The sweetest thing happened in class today. I was giving a lesson about Halloween in America to a room full of eleven year olds. They were very interested in everything I said, despite the fact that they have a hard time understanding my accent. The teacher asked me to explain trick-or-treating to them in French because it would be too difficult for them to understand in English (this is their first year of English, they are practicing their numbers and days of the week). There were gasps of excitement when I started speaking. They were so amazed that I could speak their language. My explanation was riddled with mistakes, but they were so pleased that I put forth the effort and wasn't embarrassed to speak in front of them.
I really enjoyed this class, but the sweetest moment came after the bell had rung. I stayed behind to talk to the teacher as the kids filed out. As I was waiting for her, one student came up and handed me a paper skeleton held together with small gold brads. She didn't say a word, just handed me the gift and went to catch up with her friends who were waiting in the doorway. I was so touched. Despite the age gap and language/cultural barrier, she decided she liked me in the time span of an hour. At that moment I felt very welcomed and appreciated and liked. And they say one person can't make a difference.
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