Our Despedida

The school year is finally drawing to a close down here in Loja, and it's not a moment too soon. We can feel the waning energy of both teachers and students. All are ready for a break. So, in the last couple of weeks, we've been making an effort to wrap things up, give the students final exams and assist them in performing their year end presentations, or "sabatinas",  for their parents. We spent seven straight hours one day last week, coaching the kids through staged demonstrations of their English and Math skills. It was tiring, to say the least, but rewarding at the same time. Our kids did fantastic, and the parents walked away happy (or so it appeared).

One of six groups celebrating their completion of the parent presentation

In all of the madness and mayhem that comes with end of the year activities in Ecuador (primarily because advance planning and preparation is not their strong suit), the teachers and students still found the time to throw us a despedida, or "going away party.". This wasn't your average punch and cookies event, but rather it was a full-on-performance. We sat like celebreties in a crowd of students for an hour watching students  sing, dance and cheer ~ all in our honor. We are the first foreigners to work for a full year at SEI, so they really wanted to show their appreciation. Despite the hot sun, it was an inspiring event and made us feel very appreciated.

We were the celebrities with front row seats alongside the school directors.

Students performing a traditional style dance

After school, the teachers gathered to send us off in a more adult-style affair, complete with shots of rum, tamales and humitas (the traditional food of Ecuador). The directors all gave touching toasts and then the teachers presented us with parting gifts. Then it was our turn to practice our Spanish by giving a little toast of our own. Short but sweet (Ben's more of the former and Sara's the latter) but enough to tell them how much we appreciated their friendship and support. It was very touching to feel such appreciation. The party left us feeling like the year was a success on many levels and that we will be leaving behind some good friends down here in Ecuador. It's a bittersweet ending. One more week and then a little vacation before we head back to the USA.

Posing with our Ecuadorian hand-made parting gifts