Saying Good-bye

Today is the last day for one of kids. She and her mom will be moving down under to Australia. Ysabella is a first year highlander. Unlike most of my students she didn't attend HCS preschool. She came fresh from an outside school. Though she didn't have the Highlands background, she was completely prepared for kindergarten. With our academics being a year ahead than normal, there is always a bit of concern for those new kids, but that wasn't the case with her. She flourished.

The first time I met Ysabella wasn't on the first day of school. It was actually during the summer at the "Free Kindergarten Day."  It was a day of fun activities and some academic work, a mini preview of kindergarten. It was a four hour day and Ysabella was one of the participating kids. She was quiet and a bit shy. Very timid. She reminded me of myself at that age. She opened up a bit but not much. By the end of the day, I knew I wanted her in my kindergarten class. I prayed that she would be on my list come August. Praise God that she was.

Even though she was only with us for a short while, Ysabella has made an impact. Despite her timidness she has shown her classmates kindness, compassion and love. They were all very sad to hear that she was leaving. They immediately asked me if we could make her good-bye cards. The class has been so sweet. They pray for her everyday, asking that God keep her and her mommy safe on their trip.

Before we left for the day I gathered the girls around Ysabella and lay hands on her and had the boys stretch out their arms. It's never to early to teach them how to pray for one another in this manner. We took a few moments and thanked God for her life and prayed for her future.

The kids then presented her with a photo book. A little memory book so that she can look back and remember her Highland days.  They hugged her and told her they loved her and will miss her.

This is a bittersweet day. I'm sad to lose Ysabella. I'm a little tearful. It's hard to let someone you care go. Yet my heart is so joyful to see my students show so much love for a fellow person.



Ysabella,

   "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."(Jeremiah 29:11)

   "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)

I am so blessed to have been part of your life.