Our last day began as any other day
would: we had the same routine and same schedule, but there was a different ending
planned. Our plan was to leave after lunch, which would mean saying goodbye to
most of the students. For Class VI and Class VII, we had planned a dance for
Friday night. Throughout the day, I got notes, hugs, and “I will miss you”
messages but it was all very surreal for me. I couldn’t wrap my head around the
fact that I may never see these kids again and that our last day would really
be our last day. We filled our lunchtime with picture-taking and distributing
notes. As lunch came to a close, we needed to prepare for our dance, which
meant we needed to leave quickly. With 270 students, 17 teachers, and all of
us, we had a very chaotic goodbye. So much so that it was hard to be emotional because
we were so overwhelmed. We hopped in the car and drove away from LOAMO. Just
like that, and we were gone. We had no time to process everything that was
happening around us.
From the moment we got home, we needed to set
up for the dance. From the food to the decorations and everything in between,
we were all working our very hardest to ensure the preparation was complete.
Once everything was ready, the students rolled up in the buses. Seeing them
come out in their best clothes, all looking like a million dollars, made the
night in itself. All the students blew our minds with all their hidden dancing talents;
it was hard to recognize them not in school. When we wrapped up the party, the
headmaster and the director of the school lead a ceremony to say goodbye to the
volunteers. They thanked us for all we had done for LOAMO and the mark we had
left on all of them. What they were not aware of was that LOAMO had left an
even bigger mark on all of us. The time had then come for the students to leave
and for all of us to go our separate ways. It is always hard to see someone
cry, but to have someone break down in your arms and know that they may never
see you again was heart-shattering. The students were rushed into their buses
and we had a similar experience to the one earlier that day. For the second
time that day, I was waving goodbye, grasping hands, and hoping the memories
would last a lifetime. Then, the buses left and the students were gone.
There
is nothing wrong with goodbye. In this instance, we were merely shorted on
time. Although it was quick and hard to comprehend, one thing will be for sure.
No matter how tightly hands are held, how far the car is followed, or how many
tears fall, the strong bonds that are built can never be broken. The
connections will be in our hearts forever.
