Blog 6 - Longing to Linger in Le贸n 馃槣

It’s true to say I have had teething problems here.  But I must say I have really loved it from the start (and I now have WIFI which has helped things a lot!).  I especially love my school (Colegio Discipulas de Jes煤s) and also the beautiful city of Le贸n itself.  I may go home still unable to properly say the name of my school (it’s still my mission, I haven’t given up!) but the experience will always stay with me.  These are incredibly special young people - full of vitality and enthusiasm.  I was almost knocked over by one of the secondary lads yesterday, as he was mucking around on his way into the lesson.  I told him to be careful (because he almost knocked over a boy on crutches as well!) and he came up to me and (in rather broken English 馃う馃徏‍♀️!) profusely apologised for being a 'stupid boy'.  He had been pretty stupid but he seemed genuinely remorseful, which impressed me.  
I have enjoyed so many lessons here now.  They’re getting prepared for St. Patrick’s Day next week so I've had to learn about it too and deliver lessons about St Paddy's Day!  The photo on this Blog was of my lesson about the UK.  I’ve been so impressed with the level of English of a lot of the students at my school and their knowledge about the UK.  These kids have bright futures for sure!  
For me the Spanish people seem to be the salt of the earth.  Everyone I’ve met seems to have a heart of gold.  My teachers are busy people but they greet me with hugs and kisses and there is such a warmth about the Spanish people in general that I have really never experienced in this way elsewhere in the world.  My Spanish is still pretty ropey I'm sorry to say, but I’m still giving a go every day.  Everyone I’ve met here in Le贸n seems eager to practice whatever English they know, which has touched me.  
We are beginning to plan for (fret about) next weeks observations with dear Emile.  It will be nice to see him again but I know once he arrives, it means the experience here is almost over.  I’ve said it before, I struggle with endings, so this isn’t going to be easy for me.  But I am excited for the future and where this experience could take me next.  I know when I leave here on the 20th March, I will have unfinished business here in Le贸n.  Whether it’s just another visit, or something more permanent, I will be back.  Maybe I could work here 馃檴?!?  If I were to find enough bravery to try living and working in another country, I would head straight to Spain.  No doubt in my mind about that.  The culture has captured my attention and the people have captured my heart.  Plus I know there are still so many wonderful sights to see and I just haven’t had nearly enough time to even scratch the surface.  Lozza's longing to linger in Le贸n!… 馃檲

Lauren x




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