Week 49:  d. 30/11-06/12 2015.

 

It has been at stressfull time up to the departure for Lithuania. I have been sick for two weeks including this week, and had some days with a bit of fever. I have used 2 weeks in total, to say "se ya" to most of my family members and friends, along with my schoolmates and so on. Along with the regular duties like going to school, exams, apointment, meetings, and taking care of the house, including my boyfreind and animals, i have been under serious pressure. But i feel blessed by the fact, that i have so many great persons around me, to say goodbye to, and so many great things in my life in Denmark to return to, and im not only thinking af place to live, but the people, the animals, and my education also. So on the day of departure, i was picked up by my adviser from the organisation of "Social Pædagogerne Ringsted", short form "SL" and i was so grateful, cause it made it easier on the heart and mind, for both Patrick (my boyfreind) and I.

 

It was also reassuring to have a companion, that followed me to "Namu Zidinys", and introduced me to the place, and gave me a quick tour while we were driving. 

 

After arriving at the orphanage, i quickly went into dialog with the Headmistress, and some of the employees. They were really freindly and the children hugged me from the very first minute. The children was excited to meet the new student, and we were invited to eat lunch at the arrivel. We got some great soup while in dialog about how my stay there would be like. 

 

The first impression om the house was "WOW" - the children is really privileged to live in such fine conditions. After that we went to see the student flat, and just as the main house, it was a very fine setup they had made ready for me. There was even internet ready for me to use, by LAN. My flat consist of a combined living and bedroom, there is a seperate bathroom in luxurius style, and a small scullery i could use as a kitchen.

 

The building with the flat consits other rooms to, like childrens playroom, garage, and severel other scullery.Everything is still in progress of being finish, since it is a rather new building, som there are some minor perks to adjust like in the students flats scullery. So for now, i have placed the refrigerator and microwave in my living/bedroom. I got spare room enough, so i have planned to make a daily training scedule, when my good health is returning. 

 

They have been very kind to me, so i have had a lot of sparetime, to go to a dentist appointment at "Luxus kirugi", and getting tour in the city byt a danish contact, who is also a associate director in the "Luxus kirugi" company.

 

They have a employee that has a  bachelor in social studies, one with an educating in medicine, so he also work as a doctor, and there is a employee that has a degree in chef training, so often he comes to prepare delicious food for lunch, dinner and supper. Mostly they eat honeynuggets, chokolate chruches and yogurt for breakfast, sometimes rice porridge with chuncks of butter and maybe blueberries in it. At lunch around 2Pm, they serve quite delicious soups that the chef usually makes - and there is actually a range of good nutrients from vegetables like spinach and peas. At 5 Pm, they serve a snack, sometimes the same as breakfast, or maybe cake or sweets. For the 7 Pm dinner it has been makoroni and sourcream sauce, mashed potatoes with mince, omelette with ham bits, dessert pancakes with yoghurt. It taste fine, i just have to eat more of the "rabbit food" in my flat, to get my vitamins. :)

 

Saturday i used at the Headmistress house, to help wrapping christmas and birthday presents. After we finished at the Headmistress house, her husband were kind to take me and my colleague home, and along the way he helped me going to Electro Mart, to finish some shopping - sadly my internal GPS was all confused, so we had to go to 3 locations, to find the right store. But it did lead to "Akropolis" the second largest shopping mall, so i got to se it, and they had a very funny christmas event, where the kids would go into a red phone booth and call santa to tell their wished, instead of santa actually being at the mall. In my perspektive thats a great idear,then the kids cant pull off santas beard.

 

At Sunday i helped the children with homework and played some games.

 

 

 

Week 50:  d. 07/12-13/12 2015.

 

This week starts up with helping out in the morning from Monday to Wensday. I'll keep an eye on the "Little Miss" who does not yet go to school, while the usually mornig staff drives the rest of the young children to school. The older children walks by them self to school. During these mornig hours, i usually clean up the kitchen and living room, take out the trash, check the animals and play with "Little Miss". I took one of the little girls with me to "Rimi" to grossery shopping, and afterwards i went to the Botanical garden with the boy at 6 years old, where they had decorated for christmas with several christmas trees,  that kids had been making decoration for. Monday i also went to the tailor in the local store called RIMI Hypermarket, and pick up my clothing i turned in last week. I paid her 22 Euro for sewing two pair of pants into making a smaller waist, and sew one of the pair, up by 3 cm in the trouser legs. In Denmark it would have been at least 40 Euro or more. She did a very good job, at it came out so nicely. Even when i came to pick it up, she ask my to try the cloth on at the store, and one of the pair still needed a bit more inches removed, so she quickly made a mark, went to the sewing machine and "wupti", it became perfect. 

 

Today for dinner at 7 Pm, the cook made chuncks of potatoes with mince and hot spices, for dessert he had brought a cheesecake from work, with 4 different cheese in it - the kids loved it! 

 

 

Tuesday i went to the big outdoor and indoor market, called "Urmas". Their website is: http://www.urmas.net/lt/ 

 

I had been invited by the danish contact Michael Dalgaard, who is a associate director at the surgery clinic "Luxus kirugi", to join him and his family on their trip to the market, and out for dinner. Sadly he had to rescedule, so his family couldnt come, but ill see them later on in December. I will be a honor to accompany him ans his family, since he is a well respectet man in Lithuania, and have had several succesfull buisness both in Lithuania and in Denmark. He is a kind person, that also take a lot of interest in the orphanage in Lithuania, and in the  development of the community. He likes to inverstigate history, and therefore he can teach me much about Lithuania.

 

Before we went to "Urmas", we went to this trendy chinese reataurent, where we ordered a spice chili soup with chines moushrooms, and for the main course, i ate fried chiken breast, with veggies in hotsauce and salad. The restaurant was right next to the surgery clinic, where the dentist clinic also is. At the market "Urmas" i bought a pair of cosy woolen slippers for 8 Euro, thats about only 60 DKR - in the supermarket the cheapest one i could fint with a rubber sole, would cost me 49,99 Euro on sale! So it is quite a different price. I was told how i could take the bus to "Urmas", and i realized, by car it only took around 15 min, to drive there, so even by bus, i'll might go there some other time. 

 

When i got back at the house, one of the employees "Miss J.", had heard my wish before i left, about wanting to taste the food served at lunch, so as i got home, she had saved me a portion of potatoes, peas and meat. I took it to my room to eat, since i was a bit streched out in my health at the moment, and i stayed at my room, the rest of the day, to relax, get better and make homework.

 

I had bought a product called "Theraflu night", i had it recommended it from Michael, and when i bought it home and showed my colleague, she said it was a really good idea to use, when i was ill. So just before bedtime, i drank it with hot water, like a tea, and went to sleep. It suppose to make me sweat all the sickness out during the night, but i think i react a bit differently, cause in stead, i began freezing, and the next night i just didnt react in any way to the "tea".

 

 

 

Wensday was about work from 07.45-12.00 and then i had to stay in the bed the rest of the day, while trying to get well. In the evening they were celebrate the birthday of one of the girls. I stayed in bed since i werent feeling well.

 

Thursday night i got a visit from the Headmistress, she came to see how i felt, and told me to stay in bed the next day as well. She was so caring, and told me to dress warm when i walked around, she looked in my refrigator, to se if i has any food and water. She ask me what i eated all day, and if i had mecine and tea. She also brought me a waterheater, to make sure i easily could make tea. It really warmed my heart that she showed so much care for my health, cause due to old habits, i quickly turned on the smile and "freash" face when i saw her, in order to convince her i could go to work on Friday, so she wouldnt be dissappointed, or feel a need to tell me to suck it up, and go to work. 

 

In Denmark i have been threatened with dismissal, if i had just one sick day, at some of my old jobs. So you can immagine how scared i was, since i just got here last week.

 

But she didnt, and they are all very kind to me. When they saw me entering the main house, they got the waterboiler going and offer me tea, they ask if i would like some food or need anything. I have never felt so RELAXED and HAPPY about a internship/work as i feel now. I am looking forward to my time here in Lithuania.

 

 

 

Saturday we alle went to Kaunas library, were some of the employees had made some entertainment ready for us. It was only "Namu Zidinys" that was invited, is seems to be tradition every year. Three employees at the libary told us a story, and after that the children got divided into two groups. The first group was going to draw how they thought winter/christmas on the moon would be like, and the second group schould draw how winter/christmas would be like, out at sea. Meanwhile the libary employees supported the children and wrote down a history that mached the theme. After drawings were finish, there were cookies, fruit, tea and water for everyone. At the end they stories were read out loud, the drawings presented, and the kids got candy sticks to bring back home. We also had a tour at the libary, where they told us some of the history.

 

Like this big green clock they had, with boxes around marked with numbers; it was from old time when you ordered a book, you would get a number, and see your number light up in these boxes, when the book was ready for pick up.

 

 

 

Sunday i was laying in bed again, and the employee at work "Miss Dea" brought me pancakes for breakfast, mashed veggies for lunch and tortellini for supper. So sweet of her!

 

 

 

 

Week 51:  d. 14/12-20/12 - 2015

 

After seeing a doctor at monday, i was finally let back to work, but still with the promise fo taking it slowly, and keep long break, and only few hours at the time. 

 

Tusday we had visit from at womens club, that uses some of their sparetime to knit clothing for the children. So during the day my associate "Miss J.", the Headmistress and I, sortet out some knitted donatet clothing for the kids to wear. Some of the clothing were also donated by a danish knitting club, and all the things were so beautifull. Since the women of these clubs dont know the kids sizes, they were making all different sizes, and the things that did not fit any of the kids here, is passed along to other orphanages. 

 

It was a fun night, but i made the mistake of being underdresses, since all women were to wear dresses and girly shoes, and the boys had jeans and sweathers, and one of them, a lovely suit. 

 

All day the employees had helped cleaning and cooking for the night. There was served fish, chiken, fruit, cakes, juicy salads m.m. 

 

The kids also performed a variaty of shows like singing, dancing and reciting poetry. They were all rewarded with huge chokolate eggs, and toys, from the womens club. I was told that up to christmas, the orphanage usually has lots of guest visiting, so is going to be some busy next two weeks. 

 

 

 

Wensday i took it slowly, and were only short time at work in the evening around dinner, which was a simple but delightful pasta dish, and the Headmistress told me that thursday night, we were going to have a christmas staff meeting at her house, while a freind of her, would keep an eye on the children.

 

Thursday i decided to test my health, and went shopping, but due to communications problems in the bus, and that i was ill-prepared, i ended up using 3 hours to get home, because i kinda got lost. So as i arrived home i was kinda late, since i couldnt take the time to relax properly before i had to go to the staff meeting, but i managed to quickly clean my room, at eat some food and fruit in the riot. I got a lift from my collegue "Miss Sj", and wondered why she was all dressed up.

 

As we got to the Headmistress house, i noticed her husband were there in the door to greet us, and he was looking so handsome with his suit, shoes and tie pin. When we entered the room for the meeting, i saw all my collegues wore makeup, dresses, suits, jeans etc. and that the Headmistress also were all dresses up. I asked "Miss J." what was going on, and she told me, it was a company christmas party.... uhh did i feel misplaced in my sweaty dirty work clothing, and no hostess gift.

 

But it was a beautiful night, and they had made so much delicious food - first they served a salmon salad, then there was several different tapas, and then wonderful cakes. Just before serving cake, the Headmistress called our names one by one, and gave us all a speciel personally thank you speech, and a christmas present. It was so sweet of her, and i didnt fell like i deserved it, but i also got a exclusive present, with 3 bottles of different nut body oils, presented in a nice box.

 

 

 

Friday i went out to get a ISIC card. It is a international accepted student card, so i could get a period card, for the bus. This way i only pay 7 Euro per month, and i can travel all days in the week with the bus, as much as i like, without having to pay further. The ISIC card cost 10 Euro if you get it made in a ISIC approved shop here in Lithuania, and in Denmark it is about 25 Euro, so i saved some money bying it over here. Next time i "refuels" the period card, i am going to buy for 3 month, then it will be cheaper per month.

 

After that i went shopping a top matress, so i finally can have a good night sleep. I due to the fact i bought it in the shop called "Dormeo" (which actually is the only bed store around Akropolis), i got some free christmas present on top of the deal.

 

At the evening i went to work for a couple of hours, while the dinner was cooking, and the children helped "Mr. Git." to decorate the christmas tree he bought for them. Almost all people in the house came to join in, and have a cosy time, decorating the christmas tree. I must say, it got very sparkly. :-) 

 

After dinner, some of the kids and a teen, were given some newyears sticks, and the kids were really amased by these glowing things. That was so much fun to see.

Saturday i used most of my day at the main house with the children. I was shortly out to buy ingredients for dinner, but else i stayed at work. I have aggreed with "Miss Lau" that i would cook dinner that night, and lunch at sunday. I was very lucky that one of the girls "Miss Gaia" offered to help me cook. So we prepared some of the ingredients in the early afternoon, and at evening both her and "Mr. Caro" helped me cook "Svensk pølseret/Sweedish sausage dish". They were so helpful, and the dish turned out great! 

 

One of the teens tried to provoke me by saying it looked like c**p and he didnt wanted to eat it, so i simply told him that he didnt have to eat it, and i didnt really care what he thought it looked like, cause i knew it tasted good. Later on when the meal was served, he did though taste my food, and finished his meal, so i assume he liked it, but he look like he was struggeling inside with the decissions, since it took much longer then usually, and he dodged my attention, when i tried to get eye contact.

 

 

 

Sunday i use about 50/50 procent of my time in the house, at work. I was going to make lunch, but the oven didnt work and most of the kids were out on trips, so there was not much let to do. I asked the children that was home, id they would like to go outside with me and play, but they didnt. They all had somethings that they liked to continue with. So i went to my room and made som homework. Later on i went back to work and helped out in the kichen - at saturday there had just been installed a new hotplates, but the staff did not now how to use them, since it was a induktion stove, and i then helped explaning and translating the manual, and then together with on eof the kids, we made an short manual in Lithuanian, and i translatet the cooking guide in the manual as well. After that i made ready to make dinner, since the oven had been fixed. This evening i made pizza along with the child that was "kichen responsible" for the week, and one of the other kids, also helped out. At dinner we had a former resident visiting. He had been at Namu Zidinys since birth and to he turned 15 years old, then he was adopted, by an Lithuanian family. After dinner the main part of the kids, went to the circus, and i went to town with the young visitor. He showed he around town, showed me the christmas tree and followed me home afterwards. 

 

Since i had been very active those last couple of days, i felt a bit off, and had some signs of the cold returning. So i skyped back home, said goonight and went to bed.  

 

 

 

Uge 52:  d. 21/12-27/12 2015

 

Monday i was very tired, and felt a bit weak after the last couple of days. So to prevent from getting sick again, i ask my collegues to come and get me, if they needed my help with anything, cause i would stay in my room, and make my homework most of the day.
At the evening i went to work, and my collegue "Miss J." helped me make a list with more visible goals for my relation with the kids. She is a very hard working young woman, and dedicated to strenghen the kids talents and weakness. I am grateful that she wants help me. After that we ate, i played with one of the kids, and then i helped the younger kids get ready for bed. Like showering, brush their teeth and get into pyjamas.

 

I was asked by the chef, if i would help him make Ris'ala' mande for 2. day of christmas. 

 

Tuesday i went to the market "Urmas" to grossery shopping. But i realized that the main product was clothing, and then sweets and some sold grosseries. So in the end i only got the christmas presents for the staff, beforei had to catch the bus. I didnt get presents for the kids, since i couldt find anything for them but sweets, and i am already making a homemade christmas treat for them, plus i think they usually gets plenty of sweets during the day, so no need to add further. :) 

 

The rest of the day i was playing memory games with the kids, and helping out in the house. I also agreed with Vida, that i could take the nymfparakit to my room. I want to taim him and train him, if i can. Plus the fact, that i coudl use some easy going company at my room, for when i need to relax, and he could also get some relaxing time, since the holidays are very busy and stressful around the house.

 

At wednesday, me and a collegue carried the bird and the cage to my room. I had given her a christmas present the day before, and now she surprised me with a present. They are just so kid these people, very heartwarming people.

 

I went to Akropolis and bought some things i felt i needed for the bird Ares. I have nitced he might have a lack of minerals and vitamins in his diet, since he only gets regular birdfeeding mix. So i bought him a mineralstone, and it also helps him to take care of his beak. And then some died up fruits and seed mix and a little toy. He seemed quite happy in the evening, since he came close to my seeting, while inside the cage, and he then made small "happy" birdnoises while he went to sleep. 

 

Later on i played boardgames with the younger gilrs.

 

 

 

Christmas eve; Thursday.

 

I met in at work at 2pm. and for the next two hours i helped the kids and the staff to prepare for the christmas party that would atart at 4 Pm. One of the girls helped me set up my hair, she is really talented and creative, and in the end she was the one who helped all of us with getting a pretty hairdue. 

 

At 4pm the guest arrivede, and for the nex half hour, the Headmistress and a employee gave a speech. The Headmistress talked about how religion had begun the tradition of christmas, and we should still remember thank god, even if we didnt believe, cause we would still celebrate christmas, and if that made people come together and be happy, it was all worth it, and then she thanked all the people for coming and asked us to break "bread" wth her, like they did with Jesus and as they do in the church. 

 

Now she took forward a type of carton bread, like they use in church, and we all hade to break a bit of, say a prayer in plenum, and eat the carton bread.  

 

Then we were invited to begin eat and drink.

 

Shortly after, the Santa Claus knocked at the window, and when the kids heard it, they startede jumping and kinda screaming of joy. The Santa entered, threw "snow" on the kid and started to talk to the kids, asked if they had been good all year, and then "he" asked them to join "him" for a dance. So the next 20 minuts, the kids and Santa were performing differents dances. Then the kids was invited Santa to sit down, while they performed different dances, singing and poetry they had been practiced just for him. 

 

It made me all SO HAPPY to see the commitment the adults and the kids put into this evening, and seeing the kids be so happy made me start crying several times. After that, the Santa shared a lot of present out (those which I had helped to pack, and some new ones), and one of the kids had been working hard to make some special present for the key-caretakers, so he had made a whole bag of homemade slippers, during school classes; i was so impressed, and so was the rest of the staff, since we didnt know he was so handy.

 

I was asked by the Headmistress how we celebrated christmas in my family. I told we had tried the Santa part, but because the kids sometimes guess who it is, or dont care about it, we kinda didnt to much of it right now, what i knew of. We usually eat around the table, danced around the tree, share out the presents and then eat dessert. I was also talking to another guest, who asked me if our kids did these dances with santa, i told that we didnt, but i thought it was a wonderful tradition, since they then seemed like earning the presents, and it also made the kids enjoy themself even more. 

 

All evening the former resident "Remi", helped me, by translating what was being said, when most of the talking was in Lithuanian. 

 

At 5.30 Pm, the guest left, and the kids played with therir presents, while the adults that was left, started to clan and cook for the next day. I had made christmas oatmeal balls to the table, and they were a big succes,even though i didnt had all the right ingredients to make them, they all still got eaten by the kids and the adults. 

 

 

 

The next day, at first christmas day, it was all back to normal, and i made homework at the main house, let the kids watch the movies and pictures from christmas and cooked rice pudding to make "ris ala mande" at second christmas day. 

 

At second christmas day, a lot of the kids had family visiting during the day, and a womens club came to perform a play for the kids. While they were performing in the kids playroom, i and Remi was making the "ris ala mande". It took us about 1 hour to mix, since we made so much at one time. After dinner that night, i served the dessert, but to mig big surprise and sadness, only 5 persons tasted it, and only 2 finish their plate. I was told they though it looked to much like cottage cheese with milk, which is something they get served sometimes, but not are very fond about. I was actually very angry and hurted, cause even when they were told the ingredients, they rest still didnt wanted to taste, and Vide and "Mr. A" had so much trouble grossery shopping for this dish, and afterwards, i and Remi had used so much time to make it. I couldnt find any sweet cherrysauce, so i had to serve it with cinnamon. Maybe it would have made the different, but i am not sure, cause the basic would still look like cottage cheese.

 

At sunday i was cleaning my room, doing laundry, and grossery shopping for monday, since i was going to make dinner. 

 

At the evening it started to snow, so some of the kids ran outside to play shortly in the snow, before bedtime.

 

 

 

Week 53: The 28/12-2015 to the 03/01-2016.

 

For dinner at Monday, i cooked Spagetti and meatsauce, with veggies and lovely herbs like oregano and basil. I was actually very happy and lucky at this night, cause as i begun to cook, the young girl at 14 years old, came to se what was going on, and just before she left the kitchen, i gained courage and asked her if she would join me to cook this evening. She looked at the other employee that was helping me to get a translation, and i was told that she didnt like to to touch meat so she said no, so i quickly told her, if i took care of the meat, she could help me with the vegetables. After having it translated to her, she surprised me, by rolling up her sleeves and helped me cook. 

 

I was SO excited, cause this were the first time she had accepted my proposal, about being in my company. We cooked, and the employee helped us the first half of the cooking, and then she left to take care of the others kids. This was actually a really good way to begin this relation, cause while the employee was there, she made the girl fell safe around me, and she understood we didnt neede to talk in english, cause i could just show her what was going to be done, by gesticulation, and short word sometimes, just to tie it together. While cooking and afterwards, i made sure to thank her both in English and in Lithuanian, to try and make her fell, that i was interestest in learning Lithuanian, so she didnt always have to be in English when we communicate.

 

I am also happy to report that the dish was a huge success, and all the kids that tastet it, said it was "very very very good". They even made a bit of competition out of it, to learn how to say "very good" and "thank you for dinner" or just "thank you". Even the ones who didnt liked to speak in English, and i was allowed to take a foto of them eating - i always ask, in case that someone dont want me to do it, for any reason. 

 

I made sure to say a special thank you and godnight, to the girl who has helped me cook. 

 

Before i went to my room, the 14 year old teen got home, after spending the day with his mother, and i was a bit nervous to ask him about it, since he had a hard morning before he left, with an argument with on of the employees about school. But i asked him gently, and he replied, and then i asked his where they had bin, since he was away so for long, and also added that it was okay if he didnt wanted to talk about it, i didnt know if i was allowed to asked these things. (Since it is his personal time outside the orphanage).

 

He told me "It is none of your buisness". I got a bit spooked, and apologized for being nosey. He then laught a bit, and said it was alright for me to ask, and he answered my question. What a relief, i thought i might had crosed the line.

 

 

 

Tuesday.

 

Since it had been snowing, i decided to take some of the little kids outside to play, and later on, some of the older kids came to join us. We had a lot of fun, with dragging each other around on sleds, sliding, fight in the snow and and sledging on the homemade miniature hill. I also noticed the beautiful frost patterns on the poolhouse, and while i was standing there, a kid came to join me in the interpretation of the patterns. I was told it had been -9 degrees when the headmistress went to bed, and by looking online, i saw it had been down at -12 degree in the early morning. I really miss some warm outdoor pants at those moments. :) 

 

Tree of the girls (ages 11, 11 and 13) was really looking forward to this day, since we were going to the cinema.But they also kept asking why i didnt ask Vida for popcorn money, and since i couldnt find her, and we didnt have time before the bus left, i decided to buy them some popcorn and cola for my own money. We saw the animated movie "Little prince", and they were having so much fun it seemes, and they were so happy that i would give them snacks, so afterwards they practiced on our way to the bus, how they could say thank you etc. in english. Meanwhile we were at the movie, the employee "Miss J." took some of the other kids out to ice skate. 

 

When we  home, some of the girls went to practice with their "chores", it is the church choir, and i decided to say goodnight for the day. 

 

I must say, i think these kids are eating way to much candy all the time. 

 

One of the kids, is particular found of chokolate, and it is in such a big scale, that she cam eup to me this morning, when i first got there, and she was in a bad moode cause she didnt have anymore chokolate. So she begged me, to give her some chokolate, and she kept talking about it several times during the next couple of hours, until she got some from one of the employees. 

 

 

 

Wensday

 

During the day, i made homework, grossery shopped and spent some time playing cards with one of the teens.

 

At the evening, the boy at 14 years old and the one on 17 years old,and Remi (the former resident), was going to see a movie, and i was asked by the headmistress about what i wanted to do for the night. Did i want to join the boys for at movie, or did i wanted to go to the concert in the local church, where the tre choir girls were participating in a church concert.

 

I wanted to go to the concert, but since i didnt knew, if the boys were allowed to go out alone, when they were all minorage, i askes them if they wanted me to join them. The youngest one at 14 years old, qucikly said "no", so i said to the headmistress, that if they were allowed to go alone, i would prefer to join the girls concert, since they also had been asking me to come. It was all good, aso the boys got their boys-only night out, and i went to the concert with some of the other kids, and the employee "Mr. Gittes".

 

It was a very beautiful concert, and they performed along with the adult choir, but also alone. There was a man who played guitar sometimes and the conductor also performed a beutiful solo act.

 

The chuch had been used as a military base for the Sovjets, when they infiltrated Lithuania, and when the Sovjet were defeated for 25 years ago, there were to much poverty to rebuild the chuch, since they had destroyed its original beauty and use. So as today, the church is undergoing restoration, and it meens there still was a lot of sign to the destruction, and it was a very cold place, to be seated. During this restoration, the members of the chuch, is working together to make new paintings for the walls, that resembel their beleif, and trying to raise money, to restore the building.

 

The kids had helped to paint a picture for the wall, where a man of god, is speaking with the animal in the nature (fish), since god cares about all his creatures. They had also helped build a setup to celebrate the birth of Christ. It was an very heartwarming evening, and i was invited to join "Mr. Gittes", his wife and some of the kids, when they would go to church one of the upcoming sundays. I am looking forward to this event.

 

 

 

Thursday; Newyears eve

 

After eating breakfast, i went to the house, to get the tree girls, who had been in the movie with me, cause on this day, we were going to ice skating. But sadly, one of the girls had become ill, and were not allowed to join us, so instead, we took of of the other gils little sister with us, who was visiting this week, for a couple of days. So the two sisters, the girl at 14 years old and I, went to ice skate in Akropolis shopping mall.

 

It was really much fun for the girls, and i had a good time to. I used most of my time on the ice, to help teach the youngest kid, the little sister, to skate. I had buckled up with helmet and kneepats, to ensure i wouldnt suffer to much damage if i fell, and the little sister also was wearing helmet, but i couldnt get the to older girls, to wear anything. I also went all out in the safety for my self, to be a good rolemodel for the kids, and to show them, that i didnt think it was childish to were safety equipment.

 

"Better to be safe then sorry." 

 

After ice skating i allowed them to bye candy for their pocket money, and we went home. At home we had lunch, and then i mostly relaxing with conversations, before going to my room and make homework. 

 

I was not really spending much time at the main house this day, in stead i relaxed, since i felt kind a sad. I tried to analyse my behavior and mental state, and got to the conclusion, that i was missing my home.

 

I knew my partner was going to be with our freinds, and their daugther, and i was sad not to be able to join them. I tied to get the household to come with me and watch the fireworks from the brigde, since we could see the whole town from there, but nobody wanted to go, so we were out in the garden where the kids could plays with some firework, se some of the nighbours, and then we went ot bed.

 

 

 

Friday; 1th of January

 

This day i spent most of my time in my room, but i used about 3 hours in the main house, to clean, washing towels and cooking, all for the childrens, since they hadnt been doing their duties for two days, and therefor it was meassy and dirty in the house. I tried to make them do their duties, and i asked the employee at work to help me translate, and make them do their chores, but he said i should just let it be for saturday, it didnt matter. I acutally got a bit mad, because i felt it was a lasy attitude, since i knew he was off work at saturday, and then all this filth would become an other employees worries, and i tried several times to convince him, but ended up with having to do it my self.

 

This day i had also opened the birdcage for a while, so i could see if Ares wanted to come out. But he couldnt reach the bars, and pull himself out, so i had to make arrangements, so we could try again another day. But since he showed clear signs, of trying to get out, i was positivly reinforced. I didnt expect this to happen for at least a month, i had only had him for two weeks. I only decided to try this, since i could see his behavior change. He had not trying to treatened me in two days, even when i had my arm in the cage, and he also tok food directly from between my fingers, in stead of waiting for me to drop the food.

 

 

 

Saturday

 

Miss J. and I, took tree boys and Remi with us to ice skate. One of the boys were the 16 year old, would suffers from epileptic attacs sometime, and thats why i had to have backup from Miss J. and the 17 year old boy, since they have experience with handeling these attacs.

But we all got safely to the ice skating lane, and went iceskating for 45 min.

There were no epileptic attacs, and the boy was doing so weel on the ice. 

Afterwards, we went to Maxima and Rimi, and brought some groceries, and then we went home.

At home i made a dessert called "Vanilla pickled pear, with vanilla creme", most of the household love it, and some even ate two-tree portions. I had good help making it, from the 16 year old boy. 

 

Then i went to my room, and i cooperation with my boyfreind, i ordered plane tickets for him, since he will be visiting at 11th January to the 15th january. I talked about this matter, with the Headmistress that morning, and she have it her blessings.

 

 

 

Sunday

 

This sunday i decided to take the day off, i had already taken extra hours for the week, so i wouldnt feel bad, if i took a day off, when my boyfreind was going to visit. I was only at the mainhouse for ½ hour this day, but i still got to be social with the kids and the employee in this short time. 

 

This day, i had in the morning opened the birdcage, for Ares to get out into the room, if he wanted to. He quickly crawled out,  and when i tried to go out of the room, he took his first flight. The next two hours i used with him, getting him to calm down around my presence, and making him find the way to the cage again, aince he refused to fly, and would only crawl and walk back. I made a ocstacle course, to help him get to the cage, and placed food on the areas that he was suppose to crawl onto, to find the easiest way. To my big supprise, he didnt wanted to go through the course alone, so when i sat down on the couch, he turned around and walked righ on into my lap. Then he investigated my computer, and he also investigated the windowsill, where i had a chives growing. 

 

I moved my but to on of the chairs that should help me to the cage, and to try my luck, if he indeed wanted my presence, and surely enogh, he folloed me there,so i gave him a treat, before helping him on the table, where i had placed the food and a birdbath. Shortly after exploring the table, i moved the chair next to the cage, and lured him to join me, and after a bit, i got him on my arm, and helped him onto the cage. 

 

Now the tricky part of getting him freely, to go back into the cage, was apon me. So after luring him, and offering him food, he went into the cage, and i could now close it, and clean up the mess he had made in the room -- like bird droppings and leftovers.

 

But this was a very good and happy day, for the relationsship between me and the bird. 

 

 

 

Week 01; 04/01 - 10/01 2016

 

Monday I made sausage horns with tomato, basil, oregano, cheese and chiken sausages. The kids like them, but i didnt make them alle for them, so they only got some tastings, since the food was for my own private use. After that i spent some time with the bird Ares again, he was coming out of his cage, and for 4 hours i couldnt get him inside again. 

 

So while i went back to work, he was left alone in the room, to explore what he wanted. 

 

I used some time with the kids at their art calss, where we had to draw pictures of what we had been celabrating the last couple of weeks. 

 

We have had visit from the new boy, who is soon to move in, and it went well.

 

This week i and "mrs. Sja." have been taking 8 kids to the cinema to watch a cartoon, i have spent time with on of the older teenagers, when we went out to the cinema, eating and iceskating, along with mr. Remi. i Have been to church on sunday, with some colleagues, and after that out to eat and drink traditional food and beverage. 

 

I have felt a bit disoriented about my role in the institution this week, and felt i began to ave a change of mindset and personality.

 

Other then that i have been playing cards, memory games and puzzles with the kids.

 

The bird Ares, has been out of his cage every day, as long as i was on the worksite. 

 

 

 

Week 02; 11/01 - 17/01 2016

 

This week my boyfreind was visiting from Monday until Friday morning.

I took some time of work this week, to enjoy with my boyfreind, and we had a blast. We went out for dinner/lunch 3 times, and our favorite place becam "Jourda" (Says "Sushai" in the window) that is located next to the "Ortopedijos technika", where the busstop is, and my dentist. The prices at "Sushai" are really good in the eyes of a danish person, and between the hours of 11Am to 3pm, they served specially lunch dishes, where you can buy a whole meal, with onside salace and drink for only 5 Euro.The food is delicious, and i heard they have the best sushi also, if a person is in to that sort of food. We also tried out a hour at the bowling lane in akropolis, went shopping and used time to relax, and play with the bird "Ares" that is staying in my room.

 

At saturday i began the more strucktured plan of the project                                   .

 

It went well and the girl who helped me, was happy to help, due to a misunderstanding in the communikation with the daily chef, i didnt get to cook at sunday.

 

I have worked extra hours in the weekend to make sure i could reduces the number of hours, i had to take out from my holiday savings, since i take it by hours and not days, because of my variating schedule. 

 

I also got my boyfreind to bring my mallfunctioned computer to Denmark, and therefore was unable to be fully functional with the homework, in the weeks to come.

 

 

 

Week 03; The 18/01 - 24/01 2016.

 

This week i was feeling a bit off, in my mental state. My colleagues said they believed it to be from grief, cause my boyfreind just went home. Personally i think it was a mix with that reasons and my indentity crisis. I had ambivalent feelings and thoughts about my own role and present in this culture, and institution. I was also feeling that i was loosing the sites of my personality, that was the dearest to me, in relation to my work, and as a girlfriend. I use to love to play around with the kids, and i ussually make weird funny ideears come true, but now i was just feeling like i would never have those happy moments and feelings again. I realized i was copying some of the other employees on the less furtunate caracteristica, and i kept dodging the kids attention, when they wanted to play. I just didnt fell like i had the creativeness to even play a boardgame.

 

Fortunately for me, this weeks weather was perfect to go outside and play in the snow. So we went out several times to go sledging, both in the botanical garden and on the big hill near the mainroad. This really helped my mood getting better. In the botanical garden they have even set up different areas to play in. The have made a iceskating area to practice, they made a sledging on the ice activity, and a areas with different sledging posibilities among others.

 

In the weekend i cooked lunch with on eof the older girls, and the theme was danish food.

 

 

 

Week 04; The 25/01 - 31/01 2016.

 

This week was a bit better then the last, regarding the mental state. This week i played the board game "Alias" a couple of times with two kids (the 17 year old boy, and the 16 year old) and "Miss J." In this game your creative skills and quick response is challanged, and to make it more interesting, we agree that the loser should take 15 pushups.

 

Lucky me, cause i didnt loose ;-) 

 

At tuesday i went out with Mr. Remigijus, and he gave me an idear about how i could use the game called "sims" to teach the kids english, especially the girl who avoids all attention from the staff, when it comes to practice english. At wednesday we had a visit from a Lithuanian university student, that wants to make a project involving the kids in different types of sports. This would safe the household of some money, and problems with tranportation, since he would personally escort the kids to sports activities, and also try make some of the lessons at the house.

We were all very excited to hear more about this cooperation.

Other then that i have been cooking with two kids, having a more serious conversation with one of the kids, due to the persons bad behavior towards me, and been to the cinema with 7 kids. 

 

I was also preparing my dental plan witht the dentist, and i got a haircut at the salon in Akropolis´4th floor. It only cost 12 Euro for a hairwash, haircut and styling.

 

 

 

 

Week 05; The 01/02 - 07/02 2016.

 

This week, Patrick was visiting for two days, and dropping of my school computer. I launched several projects with learning english and russian. Other then that, i cooked several times also with the kids in the weekend, and used time to do homework.

 

 

 

Week 06; The 08/02 - 14/02 2016.

Working most of the week. Took Friday off since i had a appointment at the dental office, to get my braces on. It took more time then expected, so when i came home, i decided to go for a cosy walk among the neighborhood, and look for homeless dogs, plus it gave me a good chance to look at all the different houses. It is really a mixed neighbourhood, with houses that bear markings from the different historical events, that has happen in Lithuania. I was a very wonderful walk, i could recommend to other visitors, if they like architecture

 

 

 

Week 07; The 15/02 - 21/02 2016.

I made nothing special this week. I was at work, and when not working i was relaxing in my room, spending some quality time with the bird "Ares", and fixing him some delicious homemixed food.

 

 

 

Week 08; The 22/02 - 28/02 2016.

This week i was in Denmark for 2½ day. I went to do some volunteer work for the Slagelse comunity, and Patrick and I, went on a roadtrip to visit my and his family, in the extend we could reach in my limited time and energy.

I had been afraid i would crack, by the pressure of being back in Denmark, but thanks to the very productive timetable i had planned, i only experienced some hurtful emotions at the end of my stay, during a movie in the cinema. I am really happy that i have such a supportive boyfreind, since i wasnt sure how anyone of us would handle my stay in Lithuania and nigther the presure of me being in Denmark for such a short visit. He is truly the best backup a emotionel girl like myself, can have. I am surprises how well it is working out for us, but i know it is also only working this well, because we can call through skype at anytime we like. That really help on the "heart".

 

 

Week 09; The 29/02 - 06/03 2016.

This week i met up with a new connection of mine here in Lithuania. He is a trainee at the Ryanair flight company, and has just moved here in December 2015. He comes from Romania, and as we went out to have lunch, he told me about his life in Romania, the education systems, the work, the nature etc. 

He is a very freindly person, and was happy i would show him "around" to the restaurent of "Jourda" - the place i eat chinese food, next to Otopedijos clinika.

He told me about some organisations, that searches for volunteers to help out in Romania, Belarus and other countries of the world, in cooperation with EramusPlus sometimes also. I have looked into this and maybe i will take a 2½ week trip to Belarus, to volunteer in social work with young people.

I also spent a little time with Remi* on a café called "Pas Stanley", that i have been introduced to in the beginning of my stay, by the CEO of Grozio Chirurgija.

Great food, and vibrant atmosphere.

Sunday i went to a get-together with the CEO and his family for brunch, and we went to the airport to welcome my parents as they landed, and his klients.