4/17-18/13

I know that I keep saying I'll post everyday, but there are some days when you don't know what to say. My last post showed the lovely affects of culture shock, something I  never thought to see in the classroom, and the harsh reality that I'm not home. But it also was a post that let me think about the things that I need to be willing to change in order to make this a successful placement. It made me think about growing and learning to work in a different system, to be who I am but to still play by the rules.

I was finally brave enough to admit my fear to the teachers I was working with. I told them that I am afraid of a system where the tests are so important and what I do here could possible ruin their futures because these tests are so critical... Being able to finally admit it, to tell them that I'm scared was the beginning of me fitting into the system and working on learning all that I can.

There are teachers here who have spent their time in public schools, and so I have made friends who I am comfortable talking to about differences. More importantly, my cooperating teacher (who really is a lovely person to work with) was able to reassure me. She said it is a time for me to explore and make mistakes, because at the end of the day if the kids won't know any better. I just need to keep growing, to keep trying, and I won't ruin their lives. She told me I was doing just fine, and has given me some great feed back.

So, though the last post probably left you feeling frustrated (I mean it was more of a rant against fitting into a system I feel adrift in), I hope this one will shed some light on the many good aspects of the school, and how these kids really are awesome students!

Yesterday and today were growing days, they were about starting in one place and arriving in a new and better one. So I taught a few lessons as the start of the week that I wasn't proud of. Plus I was afraid I wouldn't have a chance to be who I am in the classroom... Well today's lessons changed a lot of my out look. I taught a lesson on consumerism in 1920's America. Interesting right? The best part was I did it completely through the use of ads. I was able to get the kids talking and interacting with me, while they also spent their time answering questions that promoted higher level thinking! All-in-all a success and my cooperating teacher approved!

I have finally (after two weeks) hit my stride. I know I can do this, and mistakes will happen but that is how a person learns. These kids, even if they have  been raised in a different system, are still kids.They laugh, they are curious and they are smart.  What is really great is they have no fear of showing they are smart. I don't have kids bullying each other over being nerds, they just accept each other... It's pretty cool. Also the kids seem happy to be working with me so I hope that continues.

So after having a successful school day I headed out with Chelsea for a bit of grocery shopping and dinner. This town continues to amaze me. I mean Chelsea wanted to make a specific recipe and it involved going to four different stores for the goods. Shopping really is different here (well it is if you avoid the tourist areas haha). Eventually we managed to get all that she needed and so we headed out to find some dinner.

I had heard of a good Mexican Restaurant online and decided I could do with some familiar food. Well the adventure and company was great, the food was a little lacking. I had ordered nachos and they came fairly plain. Cheese, beef, jalapenos and that was it... I had to ask for salsa, which helped. But it really does show you the way food varies in different cultures.

Hard to see but this was part of the Mexican restaurant menu.  it lists some funny things as appetizers  my favorite being the Garlic bread option! No joke!

My nachos, the chips were actually made fresh but they needed just a bit of salsa to make them perfect! 

Over all, I guess it hasn't been world shatteringly busy or interesting and so my stories are simple. It is hard to share with you the growth I feel inside. It's hard to let you all know that in just a handful of days I can learn to change my who view of the world. That I can learn to adjust in a situation I never thought I would have to adjust in. Most importantly, I have learned that life tends to happen in the simple moments. I will have grander adventures (I mean Switzerland next month, another town this Saturday), but I need to not get caught up in the grander adventures and forget that life happens between adventures too. That learning to live, means learning to take on the whole world, the grand adventures and the everyday moments. You have to learn to appreciate the beautiful things life hands you in the smallest of moments. In the times you don't see as significant until you turn around.....

Sometimes you look up and this earth takes your breath away. Finding beauty is simple, here was where we were lost for a few minutes. But if we had gone the right way I would have missed the beauty of this sunset. 

After righting our direction, we saw a great glimpse of the Berlin TV tower. A bit strange but from the top you can eat dinner in a spinning restaurant (sound familiar) and see all of Berlin.    

For those of you wondering, Woody does ride public transportation with me. Here he even had his own seat! 

Well, since I have now deviated into a philosophical discussion I'm sure you are tired of reading. So let me part with a word of the day: Entschuldigen Sie. It means Excuse me. A phrase that isn't used here as often as I hear back in the Seattle area, but still an important one (well at least for the manners I was taught). Well, hopefully this post leaves you not thinking I'm completely bitter but am open and learning from life's experiences. I'll make mistakes but that's life. Well Good night all (and just a heads up Saturday will probably involve a nice story).