Sugar Bees

This semester when I first met with my school administration to design my schedule I was told the my school will start teaching English in the first form next year instead of starting in the second form. So I asked, "Why don't I teach the kindergarten class to help them prepare." No one disagreed so I held two lessons each week (with the support and assistance of two awesome Ukrainian teachers) with 16 five-year-olds. Let me say, they are amazing. 

Some of them are still learning how to write and count in Ukrainian but they have mastered their English ABCs and 123s. They can introduce themselves like, "My name is Dana." We worked on colors and phrases like, "Good Morning" too. I am so proud to say most of them conquered it all. A few lagged behind but I found out these few just turned four and will be in kindergarten again next year. 

These little people have been my joy each week. To them, I'm a superstar. I am covered in hugs and kisses each Monday and Tuesday. If I let them, they would drag me into the floor by the shear volume of bodies pulling at my knees. They got best friends. They got crushes and love stories. Some of my little ones lack the essentials at home but, nevertheless, they show up ready to jump and sing with me. Whether is going on in my life or my mind is set aside for an hour so I can listen to stories about each bruise or bump. Their energy and passion for crayons or a shiny, new book remind me to slow down. To let myself simmer for bit. To soak up moments instead scheduling what should happen next. Their squeaky 'Hello" in shops or around town harmonize my life. Parents and grandparents stop me in the street to meet 'the teacher my kid keeps talking about'. I don't deserve their admiration or grand affection but I'll gladly take it. I'm never been so proud as when I overheard a few of the girls call each other the pet names I call them like, "Honey, what are you doing?" I adore each of them.  

My sweet Sugar Bees have left an impression in my heart and memory that won't soon fade. 

My sweet Ina.
She hardly speaks in the classroom unless directed but,
she yells at me from her house when I jog! 

Nazar and Maxim practicing a radiation drill. 

Each wonderful day of my life! 

Boldon and Ina.
The smallest and sweetest. 

Small but Tough 

Sugar Bees!

Slavic told me he loves America. 

Graduation Gowns

The boys ready to graduate.
Slavic headed straight to me for a hug.
Love it. 

At graduation, the teachers were introducing the children to their new 1st form teacher.
They used favorite food, animal, etc.
Boldon is raising his hand to answer the question, "Who likes to sleep the most?"

My precious Nazar holding dearly to his diploma. 

Camp Champion

During the first week of June, I helped out a friend at her school camp. Caitlin did a fabulous job of preparing materials, writing schedules, making activities so when myself with my friends Drew and Anna arrived, we made the camp work. It was a whirlwind 5 days of prep, play, and more play. From a flash mob each morning to teaching baseball and jump rope to act and crafts to environmental themed songs and lessons. We did it all. 

Caitlin's school is much larger than mine and she works with 8 other English teachers. These ladies led the charge through the students. It was amazing to hear and see students interacts with each other and their teachers (in English) outside of a classroom. Caitlin's school has a 'special focus' on language so her students have an English lesson each day not just twice a week. Their skills and desire to learn were greatly refreshing. Of course, I missed my school and students. Being a grocery store bigger than my bedroom was quite overwhelming. I have good friends to help push me up and down the rows when I go into shock over city prices. 

Lastly, it was fabulous to see my friends. In Burty, we had no one but each other. Now, we've all live in amazing towns with students and friends to keep us company. Nevertheless, hearing their laughter from the next room warmed me. Everyone in PC Ukraine are great - great to talk with, work with, travel with - but being around my friends, those who know me best, relaxed my bones and my soul. 

Anna teaches boys (with awesome hair cuts) to play Ninga, Bear, Hunter. 

Sorta like Rock, Paper, Scissors but with your entire body. 

Singing our  'Go Bananas' song. 

Going 'CRAZY BANANAS' 

A student said to me after this dance, "You know, Ms. Anna is really, really funny!" 

Flash Mob Morning 

Baseball Practice 

Mini-Flash Mobers 

Ms. Caitlin leading 'Shrinking Islands' 

Students 5th to 8th! 

When in the Peace Corps, you learn to cut sausage and cheese with your credit card and eat tomatoes like apples. Because you usually forget your utensils in the excitement to get to a lake. 

Relatives and Neighbors

Amidst exams, graduations, and flowers, I was able to get away for a few days. I had a doctors appointment and meeting in Kyiv right after a Burty visit so I got an unplanned long weekend. Drew was in Burty with his American dad, his real dad. Jim Ireland is an awesome guy. He showed up ready to feast and listen and laugh. My kind of guy. It was so great to watch everyone in Burty react to his presence with great joy and welcoming arms. I know for Drew it was a beautiful, moving moment to have his two families come together and love being together. I was honored to be there. To sit and listen and laugh alongside. When our group first arrived in town back in September, we were stared at and talked about due to being so new, so different. But now, people are totally chill with foreigners wandering around to say, "Wow, look at that!" I love Burty. I love everything and everyone. I love the way they have adapted enough to allow visitors into their culture while introducing these visitors to what it means to be a real "Ukrainian'. Not those city folks. Real village, farming, rambling, working, dancing, singing, laughing folk. 

While in Burty, I got to celebrate my sweet friend's, Yulia, graduation from college, watch a community concert in which Grace, Ryan, and Vanessa sang and danced all Ukrainian like, eat dinner with a few amazing families, paint the school's gym, and, of course, let Mama Olea put me to good use in her field and kitchen and running her errands. Every day in Burty feels like a week. So much happens. Being in Burty is like going to bed exhausted and achy but waking up in a warm, soft bed. It's pure comfort and security. It's something one never wants to leave. Each visit deepens in meaning and emotion. Each departure is becoming vastly more difficult. 

Maxim, Drew, Grace, and I at Yulia's party 

Saturday Morning with the Boys 

At Mama Olea's House 

Grace, Mama Olea, Drew, Jim, and Luda (PC teacher) 

Guitar Traditions 

Dima showed off his best version of 'Mad World' 

Packing up all the treats to send to Texas. 

Slightly nerve racking. 

The Boys. 

Two Families Together! 

Wandering around town with Yulia 

Pond Swimming. (something scared Roman just a bit) 

Helping in the Garden

Baba Tonya's Backyard

My Best Papaw Friend. 

Baba Tonya: I adore this woman with a fierce passion. She taking care of her farm and family. She's tiny yet mighty. Her hands have scars, burns, and blisters. I want my hands to look more like her. She has earned her hands. 

Neighbor who dropped to ask why I wasn't having dinner with him. During my next visit, we will fix that problem. 

Dasha and Uyla decided they wanted to wave 'Hello' to America.  

Ryan, Jenny, Vanessa, and Grace being real good PCVs. 

This guy would hardly speak to us during English classes in the Fall. Now, he is volunteering to help out and be involved in PC activities. I am so proud of the progress Burty is making. 

Dinner at Ryan's House: Three Generations, Twelve People, One House! 

Sasha's Homemade Yoga. He is now accepting students.