The Nettles, The Graduates y más

My initial plan was to tell the story of the Nettles padres' visit and the last day of school/graduation in pictures. But, we had a bit of a hiccup on this island last Sunday night. Our apartment was robbed in the middle of the night while we were sleeping. The thief entered through our living room window on the 2nd floor (note: most ALL windows in the DR have bars - not ours) and took almost everything of value in our living room and our bedroom. We are thanking God that we did not wake up and are so blessed by the protection and provision we have been covered in. With that said, Charlie's computer is no more - and his computer carried ALL of our pictures from this past year. Needless to say, we are mourning the loss of these memories, but we are also thankful for the small amount of photos we had saved elsewhere (specifically photogs with each individual student and an end of year class picture that each student received at graduation - see below).

Charlie and Betsy's visit was REFRESHING. We made all the stops - Chichigua, Sosua, school, Cabarete, La Tienda - and laughed, ate good food, and relaxed at the hotel along the way. Makarios was especially thankful for the numerous clothes, toys, shoes, underwear, etc. that they brought down for the school! One of my students, Raidi, came to school without shoes the day the Nettles were at school, and we were able to properly and speedily provide him with a new pair of tennies. Here is where I would insert precious photos...

The last day of school/graduation was beautiful. I cried. Obviously. I mean, to think of HOW FAR they have come since the first day. To watch them sitting in their seats, facing their parents and siblings (every child had a family member present - AMAZING), reciting Bible verses, singing songs we learned in class...and then these MINIATURE people receiving MINIATURE diplomas. If you all remember correctly, the first day of school was filled with vomiting, biting, peeing, and running away. Sitting quietly in seats and sharing what they have learned with others peacefully? In light of day one of the 2009-2010 Makarios school year - REVOLUTIONARY.

Gracias a Chris and Erika Snapp, I have some photo memories to share from the last day of school/graduation!

Explaining the summer packet and work to students and parents

Andy and Elijio excitedly waiting to walk in for their diplomas!

Lisela, Ambiorix, Wili, Ana Wendy and Yunairi all dressed up for graduation. Lisela and Yunairi are in HEELS. Awesome.

School's OUT for summer!

What really got me on graduation day was the slideshow. Charlie and I made a slideshow for the students and families to watch, and I lost it. The kids were yelling out the names of every one they saw...including going nuts when they saw a picture of themselves with Paige. They really just LOVE her.

How do I say farewell to Profe Kim's class of 2010? With a slideshow of sorts, of course! How I will miss...

Ambiorix and the wide-eyed, shocked face he makes when I yell his name unexpectedly.

Wili and how he joyfully DELIGHTS in anything. And oh how MUCH he has learned this year!

Elijio and his sweet, pleading voice when he prays to God.

Yuneici and her moment by moment reports of what hurts - her tummy, her ear, her toe, her nose.

Wilsenci and his quiet yet strong demeanor that puts him years ahead of his classmates.

David and the smile he gets when he realizes he has answered a question or completed a puzzle or game successfully.

Lisela...where do I even begin? I will miss EVERYTHING about you - from the sly look on your face that tells me you're up to no good to our arguments about the fact that Shakira is from Colombia, not from the Dominican Republic. Like I told you, it says so in "Hips Don't Lie."

Memo and his laugh when I step on him or tickle him or simply just look in his direction. You are weird, and I love it.

Nicol and the sassy way in which she tells everyone how it is and how it's going to be.

Raidi and the way he curls up next to you or quickly wraps his arms around you when he needs some TLC (tender loving care).

Ana Wendy and her QUIET voice that KNOWS so much but speaks so softly.

Anidelis and the way she keeps tabs on what EVERYONE else in the class is doing and forgets about what she is supposed to be doing in the process.

Andy and how he manages to have conversations with anyone at any place in the classroom at any given time...at 10 times above a normal speaking volume.

Yunairi and her sweet smile, the way she calls out for "Papa Charlie", her knack for narrating what I am doing (however simple it is) at any given moment - "Mira a mi profe. Ella está caminando." There are no words. I just love you.

This crazy bunch has learned the alphabet, learned to count, can label body parts, can finish simple patterns, can recite Bible stories and Bible verses, and some can even read words! Thank you, God!

In true fashion, we sign off with this...some with our tongues hanging out, some with our hands in the air, and some not clueing into the fact that we are taking a photo. Congratulations Class of 2010! Te quiero siempre.