One of those days that I’m really thankful to be alive.
One of those days I was yet again reminded of my purpose.
One of those days that reminded me that we should dance and celebrate each other more often.
We threw a party for the students and teachers; we surprised them with pancakes, brownies, lollipops and candy. We brought balloons and hung streamers and spoke life into the school for the last time- reminding them of how much we appreciate this place for welcoming us, and allowing us to learn from them. We ate, played games, laughed a lot, and of course- danced a lot. (All things I love) It was our last day at Day-o Progressive School, the place where we have taught English and Life Skills for the past month but it was a day that brought me so much joy and thankfulness for this place.
The students and teachers prepared a meal for us, and served us. They showered us with loving words and gifts and goodbyes with tears. More teachers and students stood up to speak about how thankful they were for us being at the school. The headmaster told us we’ve had a bigger impact then they have ever remembered. I’m not saying this to bring glory to me or my team, but to show that God works in low places. He brought us to this school, a place we were originally not supposed to even be at, and we are leaving with an impact. I wish i had better words to wrap up my experience at Day-o School & the impact I’m leaving with.
The students surprised us with traditional dances and songs that made my heart smile. A student, Anastacy, stood up to share a speech, she said:
“Since you came, you showed us love, and the word of God. You taught us about the plans of God in our lives. You made us realize the positive things about ourselves that we never realized. You told us that we are beautiful- that’s something not even our parents tell us. You will always have a home here.”
The Anastacy I saw yesterday was a complete different person then who I met the first day at this school. Anastacy started the month off never smiling and never really engaged in conversation with us, and yesterday, our last day here, she was speaking life and kind words into us. She was dancing all day long- and would always be the first to hop in a picture. She reminded me of how our time here was spent, and how hard it is to leave. She reminded me of my purpose.
Yesterday was really freakin sweet and leaving this place is hard. Day-O Progressive school is a place I will always be thankful for. I never thought I would go back to high school, but I’m really glad I did.
WITH LOVE, ZAHLI.
PS: Next stop, India!
Check my Instagram for pictures! Very hard to post on the blog because of weak wifi.
