We’ll Be Back Gyumri

I was walking to the school in Gyumri for the last time with the staff. I got high fives and hugs from all the kids who were waiting impatiently for the school gates to open. The staff and I lined up the kids, to get ready to sing our morning anthem. It was amazing to me how the first day while watching the kids sing, only a handful knew the words. On the last day, every single kid was singing with confidence and passion. As we made our way to our classrooms the kids were excited to continue our usual classes, English lessons, arts and crafts, educational.  During lunch time we were surrounded by all the kids, not wanting us to leave their site. I had one kid come up to me who made me promise him that I will be in Gyumri next year. We even shook on it. As time went on, it was time for our song competition, the moment we have been preparing since first day. The kids had their game faces on, and I had never experienced a song competition like this. After the competition was over, the group of boys I had punished couple days ago came up to me and hugged me. They asked to be punished one last time before I leave. The punishment was they had to carry me to the classrooms and back. For the last time they carried me around the school. As the day came to an end, I gave my email to most of the kids to keep in touch with them. Walking back to our house, I think it did not hit me that the Camp Gyumri was done for our group. I was still convinced that tomorrow I would wake up and continue what we have been doing for the past two weeks. The last day was full of emotions, and I definitely do not like saying goodbye.

Hrag Jivalagian