I had more visitors in the days before my move than I had in the last month.... Some people came over, crying, and I had to half feign the same level of emotional distress. Other people came by to pretend they'll miss me, but mostly just ask what I am leaving behind... "Va a llevar todas las cosas, Yessi? No me puede regalar alquel boladito?
Irritating, but not surprising.
Irritating, but not surprising.
When I went in for my last day of art class (world map crash course/brain melting insanity) I was rewarded with a surprise goodbye party. They led me in to the classroom blindfolded and popped a confetti balloon over my head. The kids thew in money to buy a cake from Anthony's pasteleria, plus soda. They had the classroom all decorated with balloons and wrote messages all over the whiteboard wishing me well and hoping that god blesses me.
Despite how often I complained about these kids, and how often so many of them would drive me insane, this was the first time I had tears that I couldn't suppress. I felt some of the weight of my time in El Cocalito/El Rosario coming clear, and felt good.
Now I know. In between El Salvador's real dead bodies, and fake dead bodies, and abuse and frustration and roadblocks, I guess, there are relationships and events you need to let in and those are the things that will make you cry, but from happiness.
