I said my farewells to everyone at my school 10 days ago. It was the last day of class before another big festival (Tihar). I knew it would be my last day, so I did not hold back from teaching every elementary class and filling them with card games, The Hokey Pokey, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, and Duck Duck Goose. At the end of the day, they had a farewell ceremony planned for me.All the students lined up in the schoolyard as if for morning formation, and the teachers put a throne for the Sugar King up on the hill in front. The headmaster gave a charming speech in Nepali which included words like "Sugar Land, Texas" and "big smile," then I was given a chance to talk. I gave one last huge "Namaste!" returned with another huge "Namaste!" by all the students. Further taking advantage of this opportunity, I continued with "How are you?" knowing they would all reply with "I am fine!" which did indeed follow. I gave my farewell speech of gratitude and expressions of love for them and the wonderful time they gave me. All by translation of the English teacher of course.
They had me sit back on my throne, and the head teachers proceeded to give me a gold silk scarf and one huge red tikka all over my forehead, face, and neck. Here's a photo of the man they call the "Guru" giving me a tikka. The rest were given by Yam, Krishna, and Bishnu. Then the ceremony continued with me walking down the lines of students to receive a flower or mala (flower necklace) from all four to five hundred of them. I can't put into words how wonderful it was. I left each staff member a daily planner as a farewell gift, and there is now a Texas postcard adorning the office wall as well. I said my goodbye's to each teacher, gathered my things, and sadly left the school of so many good memories of recent days.
