You know that feeling when you’ve had company for a few
hours or a couple days and when they leave your house feels empty? Like things
just aren’t the same? Well, that’s how our hearts feel today on this last day
of the indaba.
The sessions were brilliant as usual, but today’s focus was
really on the students and their connections with one another. As Rebecca put
it, “Meeting these people has shown me what real friendship is.” The students
reflected on how they have forged stronger relationships in 2 days than they
have in their entire high school careers. The power of genuine connections is
unparalleled and these students are shining examples of that.
As the sessions closed, there was an open mic ceremony. Reading
this on the agenda, one could easily assume that it would be a relatively
normal, yet nonetheless beautiful, closing to the conference. Little did we
know that these 15 minutes would serve to validate all of those long nights and
fundraising stresses. As a few of our girls walked up onto the stage and
completely blew away the audience with their talent and humility, it became clear just how powerful this experience has been; it has truly altered the trajectory
of their lives. Rebecca performed a slam poem she wrote when she was in 7th
grade. Aiti not only stood on stage, but grabbed the mic from the stand and
paced the stage confidently as she spoke about how this conference has given
her the self-assurance to speak in front of and with others despite her accent.
She thanked Mr. Ives and I for filling the role of ‘the parents’ from the
beginning to the end of this journey. Diana spoke about how she believes this
experience has shown her, perhaps for the first time, what happiness truly
feels like.
(Diana Speaking)
(Rebecca Speaking)
(Silly family photo)
We had a couple hours after the open mic that we gladly
spent at the market that runs parallel to the hotel. The girls learned how to
negotiate prices. At first they were extremely shy and uncomfortable, but by
the end of the second hour they were bragging about who negotiated the best deal.
We ended up befriending one of the businessmen and he gave us free music-makers
as a token of appreciation for our “toughness” in our negotiating!
After our shopping spree, it was time for the closing
dinner. The tables and chairs were adorned with white linen, the room itself
looked like a wedding or a gala event. The dinner opened with a Native Feasting
Song from a member of the Wabanaki Tribe of Main as well as a serenade by a
professional violinist (who were both youth members of the summit). It was
truly special.
The food was delicious, but dinner didn’t last long as our
new friend from Kenya hooked up her phone to the stereo system. It took all of
30 seconds for every student to flood the dance floor. Picture over 80 students
from over 16 countries dancing to the same music, mimicking one another’s
styles, and laughing that laughter that only comes from the soul.
As the night closed out, they had to say goodbye to their
friends. The students that they had become so close to have to return to school
tomorrow and therefore, had to call it an early night. Their faces were
drained, they were sad, but they were resolute in their belief that this was,
without a doubt, the most incredible experience of their lives (so far).
As we walked as a family back to our rooms, the students
assured us that their motivation and passion would not end with the boarding of
the plane on Saturday. This feeling with stay with them and they want to take
the necessary actions to ensure that they will continue to develop even when we
are back home.
(Luis, Satomi, and I)
(Multinational Dance Party)
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