Adios niños, maestras y amigos

Goodbyes are hard, and this goodbye to 42 kids was even harder. 17th October came around before we knew it... and it was to be our last day at the school. There was never a sadder day, as it was difficult saying goodbye to the kids and teachers, knowing that we might never see them again.

The kids started off by doing a big dance for us. Each of the older and younger kids got into their groups and did a traditional dance.

Ruth, our school Director/ Principal was kind enough to present us with a massive plaque for our efforts at the school. That was very touching, given the kind words represented by the teacher, the parents and the kids.

Plus, the Director/ Principal of the Inicial (kindergarten) also presented with a similar surprise present... a 2nd Thank you plaque.

The 17th was also Alan's (fellow volunteer with GVI) birthday. Needless to say that he got egged and then his face smashed into the birthday cake, according to Peruvian tradition.

Then came the water fight. On the last day of any volunteer, the kids decide to drench the volunteers in water to give us something to remember. With Chris and me leaving, they had twice the amount of fun trying to drench both of us. We got the kids back, by hugging them when we were drenched with water.

Then came the painful goodbyes to the kids... we did our farewell speech in Spanish. We have come a long way with our Spanish, even though some kids giggled when we spoke.

More painful goodbyes to the Dinner Ladies (they cook meals for the village, as the older members of the family often go without food).

In the evening was our farewell to the other volunteers from GVI. We went to the Crepismo, which makes the best crepes in Arequipa!

Then a painful goodbye to Martha (who we lived with for 10 weeks) at 4am that morning. It was extremely difficult to say goodbye as she really did treat us like her own.

I hate goodbyes... now to Machu Picchu and the Amazon. Then homeward bound...

Lizelle