Saying Good-bye, Senior style

Thursday was my last day with the Seniors. I wanted it to be special for all of us. My class was the only one that had all the Seniors in it, so I decided we needed some closure. I had planned for the two hours of class to be full of memories, thanks, and good-bye. Each classmate would sit in the middle of the circle and one-by-one the classmates sitting around them would say something they loved about the student in the center. Well, time was against us! Presentations didn't get finished because of borthday fun the day before. So, we took the first 20 minutes to finish those. Then by the beginning of second period we were less than halfway through. It just was too hard to be concise. I didn't want to change the atmosphere or squelch what God was doing, but I didn't have much time left. Finally I had to make the decision that only 2 students would say something about the classmate in the center. It still was beautiful. Many kids took the time to say thank you, or to tell how the appreciated someone's walk with God and how it had strengthened their own. Some kids, who had not talked hardly at all because of an earlier falling out, were able to affirm each other and reconcile.

When each student was in the circle, I would give them their present, verse, and a prayer. It was such a joy and priviledge to be a part of this time together. Even with our time modifications, we didn't finish until the end of third period!! Then, the student asked me to get in the center, and each one said something to me. I cried the whole way through it I am sure. The things they said are treasures in my life. God showed me how much He is able to accomplish through me, and I was overwhelmed. Once each student had talked to me, they all stood on their desks and said, "Oh captain, my captain." Then I really started crying! The kids jumped down, and group hugged me, while Vero prayed for all of us.

Words just don't do this event justice. I wish you all could have been there, but I think it might have spoiled the effect. :) Just believe me it was incredible!