Emergency Lesson — By Bella Lupo

            Today was the last full day teaching. I got to teach my emergency lesson, which happens to be ocean animals. If you know me, you’d understand my undying and quite serious love for underwater creatures. I had so much fun, which I quickly learned was key to teaching. If I am having a good time, they will too. And boy do I have a good time. I went through flashcards and flashcard games with them (repetition is important!), then I showed them my photos. I did not expect the emotional impact doing this would have on me. Showing personal photos was an idea that I thought of earlier in the morning that I decided to go through with. I picked a few of my favorites to share. The reaction touched me. This wild, chaotic kids got so quiet and tightly packed themselves into a circle around me. I swiped through the videos and photos, having them repeat things. They were in awe. Their little eyes got huge and gasps filled the room. I tried to point things out and skip over certain videos, but they didn’t want me to. The kids held down my fingers and would want me to replay the same videos over again. I felt so grateful that I had videos of giant whale sharks and colorful fishes to show them. I cried while teaching the first graders. Normally they it’s difficult to get them to focus on me, but I had no issues. They loved every moment. I wished I could take them all there to see it in person and be enchanted by an underworld world, like when I was little. I got to share something so close to my heart with them, something that they had never seen before. I can’t help but get emotional. I feel like I got to give them a piece of my heart. I’m trying my hardest to give it my all. For myself, for these kids, for Great-Grandma Eileen. I think of her constantly. She had her heart set on me going and now that I’m here, I’m not going to waste it. The last conversation we had is always in the back of my mind, even while I teach. I know that those kids feel my love and her love. I am trying my best to get through to them. They are getting comfortable and listen well to me, most of the time. But I’m not ready to leave yet. I feel the need to do more, to see it through. It’s not easy. I’m exhausted and overwhelmed at times, but every second is worth it. I’ve quickly figured out the best things in life take work. I’m being rewarded every day. If it’s walking into a room and hearing cheers or just getting a kid to speak some English to me, I feel fulfilled. (I often have a kid on each hand or am being tackled with hugs, which I don’t mind) I love these kids. So much. These past nine months and every bump in the road is not in vain. I am there for them in every way I can be. Through thick and thin, they are worth it. I would go through the tears, frustration, stress, and pressure to get here again. No matter the cost.

 

p.s – My songs are Stubborn Love by the Lumineers and Brother by Kodaline

16 Responses to “Emergency Lesson — By Bella Lupo”

1. Wendy lupo, on June 4th, 2019 at 2:17 am Said:

   I remember being there when you had that conversation with Gramma. Her eyes lit up and she was so animated talking with you. You could just tell she was so excited for you. She would be so proud, I know I am. Love you! Aunt Wendy

2. Katy Shoevlin, on June 4th, 2019 at 2:19 am Said:

   What an inspiration you are. To anyone who feels a passion, this is how you live your passion. What a life changing journey you’ve gone on; life changing for you and for these children that are touched by your undying spirit. We love you! Xx

3. Marybeth Lupo, on June 4th, 2019 at 2:23 am Said:

   Bella you are amazing! You’re doing such incredible things and touching these kids’ lives so beautifully. I’m so glad we get to read about your experiences- how life changing it is! If today was the last full day for teaching- what does the next part of the trip look like? Love you lots! -Marybeth

4. Brittaney Lupo, on June 4th, 2019 at 2:39 am Said:

   You never cease to amaze me with how absolutely wonderful you are. Your passion for these kids and sharks- what an amazing combination! I can only imagine how physically exhausting and demanding this has been- hopefully your pain has been manageable- and you keep pushing and giving all you have. It’s not surprising you’ve been doing this every Saturday for your squirrel squad. I love you and miss you! Sooooo glad I got to see your smiling face today.

5. Papa, on June 4th, 2019 at 2:41 am Said:

   I really love ❤️ your posts. I am very proud of your ability to communicate your thoughts and feelings. I also fell in love with Baxter, wish u could bring him home to pal around with Luca. Thank you for the beautiful tribute to Grandma 👵

6. Kathy, on June 4th, 2019 at 2:45 am Said:

   Bella, you are truly amazing!! I’m so excited to be a part of this incredible journey you are on. Thank you for letting me be a part of it!
   You will forever be a part of these kids lives, as they will forever be part of yours. You should be so proud of yourself!! I sure am.
   Love, Aunt Kathy

7. Vin, on June 4th, 2019 at 3:02 am Said:

   I miss you so much and love you I wish you were with me. I miss you a lot I wish I could hug you and kiss you.😭😭😭😭.from vin.

8. Debbie Reagan, on June 4th, 2019 at 3:23 am Said:

   Bella,
   You just make me smile! This journey is amazing! Your spirit just shines through your words and that beautiful smile! You are a wonderful example to your family and your friends! I am sure that your Grandma Eileen is sharing your joy from her very own bench in Heaven!
   I love you,
   Grammy

9. Abby, on June 4th, 2019 at 3:52 am Said:

   Dear Bells,
   I am so glad that you are having a great time in India. I know you are having a great time with the kids there and I am so glad that you get to teach them. I love you and miss you sooo much. Even though I like how our bathroom is still clean after a week, but I miss you playing your music even though I don’t like it that much. I wish you were here. I miss talking to you and I wish I could talk to you about ARP and how nervous I am for it. Thank you so much for your post it is what I needed and that song Real Life by imagine dragons. I love you Esa, I miss you so much. Have a great rest of your trip I hope that you learn a lot even though your the one doing the teaching.
   Your Favorite Sister😊

10. Chrissie Smith, on June 4th, 2019 at 4:59 am Said:

    It is beautiful to watch you transform into this amazing woman you are quickly becoming, Bella! The way it touches your heart to bring joy to others is such an amazing gift that allows you to touch the hearts and lives of countless people. I am so blessed to know you and be able to witness this transformation taking place!

    Continue the hard but wonderful work you are doing! I am confident this experience has changed you for the better and I can’t wait to see you when you get home!

11. Christina, on June 4th, 2019 at 1:30 pm Said:

    Awwww glad you go to share something you care about so much! <3

12. Rachel Bliss, on June 4th, 2019 at 1:54 pm Said:

    Bella! This is beautiful 💗! You are amazing 🌞🌞🌞

13. Brittaney, on June 4th, 2019 at 2:45 pm Said:

    From Facebook :
    Jerry Brown: Bella, you are doing a great thing. Your work there will be a blessing to many people.

    Randy Brown: Great to see you being and doing wonderful Bella.

    Janet Lupo: (Uncle Ronnie’s daughter) Excellent and inspiration work, Bella💜💜

14. Brittaney, on June 4th, 2019 at 2:46 pm Said:

    Grandma Laura’s text response: I’m so proud of Bella, she’s doing such a good job with those kids.

15. Rachael Holmes, on June 4th, 2019 at 2:55 pm Said:

    Wow! What incredible experiences you are having! I’m not surprised at all that you are so successful and that the kids are loving you so much! We can’t wait to hear even more about your amazing experiences when you get home. Sending you lots of love from all of the Park Meadows YW!!!

16. Lisa Palmer, on June 4th, 2019 at 5:40 pm Said:

    Bella, your blog is beautiful! I can feel your passion for the ocean animals, the cute little students, and your Great Grandma Eileen! It’s making me tear up as well! Thank you for being so well prepared and sharing your love with India!