Street Party

I don't really know how to put today into words. It was an immensely special day, but so sad at the same time. It was our last day with the pupils of the school, so we held a party to say goodbye. We decorated the room with Colombian and British bunting and flags. They then came in and we had put together a photo slideshow of all the things we had done with them since we arrived, which they found hilarious. Then we had some party food: trifles, mini sandwiches, crisps and cake. We presented each pupil with a certificate and friendship bracelet in red, white and blue to remind them of us, and we had bought a coffee maker for the staff to say thank you for all the kindness and support. The students had then prepared something for us. They had bought each of us a mochilla (Colombian bag) and made a photo of the whole school with each of us signing our sign names round the edge. Students were then invited up to say some words, and one of the most touching was Alvaro who said 'Before you came, I didn't really know what I wanted to do, I didn't really think I'd be able to do anything. But then you came and did cooking classes with us and I really enjoyed that and now I think I could become a chef when I'm older, so thank you for inspiring me'. One of the students had written a rap (in sign language of course!) to say thank you, but also how much they were going to miss us. Loads of kids came up to me to say how much they loved the music lessons too,and much they had learnt, which was such an encouragement. After lunch the staff put on a party for us to say thank you as well, and it was just an amazingly special day. Really sad to say goodbye to the kids and staff, but really glad we managed to say goodbye in such a special way.