I have been told many times that Timorese are so used to receiving foreign aids that they do not know how to appreciate Malais (foreigners).
But I was in BIG surprise this afternoon as we packed up at the guesthouse to leave for Dili. Kids from the English Class came by & sat very quietly at the living room. Migi kept hinting that they are going to give me something while we were loading our bags into the car. So when we finally finished loading, we sat down to take group pictures. One by one, the kids stood up & gave me these beautifully wrapped presents for being their teacher in the last 2 months.
The one present that made me cried was the cup of yellow jelly from Leonardo. He was sent home yesterday when he was not behaving well in class. Not only did he come to say goodbye today, he gave me a present & on the present he wrote “Lydia, I am sorry! Leonardo”. I hope his little toe will heal quickly & I will see him again soon!
As we waved goodbye in the car, the kids ran alongside the car & shaked my hand. Lucia did not want to let go of my hand; Joe shouting “Lydia, hau hanoin Lydia”; Tomasia, Emilia & Josefina kept saying “Lydia, la bele tanis!” but I just could not stop crying. I am already missing the kids before I left the mountain ………..
With Love,
Lydia
Latest update
Text msg from the kids:
30.1109 from Lucia “Lydia sinpan hela nomor telepon ne Lucia nian I reza ba sitr Lydaia atu lalais labele haluha hakuak Lucia”
28.11.09 from Emilia “Lydia, hau hanoin Lydia tamba hanorin English. I am crying because Lydia going to Singapore & forget me. Good night Lydia. Write again to me. Goodbye. See you next time” - replied that I have not forgotten her & I am missing her. Asked her to be strong & not cry. Told her my friend will be coming to teach them English next week & also to give them the photo album I have promised them
28.11.09 from Lucia “Halo Lydia nee ho Lucia bainhira mak Lydia fila mai Timor” - replied that my foot is not well, will be visiting doctor on Dec 8 before knowing when I can return to Timor
26.11.09 from Josefina “Halo Lydia. Lydia diak ka lae? Hau hakarak Lydia mai hanorin ami ingles” - replied that my foot is not well so I cannot go back to teach her English yet. But my Singaporean friends will be coming next week so practised with them
11.11.09 from Eleonora “Btarde. Teacher Lydia, how are you? Lydia la keta hanoin barak no labele haluha ami” - replied that I missed them all including her sister (Antoneta) & brother (Leonardo), prayed that I can come back soon
