last 2 days

In just 2 days, I’ll be getting on a plane to travel back home. It’s pretty unbelievable! The last week has been a whirlwind of emotions. I haven’t really been here or there, I’ve been somewhere in between. Transitions are so hard!
On Friday, I was told that I needed to sub for recess duty. I didn’t really think anything of it except I thought it was a little funny that only a few fifth graders were outside for recess. When I came back in, I was planning to do a bit of grading before I had to teach math. Instead, I opened the classroom door and was welcomed by a shout of “Surprise!!!” The students and many of their parents had been planning all week to throw me a surprise going away/ wedding shower. I had absolutely no idea! They decorated the classroom with a banner on the board and balloons everywhere. They had bought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and the moms had prepared some refreshments. I was just blown away! But the surprises weren’t over! They had me sit down and brought over presents for me to open. They gave me a beautiful set of Chinese style placemats, coasters, chopsticks, and a table runner to decorate our new home. They said it was so I wouldn’t forget them or China. I told them that both would be impossible! Best of all, they gave me a framed picture of me with the class, (a photo we’d taken the day before) and a book filled with notes the kids had written to me. It was so precious! I tried hard not to cry as I was receiving such thoughtful gifts from these people I’ve grown to love so much. After I opened the presents, the kids gave me a huge group hug. :)
I’ve gotten so many hugs and well wishes the last couple days. Yesterday was my last day at the English school. It was very hard to leave. I remember that when I first came, the thought of teaching English to a group of Chinese kids was pretty overwhelming. Now I look back on it as one of the best things I’ve done here. I’ve learned so much with them, and I’ll miss those kids very much!!
After English teaching, I spent the afternoon at KIA’s international fair. It was quite the event! There were booths from South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, China, Norway, France, Holland, Chile, Mali…and then California, the Midwest, and Texas. Each booth had food, crafts, or games from that country (or state). It was so much fun to walk around and see everything. The highlight of the day was the performances from different countries. I was very proud of my fifth graders- the boys did a kung fu routine and the girls did a traditional Chinese dance. Mr. Pye and I put on a puppet show with songs from around the world.
I was happy to be with everyone all day. It was hard to come back to my apartment and try to think about packing, grading… I can’t wait to be home, but I know I’ll leave part of my heart here in Kunming!