29 October 2011

It's So Hard to Say Goodbye

As many of you have probably already heard or read, I will be returning to the US on Monday, 31 October. This decision was a very difficult one for me, but one that I felt couldn’t be avoided. There were a number of personal factors that led me to this decision. Nevertheless, it has been very, very difficult saying “goodbye” to my students, their parents, and my West Nairobi School family.

There are a few stories that I would like to share as I finish up my time here in Kenya. Please read on and enjoy.

Although English is one of the national languages here in Kenya, there are often misunderstandings from just a difference in the way we use words. For example, my ninth graders take things very, very literally. I was thanking the freshman one day for how well-behaved they are in my class. I explained to them that sometimes my classes with upper classmen get scolded for talking too often. They then asked me to tell them which class was the worst for talking too much. I told them that I wouldn’t tell them that because they would probably throw me under the bus by telling that class. One of the students sincerely looked at me and said, “Ms. Helton, we would never throw you under a bus!” Ha ha ha ha!!! I then had to explain what the saying actually means. J

Another day with the ninth grade in Health Class, we were discussing genetic testing that would reveal a person’s biological disposition to certain diseases. I asked the class, “How would you feel if a test revealed that you had a 99% chance of developing cancer in your life? Would that consume you?” One of the students (a different one from last time) then sincerely asked, “Do you mean it would eat you alive?” LOL. I then proceeded to explain to him that by “consume” I meant “take over one’s thoughts.”

Watching the students at their sporting events is another fun past time. Here is a picture of the football (soccer) team doing a chant after they won their first game of the season!


 The peoples of Africa have many behaviors that are nothing short of talented! I thought I would share some photos of these talents and encourage you to try them—or maybe not! J


Can you believe how much they put on a rickety bicycle??? Now usually they are riding them with this much on them, but this was a slight incline.


I need to learn to carry things on my head like this! And look--no hands! So impressive.


Okay, now this may not look like it requires talent, but I wish you could see the teamwork that goes into hoisting a man outside this dump truck into the dump truck! They fill it to capacity and get to work this way each and every morning.

Missy Parks, the placement specialist from the Network of International Schools for West Nairobi School, visited us last month. She and NICS so kindly treated the entire faculty and staff to a Brazilian barbecue restaurant called “Fogo Gaucho” for Alanna (the middle school history teacher’s) birthday. We ate beef, chicken, crocodile, and more. It was so good! 



Plus, my friend Jenn (the high school Spanish teacher who taught in South America for five years before coming to WNS) was so amused by the Kenyan gauchos.


I thought that I would close with some pictures of my classes. We had food, drinks, and fun in every bell my last day! Of course, as any good teacher would, we did classwork as well.


This class is Human Anatomy & Physiology. They are Juniors.


This class is Chemistry. They are mostly Sophomores.


This class is Health. They are Freshman and Seniors.


This class is Biology. They are Freshman.


This class is Physics. They are mostly Seniors.

Thank you so much for following my blog. I know that some of you have many questions about my leaving the mission field. And for those of you that gave financially to help me, I can definitely understand your concerns. If at any point, you would like to talk to me personally about those, please feel free. I want everyone to understand why I had to come home.

I am 100% sure that God called me to Nairobi. Why he wants me to come home early is still a question in my mind. I do know, however, that “God is God, and I am not. I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting” (from Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “God is God”). I also know that God’s thoughts are not my thoughts and His ways are not my ways (from Isaiah 55:8). For the time being, I am just going to have to trust Him even though I don’t understand it all.

I would appreciate your prayers during all of the transitions that I am making in the near future. Asante sana.

Prayer Requests:
  • Please pray for my travels home. I did not do very well on my trip here due to severe motion sickness.
  • Please pray that I will be able to support my family through some difficult times that they are facing.
  • Please pray that I will be able to quickly find a job so that I don’t have to mooch off my mother for too long! LOL
  • Please pray for the staff and administration at West Nairobi School that are needing to fill the spaces created by my absence.
  • Please pray for my students that God will comfort their hearts as I go. Students in international schools often have to say “goodbye” to many, many people in their lives. Please pray that their transition will be smooth and that God can use this for good.
  • Please pray for my roommate, Kristin, as she will be encountering many changes with my leaving as well.


Praises:
  • Praise God that my colleagues at West Nairobi School have been so encouraging and comforting in this time of difficulty. They have prayed with me, sent me kind notes, and offered many, many favors to make my transitions easier.
  • Praise God for my roommate Kristin. She has been a wonderful roommate and has been so kind and understanding with the news of my leaving.
  • Praise God for the “Nairobi Girls” (the 7 other new teachers this year) that took me to dinner last night at a great restaurant and really made me feel loved! We are already planning visits when they are home in the States over Christmas and summer breaks! J
  • Praise God for a family that is so supportive no matter where I feel He is leading me—Florida, Africa, or home.
  • Praise God for all of my students at WNS. Even though I’ve only known them for a short time, I love them very much. They have helped me laugh, taught me patience, and made me feel loved. I will have truly left a piece of my heart in Kenya!