Reviewing our Team Goals

Message of the Day:To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch. or redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
Attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson and shared by Brenda

Today is Monday of our second week. It is amazing how time flies.      

When we arrived here last Sunday, we wrote our goals for our stay. Today we met to evaluate our progress.
 
First and foremost, we wanted to teach our students to improve their ability to speak English. We have become a close knit group of teachers from all over the USA who care about our "kids.”  We share ideas. We share successes. We encourage each other and we work very hard as a team to accomplish our goal.

Secondly, we wanted to learn about the culture. Last night as we listened to the presentations about Poland, we learned a lot about the country - its geography and its history. We watched with pride as our students spoke their parts in English. We managed to pass their quizzes thanks to Lori, Lynn, and Kaelan. (I wonder if they are as nervous when we ask the questions?) The food was great and it was fun to celebrate Polish night.

Weekend activities to Krakow where we visited Auschwitz, the Salt Mine, the Wawel Castle, and churches combined with opportunities to walk the city, go to concerts, and visit the market also helped us to learn and love Poland. Visiting with former students connected one of us with times past and reminded all of us to look to the future.

We have brought with us the true spirit of America and our "kids" have brought with them the true spirit of Poland. The bond that we have formed will not be broken.

Will they pay it forward?  Only time will tell.

It was a good Monday, and a great day to be at camp!
Journal prepared by Barbara