Reflectory Note By Mrs. Gro Holm Rypestol

(Teacher of MI 1974-1979) Just a retrospective glance and some words to follow. The years that I spent in Khaling ,in School for the Blind and in Dawzor, were some of the best I've ever had. They were the highlight of my Youth. I was some 26 years old when I arrived in the beginning of 1974.

Everything was new to me. But I soon came to know that it was the very same situation for the blind children that came to stay in our school. They were Bhutanese OK, but the moving to Khaling from their safe and well known home and house was just as drastic and radical as it was for me to move from Norway to Bhutan. We were somewhat experiencing the same. That was a consoling and good thought for me, and a source of understanding and compassion.

In the beginning I was ment to concentrate on deaf children, but decided very soon that it would be much better for me to continue the work with the blind. I shall never forget the day I started to teach Tobgyel, Kuenga Chhoegyel and Wangdi. It was a remarkable day. I talked English all the time, for hours on end, and I do not think the 3 boys understood more than a handful words. Even so they sat quietly on their chairs, listening to me telling stories and reading stories. You were indeed the most patient students ever.

But the most important was not what I during all the years taught the students, but what I learnt from them. You are all, each and everyone, my pride and joy. I'm so thankful that I was given the opportunity to get to know you. I don't think one single day has passed since I left Bhutan, in which I have not thought of each of you and the Lovely country of yours. You have marked my life for ever. In such a way that I still carry you in my heart and prayers.

Greet all the students of today, and all the teachers and helpers in the school. Love from Lopen Gro

© MI

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