Party! Party! Party!

June 21
Hello all,

I am leaving this afternoon but I wanted to share about my going away party
last night before my mind gets caught up with my trip home!

My students went above and beyond anything i could have imagined! first,
they had been having "secret meetings" for some time, making plans for this
elaborate party! then yesterday, they spent all day making preparations.
when i walked into the classroom at 7pm, the room was transformed into a
banquet hall! the tables were in a rectangular shape with the middle floor
open. they had a designated seat for me at the front of the room (kind of
like a bridal party!) with a big sign with my name on it hanging on the
front. Monishi was playing the keyboard, complete with big speakers, and
djed the whole night! at a side table was a spread of food with rice, beef
curry, fruit plates of avocados, mangos, oranges, and bananas, that they
rotated to the guests throughout the evening! they had even invited people
that were important to me from outside of the class!

the girls began by singing some songs. then james, the ELS director, gave a
short talk. he said how they had been praying for an English teacher and if
they couldn't find one he was going to have to teach the school!! and how
God really brought us together to fill this need in Arusha. after dinner my
Maasai students led us in a Maasai dance, complete with jumping! then Mama
Miracle (the base director's wife) gave a talk, as well as Becka and Wilson
(one of my students). it was so honoring! i couldn't believe the things they
said! they even made up a song for me: "goodbye Christina, no matter how far
away, we won't forget you." And then, when I couldn't imagine anything more,
they gave me presents! starting with an entire cake!!! then three of my
students came up and put necklaces on me, kind of like graduation lays,
and Maasai beaded necklaces! they said this was just as big an
accomplishment in my life to finish teaching the school as for them
finishing taking the school.

and then of course there was dessert. we cut up the cake, had fruit cups,
and cookies. we finished the evening with taking a million pictures, all the
younger girls were fighting over getting a picture with their teacher, so
now i have a picture with myself and each individual girl in the class! it
was so sweet.

it was amazing to have an entire party in my honor! and to have all of this
love and encouragement poured out on me! i felt so built up and strong; like
i was being equipped to go home, and being given a shield of truth and
strength and love.

so what an amazing way to end my time here. now i'm all packed and my
students are preparing for their finals. i'm tying up loose ends, but i
think i have all the big stuff done! hallelujah! so i will see you at home
shortly!!

much love,
Mungu Aku Bariki,
Christina