While today appeared as a normal, slightly quiet day I suppose knowing I'm leaving soon made me apprecaite the little things. These may be things that happen everyday that I just take for granted but they stood out a little bit more than usual and I felt quite happy knowing that yes, I noticed them.
Firstly Julian laughed as soon as he saw me this morning. Apparently my presence had reminded him of that ill fated night when the camel made a move towards me and I slightly freaked out. 'Camel being chase you' were the first words I heard when I walked into the school, greeted by his cheeky laugh and giagantic smile. I don't think he will ever forget that, in fact I believe that if I came back in twenty years time, that would be the only memory he would associate with me. Even though it's a memory associated with some severe cowardness on my behalf, it's a good one nonetheless because I had a lot of fun that night and will forever remember it fondly too!
Firstly Julian laughed as soon as he saw me this morning. Apparently my presence had reminded him of that ill fated night when the camel made a move towards me and I slightly freaked out. 'Camel being chase you' were the first words I heard when I walked into the school, greeted by his cheeky laugh and giagantic smile. I don't think he will ever forget that, in fact I believe that if I came back in twenty years time, that would be the only memory he would associate with me. Even though it's a memory associated with some severe cowardness on my behalf, it's a good one nonetheless because I had a lot of fun that night and will forever remember it fondly too!
Secondly, the unexpected. Not only did the pool roof make a miraculous recovery overnight but the topsy turvy chlorine levels that I have been fighting with ALL WEEK returned to normal levels! WOO! On a day where the mercury hit above forty degrees, it certainly made me a litte bit happier that all the kids would get a swim in the cool refreshing and clean waters of the Balgo pool.
Unexpected also were the sounds I heard coming from inside the Primary D classroom as I walked past. I would have expected Christmas carols or even Justin Bieber, but instead heard the sounds of Roy Orbison coming from the students mouths. I peeked inside to see the entire class practicing while Anthony and Steve conducted with such passion, it only made me assume they had enjoyed immensley discerning such a song choice. That made me smile; I love the songs that come out of my class.
And lastly, the most beautiful little thing of them all; a wave from Kamus 100m away as I walked towards the school. The tiny little Primary A student had spotted my flaming red hair and called out as loud as he could to get my attention, just so he could wave to me. That is truly and honestly beautiful and amazingly special. Of course, I had to go over and see what he was doing, just as an older kid stole his basketball and I stepped in as a hero to get it back so excellent timing on my behalf. But I have come to love the effort the kids will go to, just to say hello. Often I'm walking home in the dark and will hear voices calling my name and saying hello. Occasionally I can discern who they are by voice but most of the time it's a good reminder that someone is always around when you need it, even just for a 'hello'. That is why I love Balgo.
Steph, you really just have to love young Julian don’t you? This is not the first time he has laughed at you and your “meeting” with the camel. I love the bond you have formed with the children. There is respect but you can have fun with them as well. Whether it is a big laugh at klutzy Steph, or snickering because the camel won the standoff, or even the little wave with a shy smile of love makes any day all worth it.
ReplyDeleteI am pleased to read the children can have their fun in the pool again and all your readings are back to normal. It is so frustrating when you just cannot get them correct and safe for the little ragamuffins to swim in.
The photo not show on comments, but I will email it too you, but this morning when I was reading yesterdays blog, Mischief came and sat on the desk and read you blog with me. How cute. You are loved!
ILY