July 23, 2009

Thought for the day: “Chilhood has its own way of seeing, thinking, feeling; nothing makes less sense than trying to replace it by ours…” Jean-Jacques Rousseau

The day went by relatively smoothly, with the standard classes and hearty Polish breakfast and lunch. Unlike most days however, the children of the camp had prepared a night of dancing and music called “Polish Night.” The heat and humidity did not stop the kids from singing and dancing, as they enthusiastically celebrated their Polish heritage while donning costumes and sashes. Afterwards, the counselors and volunteers had hors d’oeuvres and some of us were pulled onto the dance floor for more celebrations.

The most striking thing about this night was not that the people in Poland truly cherish their heritage, but that they cherish their culture as all people do, whether they are from Peru, Costa Rica, Canada, or the United States. Some, upon hearing that I was going to Poland, would say “Why would you ever go to Poland?” Anyone who has been here does not need to ask the question.

By Chris