Life in Byala Slatina

Hello! Sorry it's taken awhile for me to post again, I've just been so busy! But everything is still going very well and I have a lot to update you all on...

I've been living here in Byala Slatina for two weeks now but it really feels like it's been atleast a couple of months. We are all kept so busy during training - our days usually start around 9 a.m. and really don't end until we go to sleep because we're constantly having to learn new things. The language is coming along, slowly but surely, and communication with my family has definitely improved a lot. I know it's going to take time so I'm just concentrating on being patient and learning the most that I can without overwhelming myself.

On the teaching part of my training, things have been moving along very quickly. I have taught five classes already and was observed by a Peace Corps technical trainer two days ago. Despite many classes not knowing a great deal of English, the teaching is going very well. I've taught a range of students - from 8th to 10th grade, A and B classes (the A students generally are much more advanced in the language). All of the classes have been very enthusiastic and excited about us Americans being there and have done a great job participating in our lessons. The difference between us volunteers and the Bulgarian English teachers is that we focus on using a lot more hands-on type of activities whereas the teachers here strictly follow lessons from their textbooks. Being that MOST of the students don't have and can't afford the textbooks, doing lessons from these is completely pointless. So, for my lessons, I have provided vocabulary words and games to the students so they actually have some sort of visual to follow along so they have the opportunity to get involved. So far, it's working out great! I have gotten compliments from both the teachers and the students, one class even told their teacher that they want me to teach their class from now on!

The observation of my class went well too. Gorkhan (sp?), a Peace Corps technical trainer, observed my 8th grade class two days ago and said that I did a great job. He complimented my enthusiasm and vitality in the classroom and said that I was successful at connecting with my students. So that was really great to hear!

Besides studying the language and teaching classes, I've spent the remainder of my time with my family and the other trainees here in Byala Slatina. Yesterday, we had a "cluster" (group meeting with trainees from nearby towns) here in my town and afterwards we all went to the cafe for a few drinks, it was really a fun time. Although we've only known eachother a few weeks, we have all become so close already. It's just a comforting feeling to know that others are going through the same challenges that you are.

On June 18th we will all find out where our permanent sites will be for the next two years of our service - crazy! We're all pretty excited for that, because about a week after finding out we will all make visits to our towns. So I'll let you all know as soon as I find out!

I think that's all I have for now, hope everyone back in the states is doing well - I miss you all!

Ciao!