Right: Ratna
at 18 years old in Ludhiana, India
Parting is such sweet sorrow . . .
After an hour of exam preparation today, students flocked to Ratna Didi and started asking questions.
We then had a small ceremony in honor of my departure and Jaanoo Bhaiya's birthday -- some students had even made him lovely cards! I served the children parshaad and they recited a five-book Punjabi prayer for me (only two books of which I have memorized myself).
I then gave each student a writing utensil to remember me by during their exams, before it was time for photographs. I'm always scared to hand one of these kids a camera (because each of them wants to practice taking pictures), but they are always so enthusiastic they win me over. Manav (to my left below) had requested a photo with me in front of our sweet peas, and I had to fulfill his wish! |
| "How long will you be gone?" "How long is three weeks?" "Can you come back in one day instead?" |
We then had a small ceremony in honor of my departure and Jaanoo Bhaiya's birthday -- some students had even made him lovely cards! I served the children parshaad and they recited a five-book Punjabi prayer for me (only two books of which I have memorized myself).
 |
| "Ek onkar, satnam . . . " |
 |
| A lot more requests came in afterward . . . |
After the whole class had been photographed in groups of two or three (I have no patience for photographs!), I had to say goodbye. I walked as far as I could with the last group of kids who left, but there came a time when they all turned the corner.
 |
| "Peace!" |
I have had a truly wonderful time with our students over these past few weeks, and I immensely look forward to returning to them in April!
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