My visit with Maruge: Day 7

Today I am leaving.


My time here with Maruge has been wonderful and Maruge has been very kind. As I am packing my clothes into my suitcase, Maruge walks in. "I have a goodbye present for you," he says. I wonder what it is and then Maruge tells me that he will give it to me as I am getting on the plane.


Pretty soon, my suitcase is packed and we are at the airport. We wait together as they board the plane and finally, they call me up. "Before you go," Maruge says, "I would like to give you my  first daughters only baby toy." In my hand he presses a small, yellow baby rattle. I look down at it and then up at his face. Before I know it I am giving him a great, big hug and crying out "Thank you! Thank you! Asante sana!" Not only for the baby rattle but for this wonderful experience. What an honor him to have given me his daughters only baby rattle. I knew that this small little object, pressed in the palm of my hand, meant the world to Maruge. As they call my name again, I wave goodbye to Maruge and tell him that I will write to him.


As I step onto the plane and take my seat, I think back to all the wonderful things we did, people I met and lessons  that I learned. Maruge has taught me to keep on trying, even when others say you can't do something. Maruge kept on trying to go to school even when many people told him that he shouldn't. He also taught me to not take what you have for granted and I think that is a very important lesson.


I look out the window and see Maruge standing at the airport window, waving good bye. I wave too and then the planes wheels begin to move.
     
   Good Bye, Maruge!    Good Bye,Teacher Jane!    Good Bye, Kenya!