Weird Week #IDK

Dear Tori,

Another weird week. Being here for more than 2 years, writing about my Peace Corps experience has been getting more "real" lately. I am finding myself not writing about how my nagosti went or what I did for Georgiov Den. Smisel, I feel like I live here and real life things are starting to happen. I guess I don't feel like I am a volunteer anymore. I feel like I am an employed teacher in my school, an active community member of Bregovo, a Bulgarian (somewhat). That's how I'm treated around here. I remember trying to assimilate into Bulgarian society and not expecting certain things to happen here. But low and behold, some things can't be ignored. Bulgaria seems to be forcing me to change some habits that I had when I was back home in California....ok yes. But sometimes I am not ready to change some of them. And no, we are not talking about the superficial habits of taking a shower everyday or going to the movies from time to time. No. This time is different. Sometimes, you can't let life "happen." Enough about this.

School is winding down. We are reviewing by doing presentations, watching movies in English, and talking about summer plans. I will be giving piano and guitar lessons this summer to some of my kids. I'll be going to their houses and teaching. I'm excited to do something different.

Concert practice is going well. They are learning faster and faster every year, every practice.

Before Bulgaria, I didn't know how to express vulnerable emotions, to open my heart. Bulgaria has really opened my heart. To everything. Especially to children. You don't realize as a teacher, you become very protective of your students. And sometimes, they do look up to you like a parents. So when something happens to any of my students, I get really concerned, worried. So to Albena and Emi, I love you guys. I wish I could give you guys a giant big hug and sing and dance the banana song. I'm sure that we'll see each other this summer at the sabor and we'll take lots of pictures, and I promise I'll put them up on facebook for everyone to see your beautiful gorgeous faces! And I promise I won't yell at you ever again in class:) -Gospodine :)