Lyceum English Club

I've been doing some new and interesting things with my English club from the Lyceum this year. Firstly, we've been meeting at a cafe in town rather than meeting in a classroom. As a result, membership is up and the atmosphere is lighter and a lot more fun. Last week I taught my students how to make a handmade book and the week before that I invited them over for tea, chocolate chip cookies and games.

Anya and I in the front, and Dasha, Vlad, Anya, Irina, Polina, Nastya and Yarik standing.

 

Saturday in Dnipropetrovsk

Last Saturday was a busy day for me. First thing in the  morning I took the bus into the city to participate in a seminar for Ukrainain English teachers at the Mining University in Dnipropetrovsk. One of my Peace Corps colleagues (Sam Sachs) put together the seminar with the help of PCV Peter Moore. There were 4 presenters and we all took turns explaining the "Communicative Method" of teaching...my section was based on the "listening" aspect of this method. Brendon, Kip, and Peter, all PCV's, participated and I have to say I was pretty impressed. There was a good turnout of teachers (18) and everyone seemed to get something from the seminar. I actually learned a few new trick myself! After the seminar, I met my book club at a nearby cafe where we spent a two enjoyable hours letting our hair down. We drank tea and coffee and had lots of snacks and played charades which was really fun. I haven't played this game in years!

PCV's and some of the teachers who came to the seminar.

Me and Nik

Beautiful Natasha and Irina

Yaroslav, Alex, Thomas, Dima, me, Natasha, Irina, Veronica, and Nik

Veronica, Natasha, and Irina

Trying to act out "Spongebob"

Spongebob is "square"

Choices

I'm getting to be a short timer here in the corps and have been re-evaluating my life such as it is and will soon become. I look forward with an elated sense of anticipation for the future, but at the same time I am sad for all the friendships I feel have slipped away from me since I have been here.

I have learned that when you are away from everything you know that the most important thing to have in your life are connections. Family and friends take on a whole new meaning when you are in the Peace Corps or serving in the military or just away from what is familiar and solid in your life.

Of all the things I could ever wish for in my lifetime is that I never want to be forgotten. When has the value of friendships and family gone the way of the latest fad? I used to think friends and family were forever but it's simply not true.

Making a conscience choice to keep the lines of communication open is proof that no matter where you are in the universe, those who love and care about you will always keep the lines open. Those who choose to let go of this fragile thread will one day regret the loss of something meaningful.

I have found a way to make friends and family wherever I go, and for this gift I am thankful. Without it I would be one lonely individual.

Past Projects

I have heard from many people here that my new teabag project is really wonderful and I realized that they have not seen my previous work. I am proud to present a body of work that started in 2007 and contines today...  http://www.papergirlsstudio.com/Tea

Tea bags drying on the clothes line