Departure Day

Lynn and my last day was Sunday. We got out to the farm in time for church but found the children to be quieter than normal and some very standoffish. Little Sarah had come over and wrapped herself in my arms while I was talking with teacher Saul. She was not saying much, but just there holding my finger and getting as close as possible. All I heard her ask a few times was when Rhonda would be back and how many months would it take. Saul began explaining that the hardest day at Challenge is when all the visitors leave. Many kids find a place on the grass all to themselves and cry, others lash out in anger at someone else. He was explaining that many fights break out in the first day or two after the visitors have left because they do not know what to do with their feelings. I was really shocked by this news. I looked down at Sarah and realized what was happening. Many of the kids will just lie in the dorm bed and not come out to see us go. I believe they are trying to separate themselves. During Saul and my conversation, the bell for lunch rang but Sarah would not leave. Saul went on to say that many kids loose the appetite to eat. Here I am getting caught up in my thoughts of going home for Christmas and spending time with loved ones while these kids are literally dreading the departure date. That put such a heavy weight on my heart. I had to choke back tears several times that day and told the kids that I would be back as soon as I had the money to return. How could I not? Much of my heart remains in Kitale with these kids.