Curtain Call

I completed my final week of classes. From here until August 15th, I'm a free man!

It wasn't an easy week. My advisers said I wasn't supposed to tell the students that my classes last week would be the last. The teachers, however, knew full and well that I wouldn't be returning, and they were more than happy to announce my departure to every Jim and Jill they came across in the halls. Needless to say, the kids all found out.

They gave mixed reactions. At one school, all the students asked me to sign the back of their English books. At another school, some kids hugged me and asked me a bunch of last-minute questions, such as, "What's your name?" (They don't remember "Chase" very well for some reason.) At yet another school, the kids said, "Bye!" and left with a shrug. For the final lessons I gave, I incorporated some fun games using balloons and playing cards, along with some party poppers. Everything turned out great overall.

Looking back on it, there are a lot of lessons I wish I would have done better, but I did what I could and I'm proud of what I accomplished. I got everything I wanted out of the voyage, and so much more. I think I'm most grateful for the stories and memories that I can now share. Having been to a part of the world so unforgettable and delightful, I cannot wait to return home so that I might give others the chance to imagine the things I've seen and experienced.