Monday, September 21, 2008

Submitted by Dean LaFrenz

“What we have done for ourselves dies with us. What we have done for others & the world lives on and is immortal.”

Breakfast arrived early today as some were still experiencing “jet lag” and others were still recovering from the celebration of Harry & Shari’s 45th wedding anniversary.

There was a degree of anxiousness as we anticipated our first day as a true Global Volunteer on Crete. It appeared that SAM was somewhat nervous as she began to pace in anticipation of the first cabs arrived.

At 9:00 AM Harry and I left with Sam to our assignment. We were met at the gates by the warden of Gazi High School. We followed Sam to the teachers lounge and Principal’s office. We met Stella and Kathryn the English Teachers of the High School after a quick hello from the chain smoking Principal. We soon found ourselves in front of a class of 26 16 year olds. Our format of introduction of self, introduction of Global Volunteers, an Geography of the United States solicited questions from the group. The 45 minute class flew by and the students left us with a series of challenging questions to be discussed next time.

We returned to the hotel for lunch and to share experiences with the other volunteers. There seemed to be additional chatter around the lunch table as ½ of the group released their anxiety through the sharing of their success and the other ½ increased their anxiety due to the unknown and high expectations of self.

Our afternoon was spent walking to town and sitting around the pool sharing thoughts and feelings about the day.

Dinner of Fish and Rice gained high praise. Our 8:30 meeting was called by the arrival of our leader – the meeting was a sharing of the days activities by each individual. There was time for laughter, as Kathy & Lois told of the cab confusion where they tried to convince a school working that he must be their cab driver. There was support as Gil & Shirley related their difficulty with relating to 4 year olds, and there was praise as Sam assured us that we are off to a fantastic start and she was proud of us.

Everyone dismissed with a strong feeling of accomplishment and hopes of an even greater tomorrow.