The 4th of July!

So, it’s USA Independence Day and here I am in England. No celebrations. No barbeques. No fireworks. I’m really missing some good Southern food. I tried to explain sweet tea and boiled peanuts to someone and they simply did not understand. So, in recognition of the day, I wore red, white, and blue to work.

I went into work today without a schedule, which meant I had no idea where I was meant to go after the homeroom period. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I went to homeroom. It was not a big deal. The teacher was there and the boys were good. I had missed them. Some of those boys, the head boy and one other especially, are just really nice. They make me remember why I like this age group. After that I went off in search of my contact teacher. I went to the other buildings but was unable to find her. So, with no idea of where I was supposed to be, I went to the staff lounge, where I was pretty sure D. (my favorite teacher) would be.  And she was! I chatted with her a bit and then I resolved to simply sit and wait. So I drank some water and read the paper. I also chatted with some faculty and such. They clearly have no idea where Georgia is, but I’ll get to that later. Eventually a teacher came along and said I could go help the year 5 and 6 work on kite making. Sure, why not? So I went and helped them tie some sticks together and glue tissue paper onto the frame. I was fun and I got to reconnect with some of my younger kids. They really are precious. I also got wished “Happy 4^th of July” by an American student. Thank you. Finally. After the kites had been made after much struggle and fighting over glue, we made our way to the park to attempt to fly them. Well, flying didn’t actually. They just ran around with the flag dragging behind them which eventually led to the demise of the flags. Those poor kites came back ripped and broken. So much for that.

I have found that there are two types of teachers. There are the nice ones who will actually acknowledge you and say “hello” and the ones who act as though it is a burden to have you help out in class.

After that I went to lunch and learned that the school was having “Celebration Day” today. This is basically an awards ceremony with some artistic highlights. But before I get to that, I must talk about lunch. Well, first about on the way to lunch. I saw a kid from my homeroom who says to me, “Did you know that today is Independence Day in America?” This kid was dead serious. Yes. I know. I am wearing my country’s colors. Haha. Then him and I just started talking. He is quite precious and I’m glad I got to know him more. D. was so sweet and went to Sainsbury and bought me some candy to celebrate the 4^th. She is seriously the best! I also sat and talked with some teachers. Back to their lack of knowledge of the states’ locations. I had to try to explain to a man (with an Indian accent) where Georgia was. He thought it was by Hawaii. Uh no. Then he thought it was by Washington. No. Wrong. He didn’t understand. I was also asked by D. if I go to Mexico a lot because I’m so close. Haha. Gotta love her. No. The only places in the US that these people know are New York, California, and Texas. Texas? Random. That’s so random. D. and I also had such an encouraging talk about our faiths which I loved so much. I’m about to go all Anne of Green Gables. I believe her and I are going to be bosom friends haha. We have decided we are going to keep up with each other.

D. and I took the year 6 to the assembly which was over on Oxford Street so we had some good time to talk. We learned about each other’s hometowns, etc. The assembly was great, and I liked doing something non-academic in the school. I felt as though I was a part of the school. Some of the students who I know got some awards and nominations. I was so proud! The performances were so impressive. They had students read original poems, perform from plays, and sing. They choirs were absolutely beautiful. There was even a boy, who’s in my homeroom, who had the voice of an angel. He could sing higher than any girl I know. Crazy. What was even more surprising, the other students were so supportive of each other. After each performance, the students clapped and cheered for each other. It was quite great to see. Once again, so proud. Afterwards we went back to school and walked around the art exhibit they had set up. These students are seriously talented.

Mrs. Morgan is coming today so that tomorrow we can begin our Paris adventures!! I can’t believe this is happening, but at the same time, I feel like it’s not a big deal. It’s just the normal thing to do here. That’s what I love about Europe. It’s so easy to go to different countries. I wish the US wasn’t so isolated. Though I could always go to Canada or Mexico. Gee.

I am almost packed and we are leaving super early in the morning. As soon as I get sleep I am sure I will be excited! I am bringing along my Kindle and a play script to read on our train ride. Goodness!

Week Four: Day Three: Internship 10