In the midst of the presentations and preparations, our classes hosted party after party for us. Each time we would try to leave the party we were met with an uncanny resistance. They would insist that we were to be married in Ecuador and that we were not allowed to leave. Shelley's classes were adamant that she stay and remain as their teacher. Monty's class pried for information about our departure date so they could be there when we left the country - most likely to block our "escape".
The following morning was spent writing assessments, creating recommendations, and finalizing our personal projects for the school. Shelley visited Dr. Carlos and recieved a treatment for a persistant cough. After her visit and the work we had completed in the morning we both decided that it would be a good idea to go home and pack and sit in the sun of the courtyard. Instead, we were treated to lunch with all the staff at the school. Then, once lunch was over, the entire staff and all the senior students hosted a party for us. They showered us with gifts, we were front and centre for an intimate concert held by a Raffi like troubadour (who had written the original school song), they played a slide montage of pictures they had secretly taken of us in action and featured every student and staff member at the school, and they held a dance in our honour. It was a little overwhelming and we were short of words to express our gratitude (in either language). When no one was looking, Shelley and I added a maple leaf and put our initials in a heart on the mural. In the midst of all the excitement we almost forgot that Shelley had completed her degree and she now had more letters to add to her name (B.Ed.).
The following day we were treated to a bbq by the extended family. After an enourmous lunch, we danced and exchanged gifts of cultural significance. It was an emotionally draining day and we felt truly spent as we were whisked to the airport for our flight to Lima, Peru.
INEPE is much more than a school or a community development project. The people who work there do so out of love and with a passion for life that we have only just become aware even exists. INEPE will, for obvious reasons, always hold a special place in our hearts, but the people and their vision will also remain in our hearts, minds and lives forever.
Queremos feliz por todos,
Shelley and Monty