Last Day at Escuela Especial

          Today was an eventful and emotional day. We spent a while in the store yesterday afternoon buying a whole lot of groceries for the party at Escuela Especial today. We created bags of soap, toothpaste, oil, rice, beans, and other items to give to the families. We also created individualized bags for each one of the students.
          To start the day off AJ and I played kick ball with the students who are deaf. This was an interesting yet sometimes a difficult part of my day. But, about 5 minutes into the pick-up game of kickball, everyone knew what was going on and it was one of the best moments of this trip. Then, I spent some time in Ana-Maria's 1st grade classroom. I tried to spend time with all of the kids knowing it was my last day at the school. I then ventured to the 3rd grade classroom. After that I went in to the arts and crafts room to find only one student in there. Teresa was the lone student in that room so I worked with her until it was time to help with the party.
          It was so great to see that most of the families we had invited to Escuela Especial's party had attended today. We set up chairs and desks outside and the group was handing out plates of food and a cup of Fanta to each person. Everyone there was so grateful for what they were given. I watched as many of the people savored their drinks and then we came out with full bottles of Fanta and their eyes lit up with joy. Some of the students who are deaf drank 3 or 4 cups of soda. Another thing we handed out was fruit. Even though we didn't have any utensils for them to use they were still grateful and enjoyed every bit of it. The last, and probably most exciting, part of the party was the pinata. This pinata was a giant blue horse. The kids were so excited when the candy was falling to the ground. Each and everyone of the kids had pockets full of candy.
          The most depressing part of the day was each and every one of the good-byes. The emotions inside me now are still so raw it is hard to write about. I am still to this very moment, having flashbacks. Every good, bad, happy, or sad moment, I am constantly thinking of those times. Every single kid on that school bus has a piece of me with them and a piece of them will always be with me. Tears ran down everyone's faces and memories were racing through our minds as the bus pulled off, some of the kids knowing we will not be back on Monday and some not knowing. The hardest part for me is not knowing when I will get to see these kids again, but what I do know is that for a fact, my good-byes that I said today are not forever and I will see these kids again someday.