Happy Halloween/I'm not your teacher anymore!

Yesterday was my last afterschool class. These kids, as much as they have driven me crazy some days, are definitely my favorites. I see them 2 extra times a week, so I've come to know them very well; the good, the bad, and the ugly.

There's little 1st grader, Dan. Almost every class he cries, throws things, or starts a fight over something another students says to him. He's so sensitive. He gets so excited about knowing the answers during English games that he shouts out answers regardless if it's his teams turn or not. He gives the best hugs and immediately calms down when I rub my fingers through his hair.

Then there's Tiffany. The bubbly, always smiling 3rd grader who leaves her backpack, violin, or jacket in the classroom everyday only to come back 20 minutes later, giggling about being so forgetful. Every time she sees me she jumps with excitement and shouts, "Kelly teacher!"

Or Sara who tries to jump to my height every class. She likes to draw cute pictures of me on the chalk board or in her notebook more than she likes to focus on studying.

Two-thirds of them I want to adopt as my child or at least a little sibling. But now it's time to say goodbye...

Being as Halloween is on a Sunday this year, we had to celebrate on Friday with the students. They don't know a lot about Halloween (most have never even heard of it) but Korean kids will get in on anything that involves scary/gory things and receiving candy. Unfortunately, we had to combine Halloween with my farewell party making for a mixed emotions party.

We made bat crafts, feasted on snacks and candy (the hit: bloody eye ball gum I brought from the States), all while the students kept handing me gift after gift, letters, and tons of candy. We took final class pictures, group hugged, and off they went. They kept lingering at the door. "Bye, teacher.....bye....bye. See you next time?" with their sad faces. It broke my heart.

I hope to receive emails from students years down the road, in perfect English, telling me that they've just entered university or traveled abroad or got a good score on their final tests. Gaaah, I'll miss 'em, for sure.

I have NEVER been a crier but yesterday I was a blubbering fool. I've known in my head for a while now but now it's hitting me in my heart. I am officially closing the door on this chapter of my life, the Korea chapter. It feels right but at the same time, it doesn't change how extremely sad I am to say goodbye.

Ooooh Korea. What a long, strange, amazing trip it's been....