Despedida

I worked for about 4 hours in the morning on painting, drawing, and finishing my board game for the library. I finished everything but the labels on the countries to bring in to the library. Today was my last day in library, and I was showing all of the new books to the kids. I got to the library, and saw one little girl walking there. She handed me a present and card. When I got to the library, they had all picked flowers again to give me. Paulette, the problem kid, made a bank out of a Barbie, ribbons, and a coconut. Eduardo gave me a bracelet, and Yandry gave me a keychain. The kids made me cards, which really meant a lot to me. I then showed them all of the new books, and they were super excited. Kari set up cookies and juice like a party. Jennifer’s despedida party was next door in CNH, and my host aunt Leo invited us all over. We joined parties, and all danced and hung out. 

Showing the new books I bought

Some of my kids

Eduardo!

Deisy

Valentina and Karina

My host cousin Jamie Leck

The daughter of one of the men who works in the reserve is the cutest little girl I’ve ever seen. He name is Ginger, and he dropped her off to come to say goodbye. She was also so excited about the new books, and I danced with her and the other little girls at the party. The moms kept giving us beer, and the kids stole Jennifer’s camera, and took so many photos of the party. I made sure to spend a lot of time with the kids because I am going to miss them so much. It makes me sad to remember that they are not living as well off as I had the opportunity to growing up. 

Ginger and I

I love this girl!

The kids reading the new books

More reading

Kari reading to Ginger and Jamie

My host aunt Leo presented us with gifts. This whole time, I have been commenting on this origami swan she has in her house and she told me we could make one for the library. I kept forgetting to buy paper, but she made me one as a gift. It is beautiful, and really meant a lot to me. She also drew me a picture that says “Dena-mita, BOOM”. Another mother made me a pretty basket. They have so little, and yet, have so much to share. 

Dancing with Karina and Ginger

My host aunt Leo, her son Ariel, and her daughter Jamie Leck

Leo's Card

More gifts

Valentina showing off the book with her name

We had dinner on my roof under the stars, then I went to Leo’s to say goodbye. I returned to take a family photo, but Ximena was not there. We woke up my parents because I was not going to see them the next day before they left for work. My host mom Monica was crying and it made Fabiola cry. I think my host dad teared up a bit as well. Fabiola called Arturo and John Carlos to come over for my last night. We hung out and joked around for my last night in Tabuga.