parting is such sweet sorrow

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of get-togethers, adventures, and goodbye sobbing. Most of the staff of Highlands International School is leaving, and for one of the few times in my life, I'm the one staying rather than going. It's a difficult time for all of us, and I'm sure the transitioning in August will not be an easy one either. However, as we Highlands staffers have said many a-time, it's better that it is harder to leave because that means the friendships we have established mean something. They are based on Christ. They are enriched by the vast amount of time we spend together as friends--no, as family. These relationships may not continue with visits and phone calls, but they will endure in the way we live our lives; we have been changed for the better by each other. Praise God for the amazing people he has called to La Paz and the ways they have shaped my life these past 10 months. To my brothers and sisters: The LORD bless and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward and give you peace. Thank you for all the sweet times, friends!

Here's a recap of the past month:

Highland's Got Talent! We did our own version of the reality tv show, including kids' and teachers' dances (my roomies and I performed "Thriller"), magic tricks, music and skits. My favorite was a story-telling of Sunk: An Adventure in the Salar. My lovely friends created a book and did a reinactment of my quicksand incident. Hilarious.

We celebrated a friend's birthday at the German club bowling alley (I'm pretty sure it's the only one in La Paz). Good friends, good times. I love you and I'll miss you, Whit!A dear friend and fellow teacher has been teaching me how to play the guitar. Our debut was at a community group meeting when he dedicated the song to his wife. Thanks, Fisher. Can't wait to play our coffeehouse gig in NC someday.

We picnicked and hiked up to La Muela del Diablo (the Devil's Molar). I didn't quite make it to the top since the few rocks I climbed and slipped on were scary enough.My friends the Bellinghams had a party for their sweet little angel, Mya, who turned just turned 1! It was a joy to have her here in lieu of not being able to be with my niece. I love you, Jules, James and Maya! Blessings to you in New Zealand!

For my birthday the next day, an incredible teacher friend named Deborah (she knits, rock climbs, bakes and bikes--how much cooler can you get?) took my friends and me rock climbing. This was the real deal. I made it, so I had to kiss the carabiner.Just to prove how high it was (though it seemed a lot higher in real life), here I am on my way to the top.

And last but not least, this month I said goodbye to my dear first graders. As my first class, they brought me so much joy. Although this summer I need to do a lot of reflecting about my teaching practices and lesson plans that could use improving, I also don't want to forget to rejoice in what I learned from my kiddos this year, and hopefully what they learned from me. Praise God that through the way they see the Gospel lived out at school, they have the ability to accept it for themselves and thus make God's name famous in La Paz and all over the world! Dr. Seuss couldn't have said it better: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."