Radiating happiness.--We had a surprise going away party during break and I couldn’t stop smiling. I was surprised when the tears didn’t start falling--I thought it would be really, really, sad to say goodbye--but I found myself smiling because this experience has been the best time of my life. I have no regrets--I really lived here. I looked around at all the faces of the teachers and I was just incredibly grateful to know them, to have shared this period of time with them. They’re amazing people..and really wonderful teachers. I hope to be as good as they are someday.
So, instead of focusing on the sadness of leaving, I’m focusing on the gratefulness I’m feeling. I feel so blessed to have had this experience--me trajo a la vida. It brought me back to life. Spain, them, this. I’m coming home with a big smile on my face, a skip in my step, and Andalucian warmth in my soul.
I’ve learned something from each teacher at the school. Juan Manuel, I will think of your smile when I’m struggling and tell myself, “No pasa nada.” Pilar, whose confident stride puts me at ease, because of you, all this was possible, there are no words to convey my gratitude to you. Maria Bravo, your elegance and strength have inspired me, a palpable presence in every room you enter. Laura, your beauty is second only to your inner beauty, you radiate sunshine, thank you for shining beside me for these last months. Eli--your laughter is ointment to the soul, thank you for teaching me the infamous Spanish “tsk, tsk”--your vivacious spirit is contagious. Maria Jose, you have taught me grace--your patience and tranquility in the classroom is remarkable--I’ll never know how you do it.
Thank you--for showing me the Andalucian spirit. I will never be the same, you have bettered me, challenged me, and taught me. Most of all, you have inspired me. You’ve been angels to me and I’m forever grateful. I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart.
“Pa’ Siempre”