The Last Supper

We woke up Thursday knowing that, sadly, it was our last full day at the Blue Sky Home. Exclamations of how quick the final week had gone would be common throughout the day.

The boys were sent back into the classroom, this time teaching Grade 1 and 2. Music, English and Maths games proved to be most popular and the boys were much more prepared this time to fill the one hour classes.

After lunch, the boys spent some time making cards for the girls. We sat around the table cutting hearts, drawing Pikachu (Ethan W. impressed us all with his amazing drawing) and attempting to write in Thai. We then headed to the markets to pick up some final gifts for the girls and brothers. We also picked up matching shirts to wear at the farewell dinner. Mark’s choice of shirt saw him once again having to defend his wardrobe choice. Many thought he may have been wearing a woman’s top, other’s suggested he looked like Fred Flinstone while some went as far to draw similarities to Shrek (after he was turned into a prince – of course!)

Back at the house, we finished our cards and began wrapping the shoes and socks which were brought using our fundraising money. The presents looked particular amazing thanks to the bows donated by Charlie and his mum, Julianne!

We quickly packed, cleaned our rooms and change. After a quick photo shoot of the boys in their fabulous new shirts we headed to dinner. The girls and Brother Matthew surprised Liam with a birthday cake, complete with trick candles. After dinner, we all participated in a candle lit reflection. As we stood holding candles and the girls hands, emotions were quick to take over. It is hard to put in words the relationships that had formed but the broken hearts and tears shed highlighted the genuine connections our boys had made with the girls at The Blue Sky Home.

The girls then performed a goodbye song for the boys. Despite their tears, the boys pulled together and performed the song taught to them by the girls: Loi Krathong. The girls quickly got up to join the boys as they moved in a circle together singing and dancing. Stand by Me was also performed, and girls were so impressed by the boys singing skills an encore was requested.

The girls had also surprised us all with a gift of traditional Thai pants. Elijah was particularly surprised with his, as the slits down the side of the legs left little to the imagination.

The rest of the evening was spent exchanging gifts, bracelets, cards and hugs as we thanked the girls for their hospitality and friendship.

Reluctantly, we called it a night and headed back the house with heavy hearts but wonderful memories. That night, we decided not to complete a reflection as words seemed unable to express the feelings felt at that moment. The boys demonstrated true ‘Beda’ spirit, looking after one another and exchanging hugs and kind words reflecting the brotherhood that had formed within the group. We headed to bed, knowing we had an early and emotional morning and attempted to prepare ourselves to say goodbye.