It’s hard to believe the final weeks of ETA Emma Barnes’ time in in Padangsidimpuan is fast approaching. She has been spending a lot of time with people in the community, starting to say the first of her goodbyes, and having the first of her “lasts” in Indonesia. One of these “lasts” was her last morning volunteering at the pre-school near her home. The day was conducted as usual, with students practicing their bahasa Indonesia, playing outside, and having a short English lesson. For her last lesson, Emma sang songs with the students such as the “50 States Song,” “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” and “You Are My Sunshine.”

After the children went home, Emma, Pak Andi, and the other teachers at the pre-school ate lunch together to celebrate Emma’s last time together with them. Emma has been so grateful this semester to be able to work with and know a wonderful new group of people at the pre-school, and she will miss them very much when she returns home.

Emma Barnes is currently teaching at SMAN 5 Padangsidimpuan, North Sumatra