Well here I am about a month after arriving in Italy, finally writing my first blog post. I don’t know what to say and I have no idea where to start but I guess I can begin with how I just realised that an entire month has gone by and I have been living in a different country than the one I call home.
Although I usually adapt easily to new places and people, doing this abroad has been different than any experience I’ve had before. Living with a host family isn’t like living in a dorm, nor is it like living with your own family (speaking for myself of course). It’s an experience of its own. After a month it has gotten easier to maneuver host family life. At first it felt strange, I didn’t want to get in the way but I also didn’t want to just hide away in my room. Now we all just kinda go on about our lives, eating dinner together, watching tv together and occasionally they take me with them to the country to visit their “Nona” Grandma.
Needless to say, the food here is delicious. Pizzerias on every corner like starbucks back home. I have quickly learned to recognise which ones are the “good” pizzerias and which ones are very mediocre and obviously catering to american tourists. My host mom also makes homemade pizza! I remember the first time she did, she brought about 3 whole pizzas and after working our way into the 2nd or 3rd one she brought out about 3 more. I think I can get used to this. … I also saw nutella pizza at this one place… Gotta try that at some point don’t I?
After our 3 week of up to 5 hours of Italian a day, we have started service work within the italian community! So far I have had the opportunity to work in two italian schools, and to visit an activity center for disabled adults. At the activities center we helped to serve snacks and watched them perform a play that they have been working on. Everyone looked like they were having so much fun : )
First day of working at the schools was also great. At first I was actually quite terrified because I had never taught a class before, and didn’t know what to expect. But once I got there I just went along with what seemed natural. For my 3rd graders I taught them how to say “my name is” and “I am… Years old”. We then moved onto colors, animals, and parts of the body and next thing you know they were up dancing and singing as I taught them the song ” Head shoulders knees and toes”. Then a few days later I went to a different school to work with 1st graders. This time I had them ask me questions in italian. I would then repeat the question in english, and then respond in english. After a few questions all the students seemed eager and curious. By the end of the class as I was about to leave all the kids had crowed around me into a big group hug. Tomorrow I have school again and will bring my ukulele sense they seem to enjoy learning by song and As do I. I look forward to more service to come! Next week possibly with cats as well.
I have had so many awesome experiences so far! Too many to go into detail for one post, but to end this post and give an idea of my experience so far here are a few photos
Until next time.
Ciao!