"I fell in love again.."

"...I don't mind, I don't mind..."

The last week of school before winter break resembled the final acts of a circus and the consequential cleanup afterwards. My kids were excited and merry, although forced to spend four hours in a classroom taking a test that took most of them one and a half hours (hence the hum drum, necessary "cleanup" metaphor). On the last day of school before break, I had my first period class for 4 hours. While the other teachers hosted movie (or xbox) marathons in their classrooms, I insisted my class do something...merry, academic.

Alas, we read The Gift Of The Magi and made intangible Christmas lists. Lists of things that could not be bought or touched. My first period's poster filled with slogans asking for peace and love and friendship. They want their families home. They want the war in Mexico to end. They want an education...

As the tips of our class' drying out markers grazed the page, it became harder and harder for me to hold back tears.

On the last day of school before break, I fell in love again. With my students. With their benevolence, their kindness, their generosity, their innate spirit of joy despite the burdens they carry. I fell in love with it all, with them all and all of them.

Tomorrow, I leave for Haiti. When I was there in June, I embarked on the most miserable flight schedule that I never hope to take again. Although my 3:45am travel start time tomorrow is less than desirable, I should be Bonswaing in Haiti by late afternoon. Thinking about the first time I was there, I am dreading the baggage free for all in Port Au Prince and hoping that my frequent (and probably) annoying reminders to "not forget me again" are embedded in the minds of the ones who are suppose to pick me up from the airport upon my arrival. However, beyond my few anxieties, I am mostly peacefully anticipating my week away.

The first time I went to Haiti, I fell in love with the people. Their spirit. Their innate joyfulness. Their work ethic. The children who snuggled into me for three hour naps. I fell in love with the "bonjours" in the morning and "bonswas" in the afternoon. The "blan, blan, blan" shouted after me as I strolled the dusty streets intermingled with locals and other volunteers.

Fell in love. Fall in love.

It's incredibly easy to do when the receiver of my falling is humanity. Whether I fall into love with my students' kindness, a strangers passing glance, Haiti's fiery soul, it's easy. Falling in love with humanity is like swan diving off a cliff into seafoam green waters. Falling in love with humanity gives me reason to wake up, reason to fall asleep, reason to smile, to cry, to ask, to receive. Reason to live.

"I don't mind, I don't mind..."

My ever supportive family has donned on me generous gifts to carry with me to Haiti. My friends have sent wise words of encouragement through every (many) means possible. The Universe has given me satisfaction. My soul has given me joy. And, humanity, has given me reason.

"I fell in love again...I don't mind, I don't mind..."