Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

“It’s not the number of destinations that you visit but seeing those destinations with new eyes.”

Today was another amazing day in Poland. It started off with a team meeting before breakfast and an eloquent journal reading by Jennifer. Listening to her words reminded me how impressed I have been by the meaningful observations and strong writing skills of our team members. I also thought fondly of our teammates back home and hoped that they know we miss them and look forward to seeing them again – especially Didi.
As always, Dorota was well organized offering explanations of our responsibilities for the upcoming parents’ program and foreshadowing a two-session presentation on India by our fellow teachers. After practicing skits and songs in English with our students, we joined everyone in the main room of the manor house to learn more about this country of one billion-plus people. Each student received a stick of burning incense and the room actually hushed as our friend recited her favorite chant. A pleasant aroma filled the air as we learned about the culture and customs of one of the teacher’s native country. He and his daughter shared information about the nation’s geography, religions, dress and industries while his wife explained the symbolism and significance of her wedding clothes and jewelry. It was fascinating to watch students of one culture learn about another culture – both of which are not our own.
After dinner we traveled to nearby Siedlce to do some errands. Arek and I took the train from Kotun while Lynsi, Ann and Jennifer rode with Dorota in her car. The train ride was fun for me since I had not taken the train with this trio to Cracow last weekend. It’s a shame that we do not have more rail transportation in the Twin Cities. After taking an hour to purchase some necessities and small souvenirs, we started walking to our next destination. A loud siren sounded and a woman called out to us to “stop.” Quickly and emphatically she spoke to Dorota in Polish but I caught the word “Warsaw” and recalled yesterday’s visit to the “Warsaw Uprising” memorial in that city. Today is the 63rd anniversary of this historic 63-day event that began on August 1, 1944.
We stood with her in silence on the sidewalk for four minutes during this tribute to the tens of thousands of Polish people who had been shot and killed by the occupying Germans. With deep emotion in her eyes, she said it was a real joy to fight back despite the large loss of lives. There was so much bloodshed that sand was thrown on the dead bodies. Everyone in Warsaw tried to help so she rolled bandages at the hospital which was eventually bombed by the Germans. Her husband’s father was a general in the Polish underground Home Army and her grandson turns out to be a student at our English camp. She said she misses her grandson dearly but will see him at Reymontowka on Friday for the parents’ program. Incredibly, this statement brought our day full circle. We had met someone whose generation fought for Poland’s freedom and continue to teach those whose generation is charged to retain it. Sto lat (100 years to you) Poland. And many more.