Not kicked out yet!

I'm clicking away on my laptop, nestled all cozy in my bed in BUDAPEST. Some days when I wake up I simply cannot believe it, that I'm here (or that they haven't kicked me out yet). Life has been great, busy, fun, exciting, tiresome (at times), sad (when I've gotten homesick), nonstop.. that last word kinda sums it all up... but it's a life I couldn't imagine trading. Really.

Teaching... I loved it the four years I taught in the states and when I stopped, there was an ache to do it again. And somehow, the plan leads me to the other side of the world, working alongside some of the most precious people that I have ever met.

Before I continue I have to tell you about my bulges. Before I left things were a bit nutso and I kinda put WW on the backburner. Everyone told me that when I went to Hungary I would lose weight just from all the walking. I didn't think it would happen to me but without changing my diet (except that I eat lots of Hungarian food), since my arrival August 10th, I've lost 11 pounds!! I'm thinking that after Thanksgiving I may start WW or eating less sugar/carbs... but we'll see. I'm happy with my body even though there are stick figures walking around everywhere. Somehow I keep my head together. :)

Seven fun facts:

• The Hungarian gov't gave me a two year visa! And it looks like I will return for the 2009-2010 school year!!
• I have 7 fifth graders... one who started as a beginner EAL (English as an Additional Language) learner. It's amazing to see her pick up English just by immersion.
• I've been able to visit Poland (Auschwitz), Ukraine and Austria...
  
• Rome may get a visit from me in December. Wanna come?
  
• Turned 30 in a foreign country!
  
• I have a Hungarian roommate - who speaks great English (and I beg her sometimes to speak more Hungarian).
  
• Polly is not too keen on the city but loves visits to Margit Island (there is a huge park area for her to run)
  

Pictures:

I try not to have too much fun.

Excited to be in the Ukraine.
Should not have been this excited to lay on the ground. Oh well.

My visit to the Vienna Church. Amazing people.

The girls that were at my 30th!

So.. in a nutshell I'm doing well. Thank you for the prayers that sent me here.. and thank you for the ones that keep me here. I love you all and pray that you are all happy and healthy in your lives.. God bless you and I hope to post more pictures soon (lord knows I've taken about 1,000 since I've been here).