Museum'ed in London 6.23

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Photos (top to bottom): photos 1-7, 10, 12: taken along the Thames; photos 8, 9, 11: the Tate Modern; photo14: on tour at the studios of BBC Television; photo15: London Zoo; photos 16-18: Trafalgar Square; photos 19-20: at the Imperial War Museum.

The Final Day 6.19

What is most remarkable about this, my final morning in Senegal, is how quickly the emotions of the past several days have receded, and settled into memory.

Of course, as soon as reread those words, emotions upwell.

On the last day of school, as teachers were cleaning up and checking out, a colleague asked how I was doing, if I were excited about leaving.

I realized only later what I was unable to express in that moment. I was experiencing a dozen emotions, not one. A cartoon character might feel one emotion, excitement, but what I have been feeling are multiple emotions -- sadness, loss, regret, uncertainty, anticipation, and, yes, excitement.

I have been mindful, in these final days, to walk softly, and exit quietly, without drama or fanfare; to depart feeling rather than moving, alcohol-free.

The Senegalese notion of teranga is real (though the culture, generally speaking, is no less contradictory than my own). Teranga is an inner state and connotes an authenticity and deepness of regard that is foreign to me as an American. It is the most important and valuable souvenir that I might take away from three years in West Africa.

I will desperately miss spending my days in the company of so-called third culture kids. I’m very sad about it. The felt sense of loss is on the order of a death. In an interesting reversal, I feel like I’m loosing my teachers, and individuals whom I so admire, for their basic goodness, and ethical sense, and broad, international perspective.

There’s something of great personal value and significance beneath these images and emotions. I do think it lies in their basic goodness and selflessness, whether real or perceived.

It certainly has been a rich three years -- not all positive, but rich in learning and experience nevertheless. I’ve experienced Senegal Deluxe.

I’ve learned the importance of having a light or lighter touch, of touching and releasing, and then returning to what doesn’t change, whether attention to posture, or breath, or related.

And so it is now time to move on.

Making the Rounds: HLM, Soumbidioune, N'Gor 6.18

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Photos (top to bottom): photos 1-2: weaver at Soumbidioune; photo3: buckets of abalone for sale on Plage N'Gor; photos 4-7: scenes of a busy, summery Plage N'Gor, with many Senegalese bathers; photos 8-9: terrace of Hotel Abaka, where I spent many pleasant hours logging dives, reviewing chapters with Hilda, and lunching with my dive colleagues.

Building A New School Inside Out 6.17

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ISD Director Wayne Rutherford offered a tour of the new middle/high school build being constructed on a corner of the campus. It's a grand project, fantastic, a wonderful point of pride. It is amazing that such a flurry of activity has been taking place over months just outside my classroom windows, while we have remained absorbed in our routine, oblivious.

8th Grade Graduation 6.14

Left to right: DonaMaria (USA), Rhynardt (S. Africa), Adam (USA), Cristina (Spain), Chiaki (Japan), Damir (Belgium), Filipa (Portugal), Yoel (Israel), Ben (USA), Audrey (Congo), Charbel (Canada), Mariama (Sierra Leone), Anthea (Australia), Selma (USA)

With the graduation of the 8th grade class, only 5 students remain of the 25 I worked with in 6th grade two years ago -- a dramatic change, but in keeping with international schools which typically see about a 30% turnover each year. It's tough on the kids, who must cope each year with loss and grief. It's real, and really emotional.

It is key, then, that we foster a strong sense of community, rich, resilient memories, and give proper attention to noticing and appreciating moments.

Last Day - 1 = Sports' Day 6.15

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Photos (top to bottom): photos 1-4: Sports' Day opens with teams meeting by color and a jazzercise warmup; photos 5-6: lunch with the class, and a goodbye cake for the teacher; photos 7-8: students gather for drama performances (Rhynardt, photo 8); photos 9-12: during the Sports' Awards.

A full day of activities on the eve of our final day: Sports' Day for grades 6-12; HS drama performances, and the Sports' Awards Assembly.