Published On:Tuesday, August 10, 2010

By Coffi McPhee

My last Sankambi

THIS was an emotional experience as it was the last time that I got a chance to see most of the parents. Just before I was supposed to teach my last lesson, the kids sang a song called "Memory Album" which makes me cry every single time I hear it. So here I am about to do my last lesson and I am crying like a baby in the back seeing as this was the last time that I was going to do this. After my lesson, the parents presented me with a beautiful gift and that made me cry even more. I had a speech prepared in Japanese but I don't know if I said it right. But I saw some of the mothers crying as well so I think they understood what I was saying.

When I was leaving the room after my lesson they formed a pyramid for me to walk under and applauded when I left. That feeling at that moment was indescribable.

Graduation

Seiko K5 Graduation -the reason why I stayed an extra few months. The day before I had my wisdom tooth removed (this was the only day that I could do it based on the dentist's schedule and my own work schedule). While that in itself was a horrible experience, (it felt as though my mouth was being invaded) it was the day afterwards when I felt it. The night before I could feel my mouth swelling, I even tried putting ice on it hoping that would help. However, when I woke up next morning, I felt like I looked like the Elephant Man.

I called my friend on the Internet hoping that they would tell me the truth of how I looked, but of course being the friend that they were that didn't happen. Not believing them, I called my Australian neighbor over and when I opened up the door she said "h@#$ s#$%. Looks like you ate 4 golf balls."

I thought that this blows, one of the most important events since I've been here and I looked like I got into a fight with Mike Tyson. Luckily, I lived in a place where it was OK to wear a partial face mask if you had a cold. I never thought I would have to wear one but now was the time. If not, I would probably scare the kids with my half beaten swollen face. I arrived 5 miutes before the ceremony and it was worth it.

Watching each one of the children march up and knowing that I helped to contribute in a small way was a touching experience. At this ceremony I cried more than at my own graduation so I had a swollen face and eyes- hahhaha.

At the party after all of the festivities, parents kept coming up to me and thanking me for teaching their kids and giving me little letters of thanks. I will cherish them always.