People Like Me

So, I have been reading the essays of the other people in my class. Reading and thinking. What excites me the most, more than going (as awful as that may sound) or learning new things, is the fact that I get to do it with a group of people who are so enthusiastic about really making a change in this world, whatever change they can make. I think that this trip would not be anywhere near as empowering or as much as an learning opportunity if I was the only person who really cared about this trip.

What else really gets me is the amount of work that I have to do still before we can go. There is so much to learn, and so much to understand about the differences in culture, life, history, language. It makes me laugh that when we go, these few weeks will amount to less knowledge about Poland then a second grade polish child knows. It also excites me that I am going to a land with such a rich and cherished history. Although my passion is acting, history has always been something that I just love to dissect and attempt to understand what events in history have had such long armed results.

I cannot honestly say that I know what to expect from this trip, or how I will change, I just know I will never be the same again.

Shalom,

Allan 

Walking Along New Streets and Reading the Signs We Know From Memory

There are two things that stick out in my mind. There are two things, above everything else, that most excite me about our upcoming adventure.

The first is the atmosphere of Poland; Dr. Clark described how Poland is a romantic country, a noble country with cathedrals and castles. Frankly, that just sounds cool. That type of culture is fascinating and mystical to me. I can’t wait to step back in time to a totally different realm that I have never experienced.

The second thing I am excited for is very different.

I believe that desensitization has occurred largely in America. We are often overwhelmed with story after story of tragedy, whether it be by the Holocaust, 911, or Hurricane Katrina, that we become numb to the true depth of what was lost. We, as humans, have no other way to cope with such indefinable atrocity. But I have read the stories, I have seen Schindler’s List, I’ve been exposed to so many versions of this tragic piece of history, but I believe that seeing the grounds stained with so much innocent, and even non-innocent blood, will open my eyes again and help me to see what happened in a new light, and hopefully help others to do so as well.

-Eva

Lions, tigers, and golabki oh my!

It’s hard to belive that we only have about a month left until we go on this amazing trip, and with it all approaching so fast I have several things that I am excited about. However, the thing that I am anticipating the most is trying the different types of food. Mainly because all of it just looked so interesting. I’m actually not a fan of change and trying new things but when I saw pictures of Polands’ traditional foods i couldn’t help but to want to try them all. I have gotten so tired of cheese burgers and fries that some zurek (creamy sour soup with sausage and boiled eggs), golabki (stuffed cabbage rolls), and placki (potato pancakes) all sound great at the moment. Now I’m not sure how these things taste as of now but after I return I definately want to be able to say “vidi vici vinci.” 

~angie~

5 Weeks WHAT!?

CRAZY…only five more weeks before I embark on the first overseas trip of my life.  I cannot wait to share this experience with everyone else that is going.  Seriously….it’ll be such a great time seeing their excitement for the world during the trip.  Getting to see this is what I am most excited about.   I’m excited to be in a place rich with history.  A country that is close to 900 years old; such a hard thing to fathom. I’m excited to experience this trip with some of my closest friends.    Today, Marc and Allison presented about Polish Cuisine.  SOOOO GOOD! I cannot wait to go chow down on some tasty potato dumplings.   It’ll be an amazing experience all the way around. -Wes 

Chiclets ROCK!

First of all, I would just like to say that Chiclets (as in the gum) are ReAlLy GoOd!

Moving On!

So, Marc and I gave our presentation on Polish food in class today, and we totally ROCKED IT! Ha-ha!He’s a genius when it comes to the whole PowerPoint thing.

Also, I found out today that we have a little bit more than 5 weeks before we LEAVE for Poland…….it’s almost here!I still feel like the alarm clock should be going off any time now!

I think what I’m looking forward to the most is seeing everything. The countryside, the towns, the village, everything. I mean, I have a picture in my head of what I THINK it will look like.I can’t stop thinking of ONE word. One word to describe the whole of Poland. MAJESTIC.

Maybe it’s just me….but when I think of the Polish villages, towns, countryside, and even the people, I can’t help but think of that word: Majestic.I don’t know! It could be completely different once I actually see it, but for right now, Poland IS Majestic.

Majesty. Nobility. Royalty. I can’t wait to see these things firsthand. Somehow I know that this trip….this amazing adventure….is going to change my life forever.And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Yours Truly,

–Allison–

 

Our classes have started, we’ve received our passports, groups are working on their assignments, and I still can’t believe we are going to Poland in five weeks. YAY!In preparation for our trip, we had a couple of history professors visit with us to discuss the history of Poland and her people.  I am easily impressed, but I find historians  to be some of the most amazing people.  I am overwhelmed with all they know and the passion they share with others.  Mind you, I have only studied American history and some Texas history in high school, so when Dr. Clark shared the history of Poland I was in awe.  The Polish history has such deep roots and pride that is carried generation to generation.  The university that we will be staying at has existed before North America was even discovered!In learning all of this I find myself envious of Poland’s children and their compassion for their culture that has existed for hundreds of years.   ~Alyson

A Whole New Look on Poland

In the past, my first thoughts about traveling Poland were simple.  What am I to expect there?……..Different sites, different people, different language, and unheard accents.  I guess I kept my thoughts simple since I have never traveled outside the country before.  I did some research during the holidays, but I mostly researched Poland in present day.  So all my expectations about going to Poland were becoming exactly how I pictured it.  Yet, little did I know about their unique history!After Dr. Clark’s lecture of Poland’s history this past Monday, I was AMAZED!!  I had no idea!  I almost went through the first surprise of finding out I’m going to Poland again.  Learning about their background and unique culture from Dr. Clark was very interesting.  I also knew about the pilgrimage sites of Pope John Paul II, but I had no idea how much history Poland had with Roman Catholicism.  I’m really looking forward into visiting the pilgrimage sites and Church Cathedrals.  It’s going to be very exciting to learn more about the roots and background of Catholicism in Poland.  Just a few more weeks!!……..-Ricky

A Trip Back into Time…

 Think about this: majestic castles, Kings and Nobles, glorious breath-taking churches. Now think about this: ghettos, box cars, concentration camps.Poland is rich with history just waiting to be explored. I never realized such a little country could carry so many memories.  Before Monday, I was excited about reliving the history of Poland, but after Dr. Clark and Dr. Shaffer spoke to us I am chomping at the bit! Poland is rich in culture and adventure. Unlike Americans who know so little about our own country’s history, the Polish pass down the history. They tell their children and are very proud of their heritage and the time when they were a mighty country. I am extremely proud to be an American and would choose nothing else, but I admit that the knowledge of my country’s history doesn’t stretch as far as it should. I feel that not only will I become saturated in and learn Poland’s historical stories, but will also learn some lessons of my own that deal with MY country.-CcCarter

a traveler

We take on many roles in our lives. Some roles are forever. Some are only temporary. We don’t ask for all our roles. Some we acquire. Some we earn.

I am a student, a friend, a Christian, an aunt. I have been a co-worker, a teacher, a brides-made. I will be a wife, a graduate [eventually...], and in 39 days… a traveler!

In our class this week, we learned a little bit about the Polish culture. I feel inadequate to soon be in the midst of a population so rich in culture and history. I have learned the basics of American and Texan history throughout my education, but I do not carry the sense of pride in my country’s past as the Poles do. I can not wait to have a chance to learn about the lives of those we will be living near. In my “quick guide to POLAND” book, I learned that Poles are outwardly expressive [which means I should have no problem fitting in]. The Poles are also big into lunch time [my favorite part of the day!!]. They often will serve 3-4 course meals… maybe we will bring this tradition back with us?!

To become this traveler, I am going to have to be a learner, a group participant, an observer, a note taker, a positive representation of my university, and an ambassador.

I can’t wait to embark on this new adventure, and develop new roles in the future! [who knows... I may become a world traveler, post Poland that is!!]

-ALMiller

Monday’s Class

Well, Monday was a really long day for me; however, I was looking forward to the “Poland Class” to see what we had planned! Come to find out we have some guest speakers, Dr. Clark and Dr. Shaffer!

Before our class heard Dr. Clark speak about Poland’s history, I knew very little. It’s sad to say, I just knew about the Holocaust and that it went on there in Poland. After her lecture, I feel I know a little bit more about Poland. I’m actually going to start looking up more about Poland as we get closer to the trip, so I can better understand their culture AND history.

To me, for history to happen in one county is something completely different in another country. There are different people and different cultures and that affects how history is made. Of course I feel I made somewhat of a connection, but I don’t think the reality of Poland’s history has caught up with me.

I learned some of Poland’s history, but I feel that the trip itself will explain more to me than anything else!

~Desiree’