In a few short weeks, I’ll be saying goodbye to this place that I’ve called home for the last 9 ½ months. While I’m sure the goodbyes will be bittersweet, especially with the teachers and students, I’m excited for my last day at school. Each of my students has brought something special to the classroom, so we’re going to be celebrating with a mini-recognition ceremony for each of the kids. Pictures will be posted after the event, but in preparation for my last day, I’ve decided to share more about my students with all of you.
To my CP1 (first grade) kiddos…
I’m not sure if or when our paths will cross here again on earth, but please know that I love each and every one of you and considered it a privilege to spend my days in your sweet, little village of Gobila and be your teacher, even if only for one year. If we don’t meet again on this side of eternity, be bold and courageous for His kingdom, and share with others what you have learned about the depths of His love for you. God has HUGE plans for each of you! Just like we learned when studying Creation, when He made you, He said it was very good. You were not an accident. You are special, important, loved, and very carefully made in His image. He knows everything about you, including the number of hairs on your head and He hears EVERY prayer you pray to Him. His heart rejoices at your child-like faith, which has been an encouragement to me to watch over the past school year. Be joyful, keep singing those sweet, African songs of praise to Him, and love others just like He loves you. God has blessed my life with each one of you and your faces are ingrained in my heart forever. Because of you my sweet students, I love Jesus more, my heart is burdened more for the poor and orphans, my passion for teaching is stronger, and my life is simply changed.
From left to right: Abdoul, Yasya and Alfred
To Abdoul, I love your confidence, especially when speaking in front of the class. Your Dad sees something different in you because you love Jesus and knowing this makes me love you and Jesus all the more.
To Yasya, I love watching you play “futball” soccer and any sport during animation sportive for that matter. You’ve certainly got talent.
To Alfred, I love how somehow you always managed to pop up in the background of almost all my pictures and movies I took in class. You are such a fun-loving, easy-going kiddo.
Florian
To Florian, I love the way you take care of your siblings and classmates. You have motherly instincts at such a young age.
From left to right: Elodie, Justine, and Isabel
To Elodie, I love how I can always count on you for a smile and your newly learned ability to wink no matter what time of day it is or where you are in the classroom.
To Justine, I love how you are a hug-giver and always try to call me “Maman,” instead of Madame… and YES you are beautiful just the way you are. Your skin does not have to be white to be beautiful.
To Isabel, I love that you love coming to school and can express that in such a sweet way. I pray that you will always realize the love you feel at school is because of God’s doing and the way he has worked through your teachers and classmates.
Martine
To Martine, I love your attitude. You may be “petite” (small) but you got a whole lot of personality to go along with it.
From left to right: André and Sebastian
To André, I love your perseverance and strength. Even with an infected toe for many months, that never held you back from walking miles to and from school or doing your best in class.
To Sebastian, I love your determination and hard working attitude. I can see the Lord’s presence in your life, specifically when it comes to seeing how much progress you have made academically.
From left to right: Elodie, Aimée, Romain, Alfred, André (in front), and Inoussa
To Aimée, I love the way you get so excited and dance when we sing, “Nous sommes jolie en Jesus” (We are beautiful in Jesus). I’ve also enjoyed your sense of humor. I won’t forget how often you went galloping around the classroom, calling yourself a horse.
To Romain, I love your laugh. It’s contagious and I admire your courage to sing in front of the whole class.
To Inoussa, I love how selfless you are, constantly thinking of others…and don’t you worry I have many photos of you. Your face will never be forgotten.
Clockwise: Me, Nourata, Théodore, Justine and Aimée
To Nourata, I love your sweetness. Whenever I think of you, I will think of your sweetness and how you always strive to take care of others.
To Théodore, I love that you may one day be the chief of your village. Seize the opportunities in your village to share Christ with others.
From left to right: Arnaud, Yasya, Sebastian, Sitta and Inoussa (in front)
To Sitta, I love watching the artist in you express yourself. God has given you a gift, mon biiga (my child)!
From left to right: Yasya, Alfred, Arnaud, Elodie and Pogbi
To Arnaud, I love your sense of humor, even if it was in a language I never fully understood. You never ceased to make me laugh.
To Pogbi, I love how you try and repeat anything I say in English. I especially love the toothless grin on your face when you try.
From left to right: Gilbert and Victorian
To Victorian, I love the way you are a natural born leader. I will never forget the time you loved Arnaud so selflessly by giving him the shoes off your feet.
To Gilbert, I’ve never met a child like you before who strives to serve others more and more each day, just like Jesus did. You encourage me to serve others more.
I love you! Je t’aime! Mam nonga foom wusgo!
Until we meet again… au revoir mes élèves,
Olivia (or as you call me, Madame)
