Me in action!

Justyna posted some pictures on the school website here. Just scroll down the page a bit to see my shining face. If you click on the hyperlink below the photo you'll be taken to a gallery of photos of me in action from today and yesterday.

Today's classes were awesome! I had a ton of fun and the kids did too. We talked about the household, different rooms, which items are found in what rooms, and made family trees. We did lots of moving around and active games around the classroom. I was hoping to start the photo project but ran out of time, which is a really good thing actually. I'd definitely rather have too much material than not enough.

A few posts ago I mentioned that a few of the older girls were a bit intimidating for me. Today at the end of class I heard them asking Justyna how to say "you are a very nice person". Then they all came up to me a giggled a lot and said it in unison. I can't tell you how awesome that made me feel! We had a group hug and took a picture together. A few girls decided they wanted to stay and participate in the second class (the younger group) too. After all the classes were done Justyna told me that I'm a very good teacher. What an injection of confidence that was!

I didn't want to admit how homesick I was feeling last night because I don't want anyone to worry about me being bummed out way over here in Poland. After today, I feel so awesome and totally excited for the rest of the classes. That's not to say I don't miss you all though.

After class today, Agnes, Justyna, Dominika and I went for a drive to see an old 15th century chapel that still holds services regularly. There is a narrow enclosed area that circles around the church, and Agnes explained that people who traveled from very far away would sleep on the floor in those areas on Saturday night to wait for the Sunday service. Its walls are carved with the names of hooligans (as Justyna called them) from the 19th century who visited the church and wanted to leave their mark.

Then we drove a few minutes down the road and up a huge, steep hill. Atop the hill were ruins from a castle that was constructed by the first founders of Tarnow. We walked around on top of the castle ruins and I stood on a high point for a minute to absorb the breathtaking view of the city. I imagined that if I were a more dramatic person, I would walk there to reflect on life and think about enigmatic things.

Agnes has been cooking some kick-ass vegetarian food. I'm a little worried that I'm eating way too much though. She made some toasted buckwheat thing, broccoli in a creamy sauce, breaded and pan fried zucchini slices, seasoned lima beans, and soups soups soups. They have soup with every meal. The soup I just had definitely had ham in it. And lots of bread. Today she had homemade bread with coconut. They eat yogurt on the bread. And pineapple and banana juice with sparkling water. So many delicious things. I really want to photograph them all but fear that it might make them uncomfortable. AND I got to do my laundry! It's drying outside right now.

You know what I miss the most? Water. Straight up water. I want to walk in the house and take the biggest glass from the cupboard and fill it to the brim, then stand in front of the sink half hunched over while I chug it and let it drip down my chin and on to the floor. I'm so glad I brought my canteen so I can discreetly fill it from the bathroom sink at night.

In a little while my family and I are going to a barbecue to celebrate someone's wedding. Hopefully they have some vegetarian options! I'll be sure to report back; I know you're all itching to find out. :)

Czesc,

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