Hi! It’s been a while. Life happens way faster than I can write about it. Thankfully the massive amount of snow (!) has allowed time to slow down and catch up. Schools have shut down all over Scotland. There’s nothing like an unexpected snow day to boost morale! Ellen, Larry and I bust out the skis, snow-board, and “sledge” and headed up the hill yesterday.
A few quick updates: This place is beautiful, as are its people. I am amazed by the warmth and hospitality they continue to show me.
Teaching is a welcome adventure. I am realizing my own teaching philosophy (which would have helped in writing all those “Philosophy of Education” statements each semester…). I will be realistic and tell you that school has been as challenging as it has been enjoyable, a good combination. Nine times out of ten, the day does not go as planned. More like 9.9 times out of 10. But I love the children more each day; and the accent never gets old.
We're studying Thanksgiving this week and last. It's a completely foreign concept. I was really into the whole pilgrim thing and how the story of their voyage and faith connects British and American history, how it can link both my students and me to our shared ancestors. I forgot the Scots hate the English. Anyway, we did a Mayflower voyage simulation and all of that Plymouthy stuff. Then I tried to paint a picture of what it looks like to celebrate Thanksgiving today: family, food, and football.
One day we were talking about what we were thankful for so the kids could give thanks on their turkey handprints. I asked what it means to be thankful. One hand went up. Here’s what she said:
“It’s like…being really glad that something exists.”
Perfect.
This post is me being thankful. I’m really glad that you exist.
