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18 Comments

  1. Melissa
    May 8, 2017 @ 03:03

    Beautiful post. I have wondered the same about short stays teaching. We weren’t in Kratie for very long so I didn’t feel as much of a connection as you, but we were in the refugee camp for three weeks and it was so hard to leave the students there. Even now, when they contact us on FB, I wonder if it was worth it for us to go there and wonder if they gained anything useful. But then I think, at least they have friends “on the outside”.

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      May 12, 2017 @ 02:00

      Yes, I think the benefits outweigh the disadvantages most of the time, but it’s good to be aware of both.

      Reply

  2. Sara
    May 8, 2017 @ 04:53

    Ah Tim. You are such a great writer. I want to be like you when I grow up. Great post and introspection.

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      May 12, 2017 @ 02:00

      Thanks, Sara!

      Reply

  3. Paula Agins
    May 8, 2017 @ 05:46

    I know I will miss your posts, the kids, the families and the beautiful pictures! I am sure they will remember you long after you leave.

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      May 12, 2017 @ 02:01

      Well, I know they’ll remember the Legos and Uno cards I left behind!

      Reply

  4. Lori
    May 8, 2017 @ 05:53

    Tim, even making a connection one moment in time, no matter how brief, can be life changing…you may never know how much you have impacted a child’s life……but rest assured, you have made a positive difference that will last a lifetime.

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      May 12, 2017 @ 02:02

      Yes, I feel the same way most of the time.

      Reply

  5. Rosir
    May 8, 2017 @ 06:46

    Hi Tim
    I realize that your experience has touched so many! Little feels as good as someone who cares and I’m sure these individuals sense your sincerity and caring about them. I loved the photos.

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      May 12, 2017 @ 02:02

      Thank you, Rosie!

      Reply

  6. LInda A Wight
    May 8, 2017 @ 07:51

    It must be hard to leave the kids but I do think that people come into our lives at different times and make a difference, as I’m sure you did. I still think you’re teaching them even when not in the classroom. I still remember a dentist, that I went to as a child, who sent me a subscription that encouraged my love of reading. Perhaps you will be able to return someday. Love the pictures, Tim, and your wonderful descriptions of people and places. Happy travels and hope your eyes are better soon. Love, Linda

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      May 12, 2017 @ 02:04

      Thanks, Linda. I do try to teach by example and guess I am always in teacher mode even when I’m playing with the kids.

      Reply

  7. Elaine Temel
    May 8, 2017 @ 13:17

    Ahhh…..a beautiful reflection on your work. Reminded me of this quote…I think you are leaving your footprints where ever you go.
    “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”
    ― Flavia Weedn

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      May 12, 2017 @ 02:05

      Great quote! It’s the kids who have left footprints on my heart.

      Reply

  8. Vicky Ann Deledda
    May 9, 2017 @ 13:31

    Who is it harder for at departure time…. the kids or you?

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      May 12, 2017 @ 02:05

      You already know the answer to that one.

      Reply

  9. Vicky Ann Deledda
    May 9, 2017 @ 13:32

    Your titles are my favorite part!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      May 12, 2017 @ 02:06

      Thanks! Sometimes they come to me way before I even write the post.

      Reply

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