Today started out alright. I had breakfast, checked facebook and emails, discovered that after downloading googlechrome, I can now post pictures on facebook! Woo hoo!! So, with my little bit of extra time this morning, I put some Rome pictures on facebook.
My first class of the day was with Patrizia. I did not prepare a "lesson" because the students were supposed to be telling me about tornadoes and such. So, we ended up having this great "conversation" about tornadoes and earthquakes. They taught me about what to do when there is an earthquake...in a door frame or under a table and NEVER in the stairwell because they are the first to go. I learned about some different earthquakes here in Italy and also learned that these students were born in 1996 and 1997...felt old. Valeria came in at one point to remind me about the class change for today. Her and Patrizia started speaking in Italian with me in the middle, and I was trying to follow it, and did a little bit. I was pretty sure they were "arguing" over something to do with me, but I could not catch ALL of it. It is funny when the Italians go from just regular conversation to serious business. The gestures get very intense and close to their body and their tone gets...not harsh...but...ughh I cannot think of the word! Anyway, after she left, Patrizia had me hand out a photocopy from their book. They had to read it out loud and they pointed out some things about an old map of the world.
After this class, I ran to the other part of the school and used the computer to check emails (I was HOPING that customs would have responded to my email from yesterday where I was trying to confirm whether or not the paperwork was correct!!). I expect too much from the Italian bureaucracy. I wrote some of my blog, and then headed out. I was so thirsty, so I got some water, but then I was hungry! I stopped at one bar to see if they had a SMALL cornetto with cream...I navigated it with confidence in my Italian and they were very kind, but did not have what I wanted. So, I went to the bar closest to the school and found what I wanted. They were even kind enough to heat it up for me and give me a small glass of water to go with it. Now that is service!
Up next was Linda's class. I really enjoyed this group last week; it was the group that asked me to go on break with them! So, we got a late start, but we went to the lab, which has an interactive white board and we did the election lesson. They were very engaged and rather knowledgeable. Their answers about what else they knew about Obama were that his wife's name is Michele and he has two daughters. When I asked them why they liked him, their answers were, "He seems nice!" and "He seems to really love his country!" Alright, we are making progress from, "he's funny!" When I asked if they thought that the President of the United States affects their lives, they said, "yes because your stock exchange affects our eceonmy!" This group was pretty well informed. They said that they wanted to make a presentation about Italian politics and stuff regarding the same "ideas" that I presented on! Yay...motivated students!! I was so excited and encouraging of this because I want to learn from them as well! That is why I am here! We talked about absentee voting and the fact that they too earn the right to vote at the age of 18. They were concerned about whether there were any consequences if you do not vote in the U.S. They were able to grasp the idea of the electoral college, and we did a vote on not coming to school on Friday, so that they would understand "majority rules"!! They said that it is majority rules in Italy as well...that is NOT how it was explained to me the other day though. So, I'm not sure about this one. However, they were really engaged and responsive, and it was GREAT conversation. The one thing they asked me that I had NO clue about was why the republican elephant has 3 stars and the democratic donkey has 4. I pulled a Dr. Scofield and said, "I do not know, but I will find out for you!" Therefore, I was really excited. Then, one of the girls asked for my email so that we could have pizza some day or something. Then, the same girls that asked me to go on break with them last week asked again. I unfortunately had to turn them down because I was going to be late at the other school for Valeria's class; though they were on Italian time, so it turned out that I was really early. However, I told them that I would go on break with them tomorrow.
So, I "ran" to the other school. Valeria started out by talking to me about changing one of my classes, and how she thought it was not in-line with my purpose here, but it might be difficult...oh no!! I have a feeling that this will get uncomfortable. We went upstairs to the lab, and with only about 30 minutes left in the class, we started the election lesson. WHOA!! These students were informed and vocal and have deep thoughts in a second language. I was super impressed and super excited. They like Obama because he seems nice and "he has made the reforms for the people that he promised." They knew about his wife and children. WHen I said "Washington, D.C." someone shouted out, "District of Columbia". They were very informed about Obama and American politics. They said that our economy affects theirs, and the choices made by our government affects the whole world. One student said something about our countries becoming linked after WWII, but I did not fully understand what she was trying to tell me. THey did have me explain "Don't Ask, Don't tell" and then asked if I was happy about this. They needed the word "increased" explained, which has happened in EACH class that I have done this lesson with. They were SO engaged. When I did the slide about the two parties, they had me explain pro-life, pro-choice, the death penalty (and whether or not it was right), and some other things. They really seemed to grasp the concepts and were well-informed. The teachers in Italy seem to be more passionate about Italian politics, and have WAY more to say than the students. With each teacher I have done this lesson with, they have had more input when I get to the slide about Italian political parties than the students. It is funny! The students asked me my personal beliefs about abortion, Valeria gave me the go-ahead to express my opinion if I would like. It was an opportunity to talk about my faith and how I am not the judge of anyone. It was strange to be able to speak openly about my faith and beliefs. The students responded with some thoughts, and I was just super impressed with this group! I know that I am going to love them so much!! They also wanted me to tell them how to pronounce "Roosevelt". They were so much fun! I asked if they could bring food next week for Thanksgiving, but Valeria said she would have to ask. Some of the students were simultaneously telling Valeria that they wanted to do something for me on Thanksgiving! HOW SWEET!! These students are simply amazing!
When class was over, I headed home. I ate lunch and talked to April on skype for a bit...like I could see her face! Long time...no see...but just wait until tonight...the WHOLE neighborhood might know when I see Erin's face!! I uploaded the rest of my ROme picture to facebook, and worked on lesson plans. I was overwhelmed, and still am, with the number of things I must accomplish before next week when I go to Naples. So many little and big things..:I am SO excited about this weekend, but at the same time it is stressing me out to be gone and not able to accomplish the things I need to get accomplished!! AHH! I did talk to Nick some, and had to take a break from planning because my brain was overwhelmed and I was nearing tears. I am trying so desperately to remember my limits. Today I felt like I was back in grad school where I had so many stressors that I just wanted to walk away. However, I feel stupid even saying this when April is dealing with dissertation stuff. I am very overwhelmed at the moment! I am just glad to know that I have a God that cares...and hears my fears, concerns, stresses, praises, etc.
Talked to Nick while I wrote blogs...well, we spent like 3 1/2 hours on the phone talking, him playing guitar for my background music while I wrote blogs, and singing Disney songs. His guitar playing is wonderful, and makes for relaxing music to write to.
I got all of my stuff "finished" and took a shower and did my bible study so that I would be ready to talk to Erin. And then Skype failed me...I did NOT get to talk to her and I am NOT okay with this and I could barely keep the tears in! I just want to talk to my best friend!! That's all I asked for...I just wanted to see her face and hear her voice! I have not seen her face since like August and have only heard her voice for like 2 minutes since I've been in Italy, and this SUCKS! I just wanted to talk to her!! I want to talk to Erin.
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