We just returned from our first visit to the school and everyone’s emotions are running high. We traveled about 30 km out of town, down too many dirt roads to count and one bridge I was sure wouldn’t keep us above water. My stomach climbed up my throat as we got closer to the school and I was surprised at how nervous I felt to meet 35 children.

The one room school housae is just as simple in person as the pictures I’d seen, but so much more alive and warm. Wild flowers are now planted on the porch and miniature backpacks line the doorway. The kids greeted us at the door with wide smiles and lots of giggling. I was immediately overwhelmed by my emotions and Tinh and I faught hard to keep from crying.

One girl caught my eye immediately. She had pushed her way to the front of the group standing at the door and was barking orders at the rest of the kids. I watched her for the rest of the day and laughed at how much she reminded me of me.

The kids sang and danced for us and we did the same for them. It’s been a long time since any of us performed I’m a Litte Tea Pot but we stumbled through it. We had only been at the school for a short time before realizing that a crowd had gathered outside. Our visit was big news in such a small village. We got to pass out treats and Tinh arranged for us to give each student a new pair of shoes donated by the Clara Peterson Elementary School in Illinois. It was funny to watch as the kids picked out their favorite pair.

Time flew by and it was time for the kids to go home, so we reluctantly said goodbye. We will visit again later this week and it won’t be soon enough.