Dear All,

Yes it is Kate and I know I never write these things do I? Josh always beats me to the punch! Today was the first day of classes September 18, 2000. This was the first teaching day for us. The day we meet the children we will be teaching for the year and I think a first day with the students in America would not happen like this.

First off I did not know my schedule until the night before. I arrived at the school and was ready to go to my classroom when the other teacher who teaches in the same classroom asks me, (now mind you this is 5 minutes before class starts), if I can find another classroom to have class in. My counterpart who was with me said O.K. and we were off to search for a new classroom. We found another classroom and the seventh graders began arriving while we waited for the director to arrive. The director had wanted to talk with the classes to tell them they must work very hard and that they are lucky to being having a native speaker for a teacher. I think he was nervous and did not want me to have to start out cold turkey, which was quite nice of him.

Well anyways it turns out there ended up being two classes instead of one for this period because the Russian teacher was not there. So I end up teaching two classes at once. The same exact thing happens with the other two classes that day and they are combined also. I began this class and not a minute into my speech when I hear a knock at the door. And I think, oh my God I am in the wrong classroom, teaching the wrong students! But it turns out to be three people at the door with a package from Sofia that I have to sign for and pay for right that minute. Anytime is a good time in Bulgaria. Well any ways this day about sums up Bulgarian organization skills or at least the last minute technique. It really actually makes me more relaxed not knowing the exact schedule or plan believe it or not!

I can tell the seventh graders and I are in for an adventurous year. It is very strange teaching a class of students that thinks it is funny when you speak. It causes a little chaos and a little more noise than normal. Some students giggle and whisper to their friends “What did she say?” others just stare and are quite fascinated. Some, especially the boys decide to shout out famous American sayings from movies that have absolutely nothing to do with what we are discussing. I think they are quite excited to have an “alien” here and don’t know quite what to do about it! I think there will not be a dull moment; I don’t think I will ever have to be afraid of being too boring, maybe just too American.

Speaking of which, Josh and I went to the center the other night to see a movie and the only thing that was showing was Run Away Bride with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Well, we had seen this before in the states and both of us really did not like it (which is highly abnormal for me), but anyway my point is, is that we went anyway and we both really enjoyed it! I think not being immersed in the American culture for a while really made us homesick for the typical American town and the “life” in America.

Now don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy living in a new culture, seeing new things and experiencing new worlds, but it feels very strange to see America on the big screen here in Bulgaria and not be there. I am really enjoying figuring out what it means to be an American and really never would have know what it means if we were not having this experience.

We think of you all often and hope you come to know a little more about Bulgaria through us! I know, “ Where is Bulgaria?”

Thinking of you,

Kate