Hasta Siempre

Just a heads up, my thoughts are all over the place right now so this blog may be a little spacey. You have been warned.

Today was a painfully sad day as I went to C.E.I.P Isaac Peral for the last day. I said goodbye to the students and teachers that I have grown to love so very much. I honestly cannot believe that my nine months here are nearly over. It feels like just yesterday that I hopped off the bus and followed a little girl with a backpack, hoping that she would lead me to the right school. She did, and that little girl happened to become one of my first grade students :). My experience working in Spain would not have been the same without the people who have touched my life in such a powerful way.

My heart ached as I hugged and kissed each student goodbye. I was flooded with thousands of letters, drawings, and gifts. The day was filled with many laughs and many tears. The teachers threw a goodbye party for Keri and I in the lounge and accompanied us after school for a farewell lunch. I was really touched by all of the love and support that was shown to us today. It makes me believe that I did something right.

My students have given me unimaginable joy. When you have something good it is only natural to want to hold on to it and not let go. My teachers have comforted the students (and myself) by saying that we should be happy because "hemos conocido." It is very true- I am so grateful to have been given this amazing opportunity. If I could go back knowing that I would fall in love with these kids and have to say goodbye, I would still do it again in a heartbeat. People come into our lives unexpectedly and completely turn our worlds upside down. Sometimes people come into our lives and open up a world that we didn't know existed.

I have learned so many things during this year abroad, but one of the most important things my students helped me learn...and that is I deserve love and should strive to always be a person worth loving. To explain how each student and teacher has touched my life would take a lifetime. So instead I will leave you with a few memories of my last days at school, as well as a link to a slide show video that I made for my students.

Until always, or hasta siempre.
Kerianne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z4bEutBQrY

At least I got to say hello...

Today was an awfully sad day. My last day at school is on Tuesday, and today I had to begin saying goodbyes. I had to say goodbye to my favorite 2nd grade class. Words cannot explain what an ache I felt in my heart. I have been in many classrooms over the years and have had to say goodbye over and over again. I have never been as sad to leave students as I was today. Not only was I sobbing, but the entire class was crying. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe that I touched these kids lives enough to where they were crying that I was leaving. My heart completely broke.

They made me a beautiful book with photos of each student in the class and artwork they had made for me. The notes were heartfelt and sweet. Many of the students drew hearts with F.C Barcelona colors on them (they know me too well).

I came to Spain thinking that I would help children to learn English and with a hope of inspiring them. They have taught me so much and have touched my heart in amazing ways. From 3 years old to 12 years old, each student has impacted my life in a beautiful way. I'm not prepared to close this chapter of my life but I know that it has to be done. I'm going to miss them so much. I'm going to miss their sweet faces lighting up when they see me. I'm going to miss their little voices when they speak in perfect Spanglish ("yo finished!"). I'm going to miss the older kids, who I now view less as students and more as friends.


One thing is certain: I am sad to say goodbye but at least I got to say hello.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to the Selwo Adventura Animal Park with the 5th and 6th graders. Initially I think I was more excited about this field trip than the kids. I kept telling everyone all weekend about it! Opps ;). Selwo is a huge animal reservation in Estepona, about an hour west of Malaga. The park is huge and has a safari feel to it. Throughout the day we saw all kinds of animals; tigers, zebras, crocodiles, anacondas, monkeys, giraffes, etc. We also split up into groups and rode in safari-like jeeps while our guides told us more about the animals we were seeing. Not only did we see animals and ride in jeeps but we did some hiking as well. One of the coolest things was climbing over these long, wobbly bridges. It was pretty windy and we were very high up. Some of my girls were freaking out a little (not me of course ;)) so I encouraged them to keep their eyes on one of the girls pink backpacks ahead. They repeated, in perfect Spanglish, "I follow la mochilla pink, I follow la mochilla pink." I couldn't help chuckling but hey, whatever gets you across your bridge, right? :)



































































There was no schedule for the day and the kids kind of ran off on their own in the park. This stressed me out a little but I realized again that's just the American in me. I have to admit, it was really nice being able to walk around with the kids all day and go wherever they wanted. My favorite thing about this trip was continuing to build relationships with them. We told stories, laughed at jokes, and really enjoyed each others company. I've been pretty strict about only speaking in English in the classroom because I feel like it's a disadvantage for me to be here and them not get all of the English they could get (that, and I'm too intimated to speak in Spanish in front of the whole class :))....this day, however, I decided to only speak in Spanish with them. The students LOVED this. They taught me many new thinks and were very patient with me. It was a really cool thing for them to see me in a student perspective and seeing me make mistakes just like they do. I was also able to communicate with them (and have them understand) that I care about them.







































































The day, although very long, was rewarding beyond measure. I am going to enjoy every second left with these absolutely amazing kids. So thankful for this amazing experience.

Feria- Rota style!

One of the most significant cultural events that occurs in Andalucia is the spring fair. Many cities in Andalucia celebrate this fair throughout the year. The feria in Malaga happens to be in August, when Jessica and I will both be back in the states. We decided to venture to Rota's feria to celebrate with friends.

Each feria differs slightly according to their own city but they all last for several days and provide an exciting atmosphere. There are many covered tents or casetas set up throughout the fair grounds. These tents are owned by families, political parties, groups of friends, clubs, and restaurants. You will find people inside and outside of the tents dancing, eating tapas, or drinking delicious drinks, like rebujito. Walking around you will see tons of people dressed in traditional outfits, like the traje corto for men or the traje de flamenco (also known as traje de gitano) for women. The dresses were absolutely gorgeous and very flattering on every woman. It was really neat to see young girls to old women all dressed in the same attire, celebrating the culture and tradition that they are so proud of.

Aside from the drinking, eating, and dancing there were lots of rides and games! Like your typical state fair these rides are a little sketchy. However, I think it would be safe to say that some of these rides would definitely be illegal in the U.S, like la carcel for example. Dangerous or not, they sure were fun!

The weekend ended a little sad as we said goodbye to some of the friends that we made in Rota and to two of our good friends in Cadiz. Leaving Cadiz made me realize that our days literally are numbered and this is just the beginning to the many goodbyes that will follow.