Day 6

Today, our final day at the school, was filled with indescribable emotion, laughter, tears, and partying. I started the morning off by working with Zulema, Astrid, and Maria Jose, playing mostly with clay and markers. We also played a pick-up game of kickball with half the school that the kids who are deaf organized completely on their own. I saw all the growth that every kid had made and felt every connection that had formed between us this morning- I can't begin to say how much every hug this morning meant to me.

Around, 10:30 a.m., the party began. The kitchen was decorated with streamers and balloons, and the teachers were cooking rice, chicken, and coleslaw. Every child got a meal and a cup of soda (which was refilled more than once), and they ate until they were too full to keep eating. It was fantastic to be able to give them so much food that they were so full and couldn't finish- so many of these kids are malnourished. During the party, families of the students and the kids we visited on home visits showed up, and we were able to say hello to them as well. Rosa (Rosita is what Aleyda called her), Jose Manuel (in all his sassy glory), Milagro (who will start attending Escuela Especial on Monday!!!!), and Julisa were all there. Several of the kids got to help crack open the pinata, and when the candy finally spilled out, there was a mad dash to fill their pockets. It was one of the best parties I've ever been to.

The kids left a bit after 12:00 p.m., the time school usually gets out. We said our (tearful) goodbyes, sometimes not being able to let go of each student for a while, and watched them walk home or board the bus. When everyone was finally on their way home, we boarded our own van and went back to the hotel. I can't stop thinking about how much I miss every single one of those kids. I came to love them so much over the past five days. Their intelligence and ability to surprise everyone with how much they knew changed the way I will think about people with disabilities forever. The way that some of their families treat them only inspires me more to help them and people like them, giving as many hugs and kisses and words of kindness as possible. They have changed me in so many ways, some that I am not even aware of yet, and I will never be able to forget how special this week was. Truthfully, it brings tears to my eyes to think that I might not see them ever again, but I remember how much good we all did this week and how much we changed their lives, and it makes me feel a little better. I am so grateful to have met them, and they'll be in my heart always!