“That we leave our homes, that we step through our doors to the world, that we travel our whole lives not because we want to collect exotic T-shirts, not because we want to consume foreign adventure the same Western way we consume plastic and Styrofoam and LCD TVs and iPads, but because it has the power to renew us—not the guarantee, not the promise, just the possibility. Because there are places our imaginations can never construct for us, and there are people who we will never meet but we could and we might. It reminds us that there is always reason to begin again.” - Stephen Markley, Tales of Iceland or "Running with the Huldufólk in the Permanent Daylight"
You know that feeling, the one where you walk into a new place but somehow feel as though you have been there before? That is what it felt like to be in Kindergarten yesterday! KG here is separate from elementary school. Much like our preschool programs, kids are sorted by age and development but the focus on play-based learning feels a lot like it does at home. I peeked into one room and the kids were gathered round the big blocks, a daily fav for our students, building Hogwarts and casting spells. The teacher explained that the have to rotate these blocks to each of the three classes each month and when the kids came in the other day they were SOOOOO excited to have them back in their room. Big blocks....the universal KG centre! I spent the rest of my morning learning about the nation-wide KG curriculum. The focus on developing the whole child through health and wellbeing, literacy, creativity, independence and compassion. It was really wonderful to see how this lives out at the Akrasel Kindergarten here in Akranes. Next it was time for the big celebration of learning called árshátíð! This whole school celebration was a highlight as I had an up close and personal view of viking rock and roll and Grease! Can I just say that "Summer Lovin'" sounds just the same in Icelandic as it does in English! My favourite part of the show were the English tourists. Not only was it the only part I could really understand but they were hilarious. "I wanted to go to Spain but NOOOOO you wanted to go to ICEland!" I laughed and laughed at their antics....and wondered how many people in the audience thought I was just like them! ;O) On Tuesday we were able to meet briefly with the head of the Icelandic Principal's union, Thorstein, the man that matched Dadda and I, along with the two other school-based leaders in this exchange. Brynhildur (Bryn) is a principal in Reykjavik and Melanie is her counterpart from Grande Prairie. (The third pair of Team Vicanuck, Asta and Bonnie, don't begin their exchange here until Easter break.) We spoke about the adventures, the funny moments, and powerful connections we have made here over the course of this exchange process. If we had stayed in hotels and only had work as the common thread the exchange would have been great...but not as deeply transformative as it has been. To live in someone's house, to sit at their dinner table each night and discuss what you saw, or felt, or grappled with that day...it is something else entirely. In fact, I would say I have felt more like I live in Akranes much more than being a mere visitor these past few weeks. I joke with my new red-headed teenage daughter, Hjördís, like she has been a part of my family forever. Dori, my driver and chef extraordinaire has brought a lot of levity and laughter to our long days. "Well Aubrey, there are many birds living in Arnarstapi, but I don't think anyone has ever seen THAT exotic bird!" (as he points to Tommy snickering.) Gisli and Gunnthorunn, Valur and Binni have all been warm and kind additions to my Icelandic family. Spending time with two young boys like these two has brought my heart and memory back to my own two guys when they were little. With Cai in middle school and Zane contemplating universities away from home it was a nice reminder to take time for the little things while they are still living with Dave and I. As with most things, transformative experiences are truly about the people. The places you go, the things you do, the adventures you have are all really amazing...but the people with whom you have shared your experience, your reflections, and your heart - those are the pieces that stay with you forever. I am so grateful to have been placed in the care of such amazing people here in Akranes.
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AuthorAubrey: "Leader of the Elves"....that's me. Mom of two amazing guys, wife to one bigger (yet no less amazing) guy and teacher of little ones. Blogging about the adventures (usually with my rubber chicken in tow) is one of my favourite things. Archives
April 2019
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