A Farewell

After 3 weeks winter vacation, we came back to work and learned that several kids were no longer able to come to The Center.  Jose Felix is one of those.  He and his family moved down the hill and he lives too far away to walk to The Center in the afternoon.  The Center kids live uncertain lives, which means they could be at The Center one day and not the next.

 Jose Felix was a delight in the classroom.  I'm going to miss his bright smile, his "Yes, teacher," "No, teacher," attitude, and the way he hangs his head when he knows he's done something wrong.

 I got to see Jose Felix one more time when I came to his school in the morning to talk to his teacher.  He matter-of-fact told me "I'm not going to come to The Center anymore.  I live too far away."  I secretly hoped for sadness in his voice, maybe a warm hug or at least one more sparkly smile.  Instead, I had to beg for a goodbye hug, aching inside for this little one who I wouldn't get to see every day anymore.  I realized that for most of these kids, change is a constant part of their reality, and they've learned to cope with it by taking it as it comes.

 

As I turned to walk away, Jose Felix said "Profe, you should come sometimes to see us.  And you should bring us more Bible books!"  I can only pray we planted a seed of hope in his life.