And We're Out

Today was the final day of classes as two days of hard-core, STL partying commence here in Ismalaia. Since we teach both orphan and non-orphaned children we decided in order not to leave anybody out we would throw parties for all our classes tomorrow and another round of partying for our Not Alone children on Friday.

Earlier today we all underwent that pivotal moment that defined our STL experience. After hours of incompetently fiddling we showed our rep Dr. Fifi the final product of our movie slideshow (complete with sappy background music a la Josh Groban). It was the first time we all came together and just sat back and witnessed what we had accomplished. In class, between the yelling, the singing, the coloring, and then the fights for the yellow crayon we were too distracted to see the changes that blossomed in these children. As each picture passed by to the swooning of Phil Collins, each with its own moments of happiness, sillyness, and sometimes pure oddity, the white noise was no longer present. All that was in front of us, was genuine, angelic joy. Despite the fact that most of our lessons will never be remembered (and are probably already forgotten), these children will remember these three weeks and the joy that they brought to us, a joy laced with innocence and purity that is entirely unmatched. If there is one thing these children can do it is generate a happiness and a trust in God's love in even the darkest, most cynical hearts. As we all brace ourselves for the tearfest that will be this Friday's party, we cannot wait for one final moment to selfishly indulge in their love.

Peace.

Mary, Ismalaia