Getting Ready to Say Bye

Walking home from school

There have been beautiful sunsets!!

I am sorry it has been so long!
There has been lots going on, two weekends ago was my last weekend at Lily until I come back.
Since then I have not left the farm. I was thinking it was going to be difficult to be here the whole time and not being a Lily. And at times it is but for the most part I am really enjoying my time with the other teachers.  We have been staying up playing cards and watching movies together and just talking.
It is hard to believe that I am going to be home in just over a month.  First though I head to Kenya on Saturday for a week.  Being so close to then end it makes me sad I am missing a whole week of spending time with my students and also spending time with the teachers.  But like I keep reminding everyone here, I will be back in a week.  It is after that I will only have two weeks left and I know most of that time will be in tears or laughing.  Though the time in Kenya will be good my head and heart are still going to be here with the people I know and am used to.

Zandisiwe swinging from the tree wait for her bus

For now I am trying my hardest to take in the great moments, to slow down time and really enjoy being able to sit on the grass in the sun with Esnath and Philile.  Playing a very loud and dangerous game of spoons.  Realizing how far my kids have come in speaking English. Hearing how they laugh at anything, or copy how I say things, hearing them sing in the morning.  Through this all I have been able to see how God works in the so many situations the good and the bad.
I will be able to give you more specific stories next week once I am not spending all my time with other people. I will try to keep you up dated with all that I am going through while I say good bye and get ready to come home.
Oh and don't get me wrong I am so looking forward to being home and getting to spend time with friends and family!! But trying to live in the moment.
Until next time try slowing down those times that seem extra meaning for or even just the normal things.

My final weekend at Lily trying to play games with the kids

Counting Down

Olwethu and a grade 1 student reading after school one day

In a few weeks I get the wonderful opportunity to go to Kenya!! What!? Yeah that’s what I said! Kenya!

I found out a little while ago but I had to keep quiet because we had to make sure it was all going to be okay with the right people. 

James had told me by letting me know that for when I come back they want me to do some prep work. I was thinking yeah of course, reading or something like that. Then he mentions there is this education conference MCC is putting on, and it’s in Nairobi. I was taken a little aback!  So I leave May 31st with Joan and will be there for a week.

Girls at Lily watching a movie
after sleepover

This all being said, it makes my time here seem even shorter now. I realized this weekend there is only 6 weeks left until I leave the farm. Two months today until I am home. Mind blowing how fast time is going! A part of me is relieved that I don’t have to say good-bye for who knows how long. Because I am coming back so quickly. But it is still difficult.

Olwethu showing me his writing

Admire, Philile and I were hanging out yesterday and he says to me, “Jonas and you have been so great and it’s been really great knowing you guys.” I looked at him and said we are not gone yet, don’t say that! Then I started to cry but that’s no surprise if you know me! Ha.

This weekend might be the last weekend I am able to spend at Lily, which makes me really sad! I might be able to come one more weekend before I leave but not sure yet. I will still be able to say good-bye to them on June 21st though. So I don’t have to say bye now which is good!

Kids at Lily trying to eat donuts!

Now with this I am praying I do not check out. I want to be happy where God has me at this moment. And I really don’t think it will be a problem for me but there is a chance it could happen. For now I am trying to enjoy the moments with the people I am with. Taking the moments and laughing when one of my students sneeze and has snot from her nose all the way down her dress to her knee! Ha. Or when the other teachers and I have a baari (bbq) and just enjoying the moments of spending time together.

Until next time…count down the days with me but make sure to reflect on the moments that are most special.