Millennium Development Goals Achieved (September 27-October 16, 2009)

Twelve volunteers taught for five hours a day. 800 hours of the English language instruction were provided to 190 students. 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, the center for disabled adults "Caritas" and the after school shelter were impacted. The volunteers also conducted classes for 12 emloyees of the county government, 2 local teachers, as well as 6 other adult community members.

October 16, 2009

By Dennis

As Pat, Kathryn, Betty, Perry, Mary Ann, Ellen, Eddie and Dennis prepared for another routine day of teaching and tutoring they were treated to a breakfast featuring eggs and ham. It was not routine as everyone knew that it would end with final goodbyes. Goodbyes that we were not looking forward to. Yes, there were treats and smiles, but there were also many teary eyes. Our evening was capped off with a goodbye dinner with the deputy governor, volunteers, other community members and at least three adults who benefited from our efforts. Of course there was the packing for an early morning departure. Oh, and there was that final journal and thought for the day. Tomorrow we leave and go our separate ways with many great memories. Last but not least – have a good and safe journey.

Thought for the Day (from Dennis): Mother Teresa..."We may not do great things in this world, but we can do small things with great love.

October 14, 2009

By Pat

I awoke this morning to beautiful snow. There was at least a foot of the wet stuff.

Jola picked me up and we made our way to the church in Cisiee for Mass. We then went to the school for a program celebrating Teachers’ Day written and directed by two teachers. How do those kids memorize all those lines? Each teacher was presented with a rose and bar of chocolate. Iza made the drive back to Reymontowka Place with 5 children packed in the back seat. We let them off in their village. A surprise on the road, tree branches bowed down to cover the road. Iza carefully made her way through them.

I entered the manor house to discover another surprise, no electricity at Reymontowka. Candles were placed along the hall like a landing strip. A group of business people meeting here was literally in the dark.

The English students from Kotun walked from town to meet with Kathryn and me. After our lesson they walked back in the snow and cold.

Thought for the Day (from MaryAnn): A tree is known by its fruit, we by our deeds. A good deed is never lost: one who sows courtesy reaps friendship and one who plants kindness .gathers love. Saint Basil
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October 13, 2009

By Betty

Winter is definitely trying to come to our humble group. Eddie’s early morning report of cold and windy proved to be the weather of the day. Snow has been predicted this week.

Today Ellen reports she had a wonderful day working with two female students and enjoys the “more laid back atmosphere” as the other students are away on a one week trip. How much better can you get when you can report the day “went well”?

At dinner tonight Mary Ann and Dennis showed us some of the angels their students have been creating. All four of the Global Volunteers at this site were presented with special Christmas trees made by the students and have promised not to open special letters until Christmas Eve. Will they keep their promise?

Our dinner tonight included slices of fresh pineapple given to Betty by a student who was leaving for a special conference. The joke of her class was this student always wanting to use the Polish word for pineapple and Betty wanting her to use the English word. It is a special memory to have developed a fun joke with a student especially over something silly and in such a short time.

In the spirit of teamwork, Dennis showed Perry the secrets of using the washing machine in the laundry area. Perry remains proud of his “Polish-American” invention of a dryer. Yes, a dryer in Poland. Put your wet clothes on a rack and turn on a room fan. Perry shared this with Dennis who is a true believer in the new system.

Perhaps after reading this or hearing this, each of us will savor a special Global Volunteer memory of a student, a lesson, a conversation or even a joke we have had while in Poland. Why not make another memory today?

Thought for the day (from Pat): A tip; to stay young, laugh often, and laugh loud.

October 12, 2009

By Perry

For breakfast, the remaining eight team members slowly came downstairs rubbing their eyes recovering from a busy weekend. All except for Eddie, who walked in from a walk in the fresh morning air and smiling.

We were asked to attend a team meeting at 6 pm, before dinner, so we could review team goals.

Betty and I walked around the Reymontowka grounds to enjoy our surroundings. Several of the wood carvings were captured in photographs. Betty also made some new friends by offering three horses some tasty apple treats. More photographs were taken. Kathryn indicated the has an especially enjoyable day with one of her students, Agnes, who thoroughly enjoys American idioms.

At 6 pm we had a good meeting reviewing our team goals: student education, volunteer education, personal relationships, leaving good impressions and flexibility. We also got the see the interview done by the local Siedlce TV station host talking to Marek Blaszczyk, Dorota, Kathryn and Perry.

Dorota also shared that next year will be a celebration of 20 years of Global Volunteers participating here in Poland. There have been 2,500 volunteers here in Poland and a total of 25,000 volunteers internationally.

Thought for the Day (from Betty): Memories are steppingstones from the past that lead us to new experiences and new horizons. (Author Unknown)

October 8, 2009

By Doris

Cheryl and I started our day teaching the wonderful classes from Cisie. It will be very hard to say "good bye to them today! We also ended our time with the Niwiski students. In the beginning, I honestly thought I could not face those "energetic" little darlings 7 times, but today I am actually feeling like I want to stay with them longer. Once they understood "my plan" we got along beautifully! I even got a hug "good bye" from all of them!! I would like to say that I accomplished my 3 goals. I met wonderful people from all over the U.S. who enjoy helping others. I was able to visit and experience the homeland of my great grandparents, and most of all I hope I made a small contribution to the advancement of some very special children that I will never forget.

Thought for the Day (from Kathryn): Don’t be dismayed by goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends. …Richard Bach

October 6, 2009

By Dennis

It was a typical routine of up and ready for another delicious breakfast featuring pancakes with cheese. The volunteers were then off to their normal schedules of tutoring and teaching for the day. There were some highlights through out the day. Cheryl and Doris had a new group of 6th and 7th graders in the afternoon. Pat had a great day planning for the Weds. zoo trip. Kathryn had a tour of Siedlce with her student.

The highlight of Tuesday was a dinner here at the manor with the County mayor, vice mayor, 13 of 21 County Commissioners, 4 representatives from the Ukraine a long with their translator and of course the Global Volunteers. We had a very nice meal and a slide show of the seasonal changes in the Ukraine county side. The mayor welcomed everyone, the leader of the Ukraine delegation responded and Mike responded on behalf of the Global Volunteers.

Thought for the day (from Edmund): author unknown: No longer forward or behind. I look with hope or fear, but grateful for the good I find, the best is now and here.