Wednesday – Last Full day @Tuskegee
Waking up to the fact that today marked the last full day at Tuskegee heightened the desire to use every minute to its fullest. With the end drawing near, it seems like yesterday, that we all entered the compound to begin our experiences. Time has a way of being a friend or a foe but in this case time couldn’t encompass the depth of these 17 days and how quickly they passed.
Kate continued teaching her math lessons, this time making sure she got photos with each class she taught. Joey worked with his team of carpenters to reposition shelves on the second book case that will have a special place in the nursery. The two cases made for the nursery were welcomed furniture that will be used for learning materials, children’s backpacks, thermos’ and daily exercise books.
A new amplifier and speakers were being purchased today (courtesy of Caring Kid Connections) that will now be used for major events Tuskegee school holds throughout the year. The inauguration of this equipment begins with Graduation on Thursday.
Since this was the last night of our stay, Madam Fausty cooked a meal of rice and mackerel and Charles proudly purchased a gallon of ice cream as a special treat for his new guests Kate and Joey.
Kate and Joey expressed their gratitude for the hospitality that was shown them and for being included in this rare and exceptional family. After presenting gifts to each member of the family, we all sat and watch the game between Spain and Germany as Spain scored 1 goal, ending the game 1-0 and putting Spain in the semi-finals.
Sleeping tonight was not on my agenda as I sat writing down ideas and thoughts for work I will be doing in December with Charles and then thinking about next summer and the various ideas and requests I have from students and teachers on who they would like to have come teach at the school (hint: they would really love the following areas covered): Natural Science, French, English Grammar, Creative Arts, and as one student said: “a teacher that would stay with us forever.”
I know you will all hear the personal stories Joey and Kate want to share but I would like to share my appreciation for how Parker school has embraced Tuskegee. Starting out four years ago with a simple mission of helping Charles Yarfoh with his vision, I never thought I would be privileged to see such amazing growth and transformation that Tuskegee has gone through in such a short time. The added dimension of Parker teachers sharing their expertise in their fields adds the most important growth Tuskegee as gone through as the students and teachers exchange knowledge and learning.
It is about two a.m. now, and the ticking of the clock makes me more anxious for morning light to appear, not for the end of this journey but for the joy of once more waking up to the sights and sounds of Tuskegee International school and another opportunity to be thankful that I am part of this wonderful journey.
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