Czech-in' Out

Well, I guess this is it! My bags are packed, the apartment's cleaned, and my passport's in my backpack (I quadruple-checked - don't worry).

It was really sad to say good-bye to all of my students yesterday. The day was a flurry of  long hugs and handmade cards. A few of my favorite moments:

• After I said good-bye to the second grade class, one of the girls wrapped herself around my legs and hung on me for about five minutes. I finally had to pry her off of me when it became clear she wasn't planning to let go anytime soon. 
• When I told the fourth grade class that this was the last time I would teach them, they all started booing and (fake) crying. They gave me an uncomfortably long group hug after class and continued to beg me to stay. 
• One of the fifth graders, Filip, came up and hugged me for a realllllllly long time after class. Getting a drawn out hug wasn't so unusual today, but Filip is usually such a stinker in class. Despite his misbehavior (or maybe because of it), he's one of my favorites. I hope my next students are as wonderful as the ones I had here!

I can't believe that after looking forward to this trip for so long, it's already over. This has been a wonderful adventure, and I am so grateful for all of the experiences I've had. I am so thankful that God has watched over me, led me to meet some wonderful people, and helped me grow as a teacher.

I need to catch my flight, so it's time to say good bye (or "na shledanou"). Good bye to my fellow teachers and new friends; good bye to my adorable, fun, and crazy students; good bye to the owners of the neighboring grocery store who are always so patient with me as I fumble with my money and mispronounce their language; good bye to all of the socks and sandals, gravy and dumplings; good bye to the school and city that have been my home for the past two months.

And good bye for now to you, reader. Thank you so much for following me on this adventure and keeping me in your prayers!

How are all of you? I'm sick of talking about myself. :)

Prague, Cathedrals, and the Blue Danube

I will officially be leaving in less than a week! Unbelievable. I knew the time would go fast here, but it honestly felt like I just got here.

This last week went really well. I taught three lessons a day and observed for the rest of the time. It was nice to have the luxury of putting a lot of time into preparing my lessons. Sarah from the international school (Riverside) in Prague observed me on Wednesday, and as before, she had great feedback, encouragement, and tips.

On Friday I made another visit to Riverside. My visit was wonderful. If I could teach anywhere, I would pick this school. I won't bore you with the teacher talk, but they are doing great things there! After school I went to Prague for a couple hours before heading home. I was really sad to go; I'm going to miss the easy access I've had to this city the past couple months.

On Saturday I visited Regensburg, Germany. I love what I've seen of Germany. The people are so friendly and everything - the cars, food, buildings - is so nice. Really great descriptive adjective, right? Let's just say that it contrasts quite dramatically with many parts of the Czech Republic. For example, in Plzen, I have learned not to smile at people on the street. In America, when I run by other runners or walkers, I always nod, smile, or say hi. But here? If anyone actually returns my eye contact, they definitely don't smile back. I was a bit wary when everyone was smiling at me in Regensburg on Saturday! Over-generalization? Perhaps, but there is definitely some truth to it.

It was a two and a half hour train ride from Plzen to Regensburg, and I happily read, looked out the window, and relaxed in my compartment. I spent about five hours in Regensburg, and it did not disappoint. It's beautiful - right on the Danube River, and there is an incredible cathedral there.

 Above: One-one hundredth of the cathedral. You'll have to take my word that the rest of the cathedral was pretty cool too!

A comment on the food: firstly, all of the food looked (and tasted) amazing. Secondly, everyone was eating gelato or ice cream, and practically every other person was eating a pizza - like a large 16 inch pizza - by him/herself. It looked pretty hilarious (and delicious).



Now that I'm starting to imagine going home, I'm getting really excited! I can't wait to see my family and friends and read the signs and know the ingredients in my food. :)

I am planning to write one more post at the end of this week to wrap up the blog. Can't believe the adventure is already coming to an end! Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. Have a wonderful week!

P.S. Pastor Petr gave me a book called "Dinner with a Perfect Stranger." It's an interesting premise and a very quick read. Highly recommended!