Day 11 & 12 (part 1): Goodbye & thanks to Colorado!

Hi!

I'm writing this blogpost far above the clouds on my way to JFK New York and my final destination Montreal. Dale and Jackson took me to the airport and at the same moment they were picking up Beth. It was very nice that I have seen her as well before leaving, even if it was just for a minute. 

Yesterday was my last day on the Tozer Primary school. When I came in the day started as usually with the pledge of allegiance and singing to the flag. I didn't mention this before but in  America it is very common that children show their love for the United States of America by singing en pledging to the flag. Yes, in every classroom they have the flag with the stars and the stripes hanging or standing in the corner of the room. 

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

After this Mrs. Hoffner asked if I felt comfortable with marking some information about animals together with a student. I thought this would be quite fun so helped the children out marking those texts about different unknown animals. One by one they came by and we marked descriptions, diet, habitat, habits and interesting facts in different colors. 9:50 it was time for recess and I played funnel ball with 6 students, they really like this game. After recess I went on highlighting texts with the students. When I finished all of them miss Butlers class came in to join the lessons, this wasn't planned but unfortunately there were a lot of teachers missing and they ran out of substitutes. That's why Mrs. Hoffner decided to watch an episode of the magic school bus. 

At 11:45 it was time for Lunch, this time it was mac & cheese. I didn't like it this time. Gabby and I had lunch with another teacher which name I didn't remember, although she was very nice. She had a spider in her classroom which was quite scary. After recess, I helped out with the small business project. The children have to think of a company themselves and worked it out yesterday. I was the shop were they could buy stuff to make their projects with. They had to buy it with the money they received for cleaning their desk etc. Being the shop was really fun. After that I said goodbye to the class and Mrs. Hoffner thanked me a lot. Even some children came to give me a hug.

Dale and Jackson came to pick us up and we went home. I started packing my bags and children played outside. The children had to go to their dance and soccer classes but I stayed home to organize everything before leaving. When I was writing my previous blog Matt and Izzy came to visit and eat at the Gates house. Unfortunately, Chelsea wasn't with them. We watched some tv and ate the one million dollar spaghetti (Dales recipe). After dinner we went outside and played freeze tag for a long time. When the kids were playing I watched some tv and went to bed early because it's better to sleep well before traveling.

When I woke up this morning I realized this was the last time I saw Gabby and Gisele. I took a shower put the last things in my suitcase and was ready for breakfast at 7:00. I ate some cereals and walked with the family to the schoolbus stop to wave at Gabby and Gisele. When we came back I was ready to go way too early and had two hours left. In these two hours I played with Jackson for a bit and checked my social media. I did a final check to look if I had all my stuff and we left to go to the airport where Dale dropped me off and picked up Beth. We said goodbye and I thanked them for this really nice adventure. I waved at them and then went to the check-inn, baggage drop off and security. After security I had to take the airport train to gates A. Ate a Big Mac and bought myself a magazine. Then the airplane departed at 12:45. At the moment there are only 15 minutes left till JFK. 

I want to thank the following people:

• the Gates Family for making this internship and adventure possible. It was a pleasure to live with you for 1,5 week. I'm definitely gonna miss you all guys! I really enjoyed it, even the children arguing about what to eat for breakfast. And all the self made games were really fun to do! I really appreciate your hospitality and want to thank you for organizing I could experience Colorado to the fullest. 
• the Alles Family for taking me to the Fairacres and being so nice and also your hospitality. I loved it! I know for sure you will have a lot of fun with the Gates. 
• Becky and Glinn for the nice meal on Sunday. Becky, I love the butterball soup.
• Fairacres for giving me the opportunity to talk with a lot of you residents.
• Tozer elementary school and especially Mrs Hoffner, Mrs Eccleston and Mrs Peruca for giving me the opportunity to help out for 4 days.
• Kid's Haven for organizing last minute I could come and play with Jackson's friends as well.  
• And all the other people I've met!

I'm going to miss all of you guys! I have had an awesome trip so far! You are always welcome to come and visit me in the Netherlands! 

Tomorrow I will post about the rest of my traveling day.