Jumping back in

It's been 2,586 years since I've updated this blog, but I feel the need to begin again today.

I'm not exactly sure how to do this since so much has happened since I last wrote. I guess the Cliff Notes version is I'm now living in Prague, teaching grades 1-6 at a Czech public school.

It's definitely been a change from the small, laid-back spa-town I was living in previously, but I'm happy here and enjoying all the cultural opportunities and international people I'm meeting here.

I really love:
-The students I'm teaching
-My coworkers and boss
-My roomates
-The flat where I'm living
-The friends I've made here
-And the things that I feel God has been teaching me

I'm still in shock actually at the way He has completely taken care of me here. When I first moved to Prague, though, it was absolutely scary....

Some of you know my situation with the flat that was arranged for me, but let's just say I arrived to a dimly-lit building with the front door bashed in where someone had broken in. The inside was covered in graffiti, it reaked of urine and homelessness and there were grocery carts throughout the building where people were squatting and not paying rent. It was definitely an interesting experience, especially with no fridge, stove, washing machine or furnishings, but after living there a month... God totally hooked me up with a flat in the center of Prague with 3 amazing flat mates....

Hannah, Her Mom, Me, Our friend Kristen

Me and Megan

My flat-mate Liva and I

Hannah, my roomate, is from Florida and she's teaching English here, too, while conquering the adventures of belly dancing and baking amazing treats. My flat-mate, Megan is from Seattle and she's pursuing acting and dance. Liva is our outgoing Latvian flat-mate and she's studying script-writing at FAMU, the film school here. I've really enjoyed living with them and feel blessed that we are able to share such an incredible flat together. We've hosted some fun film nights, international potlucks, Jungle Speed sessions and more. It's been a wild ride, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

As for my students, they continue to amaze me. I love all the different ages and the unique perspective that each of them brings. Nowhere else have I seen such enthusiasm and creativity. They are really sweet, too. "Miss Kellyyyyyyyyyy!" I hear every morning as Jirka, one of my first graders, comes running down the hall as fast as his little legs will carry him to hug me. There are days when it's rough and the students are hard to handle, but when you see their smiling faces or the glimmer in their eyes when they're encouraged/inspired/getting it, you remember why you are doing this and I love it.

Anyway, I actually have to do some lesson planning now before I go enjoy the sunshine. I hope this note finds you well and full of life, too :)

Love,
El