. It was time to leave. We waved farewell to our little friends with such big hearts. They waved and followed alongside the bus in their little bare feet and bright, big smiles all the way to the main road, pretending to be on airplanes with us. They moved their arms as if they were flying. I will always cherish our time with the children and remember it fondly with tears in my eyes. Those little children have no idea how much they mean to us and how very much we have learned from them, for they know what life is really all about. We have learned what it is to be truly joyful. We have learned about gratitude and generosity of spirit. We have learned that love has no language, and warm hearts break all barriers of culture, language and understanding. Their their love has touched our lives forever. It is my prayer that God will bless them and keep them in His care all the days of their lives. ~Farewell, our sweet and precious little friends, farewell.~