5 Months-- Already?

These are from a bar in Sophia. It's totally lit by candles. Beautiful.

So I've been here 5 months. Here's what I've learned so far:

1. When giving flowers, give an odd number. Even numbers of flowers are for the dead.

2. Never kiss in a doorway. It's bad luck.

3. When you get scared blow down your shirt. Not sure why. Maybe cool the nerves?

4. Never make a plan for anything. You can have a vague idea of what you want to happen, but when it doesn't you're not disappointed.

5. The afternoon почивка (nap, break,rest) is the best thing ever. Everyone should try it.

6. Traveling is an all day experience, even if you are only going a few hundred miles. I recently went to visit a friend and took: 2 busses, a train, a trolley and a taxi.

7. Timing is everything. But don't plan and always have a backup.

8. I can make a MEAN chicken nugget.

9. Being cold in the U.S is NOT the same as being cold in Bulgaria.

10. Things will happen in due time.

11. Bulgarian men are hard to understand.

12. When in doubt, dance it out.

13. Education is not the same everywhere, but children are.

14. Bulgaria let's me be myself without judgment.

15. I still HATE сирене and кашкавал. (Bulgarian cheese)

It's been a crazy, emotional, and exciting journey so far. I can't believe I'm almost 1/4 of the way done. The B24's just left last week and I miss them. I didn't know many of them, but the idea of them is missed. I am at the beginning and they are at the end. I wonder how they feel. Is it weird to think about going back to the Untied States? As much a I miss home sometimes, I'm not sure I could go back right now. I'm just getting used to it here and in 2 years, after I've invested my life, my love, my whole being, will I be able to leave? Those who know me, know that I don't like change and when I do decide on something, it's hard to let go. But, I'm only 5 months in. I am more worried now about making lasting relationships with the people here and with the education of the children. And what a challenge.

I've been thinking about my life before Bulgaria and how it's prepared me for being here.

Here's what has helped.

1. Living with my parents saved my sanity living with my baba and now my landlord and her family. Always being watched and questioned. Patience. I have A LOT!

2. Listening and helping friends--- self explanatory

3. Having my friend Christine tell me to talk softer--- I am never the LOUD American in a group.

4. Working with Special Education students. They need patience and life lessons. So do the children here. Many lesson plans I used back home with them are working here.

5. Cheryl Anderson. Love her and her style of teaching. I try daily to invoke her presence in my classroom. She could reform the WHOLE Bulgarian educational system if she were here.

6. My younger self. I've reconnected with her and she's fun. Watch out kids. Dancing and singing in the classroom is coming soon.

7. My smile still works. People respond to smiles and I am always smiling.

So to wrap up 5 months; I'm still happy with my decision and have made so many new friends and new experiences. I am excited to see what the next 5 will bring.