La Buena Tierra: EL FIN

Friday, June 25, was my last day at La Buena Tierra. I spent most of it taking pictures of my life. It's funny how when it's the same old same old every day, you don't think to take pictures of it. But I realized that my life had passed me by, and I had one day to document the daily grind of life at La Buena Tierra.

It was a rough day. Goodbyes are not fun. Luckily I am going back to visit and say official goodbyes next week, so I didn't have to say goodbye to many coworkers. But I did have to say goodbye to the entire student body, and the families of the students. It was not fun.

Thursday after school my coworkers had a despedida for me, potluck style. Everyone brought a traditional Mexican dish, and we all hung out and ate together. It even included pay de arroz con leche (rice with milk pie). It was delISH...I'm going to have to get Dad to start making that at Schmucker's!

Friday at the end of the school day the entire kindergarten, elementary school, and all their families gathered to say goodbye to me. They had a prayer for me, then every last one of the 60-some kids came rushing at me to give me a hug. I felt like i was in a mob and was going to be pulled to the ground by those kiddos! I received lots of hugs, lots of cards, many gifts, and lots of love. It was a sad goodbye :(

Here are a few pictures from the last days of school:

The potluck style despedida with my coworkers

David, myself, and Eric Manuel, getting lots of work done :)

Marbella, my life saver, confidant, and nourisher.

David Castro Romero, myself, and Uriel

Fabiola and I - I spent the majority of my year in her classroom.

A few collages from the last days of school, and the reality of my life at Buena Tierra: