Pause for Wellness

It was wonderful receiving a surprise visit from another person from the states a few weeks ago! Ingrid was visiting from Moscow, Idaho as part of a teacher exchange program. Not only was I able to meet with her, but also the teacher (from a different school) who was hosting her. This was a great connection to make and I enjoyed the company and conversation throughout our dinner together.

This past weekend, the volunteers in my oblast hosted a WELL Seminar (Workshop in English Language and Leadership). We had approximately sixty students in attendance - which was awesome! I was able to get nearly twenty students from my school, which was a great opportunity for them to meet other students and volunteers. Now, my school community is "conspiring" ways to get other volunteers to come visit (for example, hosting a similar workshop in my town, summer camp, etc.). I'm looking forward to hearing about their ideas...

Here are some pictures from the workshop:

At the registration table

During one of the lessons (lessons taught included Project Planning, Culture Studies, Music, and Leadership)

Two of my 8th grade students (Inna and Nastia)

David was a fantastic Team Leader! In fact, many of my students want to invite him to our school to visit with him more...

After our work at the workshop, a group of us went to a night club to socialize and dance. Here's a picture of Alex and me (she lives in the same oblast):

Loved dancing all night with Drew, David, Dorothy, and Greg...

The following evening, a group of us rented a banya - which was at someone's house, but they converted a portion of their house to have a sauna, steam room, swimming pool (complete with waterfall), ping-pong, exercise room, and picnic area. We had a blast and afterwards I was incredibly relaxed! Ahhh, after a full-week of teaching and the seminar on the weekend, it great to be able to relax with friends.

I jumped on the train this morning to get back to site in time for teaching... and it will definitely be a fast week. I received four invitations to play soccer tomorrow after school, so I will certainly be bringing my "sports clothes" and my game face :) . On Thursday evening, I'll be headed to a friend's site near my warden training, which is during the day on Friday. Then, I'll head to Kyiv for a five days - definitely need to get the Egypt trip planned for Mal, David, and I... sure looking forward to them coming!

Hope summer weather has finally arrived, wherever you are in the world.

Take care,

Love Natalie