Farewell to Bullet Tree - 6/23

After the ruins and our pool party, we went back to Bullet Tree for a farewell Mass and celebration.  The community planned a beautiful Mass and chose songs especially for us.  One of the most moving parts of the Mass was after communion when we all sang, "Bind us together Lord, Bind us together with cords that cannot be broken.  Bind us together Lord, Bind us together Lord, Bind us together in Love."  Roberta impressed the community as she read the second reading in perfect Spanish!  Kelly and Caroline also took the gifts up at the offertory.  After Mass, Mr. Pott presented a plaque to Ms Redford and Ursuline on behalf of the community.  He then asked if some of our girls would share what their experience has meant to them to the entire community.  Several of our girls shared and all did a wonderful job!  We were also fortunate to present two scholarships for 4 years of high school to two girls graduating this year.  The scholarships were named the St. Angela Scholarship and St. Ursula Scholarship.  One of them is being funded by Steve Smith and his family and the other by the Ursuline community, specifically the girls and the families of the girls on the trip.

After the presentations, we all went over to the school for a delicious meal of rice and beans and stew chicken prepared by the community and some dancing!  I think we all agreed that we could have stayed and danced all night, but everyone had to get up early the next day.  It was sad to say goodbye at the end of the night, but the community did a wonderful job planning a celebration to end a week that we will never forget!

Roberta reading at Mass

Kelly and Caroline taking up the gifts

Mr. Pott presenting a plaque to Ursuline

Mr. Smith presenting his scholarship to Brittney

Ms. Miller presenting a scholarship to Vivica

Shannon expressing what the trip has meant to her

Enjoying our farewell dinner

Having a dance party with the community

Kate and Faith

Mr. Koehler twirling one of the students