A Time for Farewells

Today is Friday, our last day here in Slovakia. It is a time of rejoicing in our new friendships, and a time of sadness as we prepare to return home. We taught our final lessons in the morning, had lunch, and then gathered for a brief program. There were a few short speeches, songs, and skits performed by each class. Our students were able to show off their new skills in English, including English idioms, as well as Slovak idioms. After a dance or two, the certificates of achievement for the students were passed out, followed by a lot of handshakes and hugs. After the program, Priscilla and I returned to our classroom and gave our students Alena, Petra, Dana, and Ludo small gifts. They responded by presenting Priscilla with a 2 foot tall carved wooden cat because they knew how much Priscilla has missed our cats. Priscilla gushed over it and Petra got a little weepy. It was very sweet. It is amazing how much we care for each other after only 1 week. We have exchanged email addresses and hope to maintain our ties. I know all the other teachers have similar hopes and plans as well.

Tonight we are having our farewell party with the staff and their families, who have made us feel so welcome during our stay. Yes, we have worked hard, but the staff has made it so much fun. Right now, dinner is in progress with much chatter and laughter. Children's voices punctuate the adult babble, and musicians tune their instruments. Soon will come speeches of heartfelt mutual thanks, some anecdotes and testimonials, all filled with God's love. Then we will give parting gifts, a lot of hugs and handshakes, some tears, no doubt, a final toast, and then off to bed. We leave for Vienna early tomorrow morning.

Thank you to all you gentle readers, the Bible School staff, including the "Kitchen Angels" who worked hard to keep us fed and happy, and mostly to our wonderful students, whom we grew to love in such a short time for their good hearts and eagerness to learn!

As we reminise about our experiences in Martin, there is a heartwarming story to share regarding Charlotte. Charlotte has been financially sponsoring 2 children, a brother and sister, enabling them to attend the elementary school at the Bible school. This morning, the children came to visit Charlotte. They joined her EFL class and played games with the class members. This picture is of Charlotte, Sandra, and Dominik. Their time together was very special.