Poland: May, 2025

What an incredible trip!!!

The TRIP Video:

https://youtu.be/Rdf63QrvtMo

Pictures below and below that is the trip summary / blog!

Poland Summary. 5/16/25-6/1/25

This Father & Son Trip…!

The first week was just me and Joshua teaching English through Global Volunteers… and the second week, we rented a car and drove all around Poland together. And it was fun, FUN, FUN!!

We really bonded. I got to know my son better—you know, when you don’t spend that much time together as adults, you don’t get to truly appreciate and know the man your “boy” has become. And for him, as an adult, it’s the same—he got to know his dad better. And of course, I’ve changed quite a bit as I’ve gotten older.

I feel like I’m very different at 56 than I was at 26 (which, by the way, is exactly Joshua’s age right now!). This trip gave us both a chance to connect in a deeper way, not just as father and son—but as two grown men sharing a journey, with plenty of laughs, great food, beautiful places, meaningful moments, and just pure time together.

So here it is—my discombobulated trip summary… enjoy!

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5/16/25 – Travel & Team

I left Montreal, connected through Amsterdam, and arrived in Warsaw. Joshua had flown in the night before from San Francisco to Munich, then on to Warsaw.

We were picked up by Olga, our Ukrainian team leader. That’s when we met Larissa and her daughter Geneva, as well as Katie. Later that night, we met Mindy—and that was our full Global Volunteers crew.

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The Teaching Week

We taught four classes a day for the first four days, and then five classes on the last day. The kids ranged in age from about 8 to 15 years old, and we had a new class every time—so that’s roughly 20 students per class × 21 classes = over 400 students in total!

Over the course of the week, they really got to know us—and we got to know them. By the end, they’d recognize us in the halls, light up when we came in the room, and it just felt like we were making a real impact—not just by helping them with their English, but by giving them a glimpse into who we are and what Americans can be like.

The Volunteer Experience

We all stayed in Reymontowka: We taught for four days at a school called School Number 10, and on the fifth day, we moved to a different school. The students ranged in age from about 8 to 14–15 years old. Each class typically began with my video presentation—a slideshow of photos from my life, starting from childhood up to the present. Joshua didn’t do a formal presentation, but he would join in afterward, introducing himself and talking about where he’s from and what he does for a living.

We got into a good rhythm: my presentation would take about 15 minutes, then I’d hand it off to Joshua. He would start using flashcards and engage the students by asking them to guess what he was showing. The kids got super excited—it could be anything from a bird, eagle, the number 19, the color pink, or a lion. They really enjoyed it.

We used a Nerf football during these sessions—whoever got the right answer got to hold or toss the football. We usually wrapped up each session with a game of Hangman. I’d start with easy words like “cat” or “dog” (which they’d guess instantly), and then Joshua would ask them if they wanted the next word to be easy, hard, or “impossible.” Almost always, they chose “impossible”—they loved the challenge.

We moved quickly, class after class, returning to the teacher’s conference room in between to regroup. I usually tried to eat something then since I couldn’t eat breakfast early in the morning. Occasionally, they’d offer us water—although the second school gave us coffee on Friday, which was a nice touch.

At School #10, the director—a very kind man named Dan—hosted us multiple times. He’s now my friend on Facebook. We had coffee with him on several occasions, always accompanied by delicious pastries. On our last visit, he gave each of us a farewell gift: a bottle of light brown Polish vodka, each in a different flavor, along with a beautiful journal. Mariella, a teacher there, was present for the gift-giving as well.

As we continued teaching at School #10, more and more students began recognizing us. In total, we taught four classes a day for four days—that’s 16 classes with about 20 students each, meaning we connected with over 300 kids just in the first school alone. I truly believe we made a difference—not just in helping them speak English, but in how they now perceive Americans. I think we left them with a good impression of American people and culture, and maybe even inspired some of them to visit or learn more about the U.S.

We gave our time altruistically and it felt meaningful.

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Our Team

Every morning began with a team meeting led by Olga, a Ukrainian woman who’s lived in Poland for a few years. Our group included:

• Katie, from Napa, married with three kids, but traveling solo

• Mindy, around 50, no kids, lives with her husband and dogs

• Larissa and her 18-year-old daughter Geneva, from Minnesota (though they previously lived in L.A.); Larissa has three children total

• Me and Joshua

After our team meeting and breakfast, we headed to our assigned schools. Mariella, a teacher at School #10, drove us most days. Occasionally someone else would drive—one day it was Kasia, another teacher who also works at Chopin Vodka. She offered me her number for a private tour (we didn’t get to take her up on it, but I saved it!).

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Social Time & Local Experiences

One evening, Mariella and her husband (a 2:45 marathoner and triathlon coach who’s taken trainees to Kona/Ironman) took us to Profectora, a brewery and arguably the nicest restaurant in Siedlce. It was fantastic—I had an excellent bottle of French wine, Joshua had a beer, and although we’d already eaten, they brought out a spread of delicious food. We returned the next night with our volunteer group and again, the food and presentation were incredible. I’m quickly realizing that Polish food is seriously underrated—everything was beautiful, flavorful, and varied. Even at our lodging (Raymond Tówka hostel), the meals were excellent, especially the pierogies, which were different every day.

One day, the staff hosted a barbecue where we met Ukrainian refugees, played wiffle ball with them, and enjoyed a surprise concert. A harmonica player (also a guitarist and singer) performed alongside a violinist, and they were incredibly talented—I recorded parts of it. The setting was peaceful, surrounded by forest trails where I’d often go for quiet runs. One day, Joshua joined me, but most of the time I ran alone—it was memorably tranquil.

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Cultural Visits & Local Life

We visited the main town during the Polish presidential elections (Part 1 of 2 rounds) and saw the local voting center set up in a school, with people dropping ballots into transparent boxes.

We also found a small, off-the-radar art museum showcasing pieces discovered in the attics of deceased Polish citizens. The works were stunning—one painting was reportedly worth millions. Afterward, we enjoyed ice cream with our group while strolling around town.

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Challenges & Bonding

The toughest part for me was sleeping—our room was tiny and hot. We’d open the window for cool air, but then dealt with street noise. On the first night, the hostel hosted an 18th birthday party that felt like a full wedding—loud music and laughter until 4 a.m. Add in barking dogs and the now-infamous rooster crowing at 3–4 a.m., and sleep was… rough. But it became a running joke, and we all laughed about it.

Our group bonded deeply, and I’d honestly love to reconnect with everyone. After the program, we each went our own way:

• Joshua and I traveled through Poland.

• Larissa and Geneva flew to South Korea and even visited the edge of North Korea (apparently part of a tourist program).

• Katie went on to Austria.

• Mindy stayed a bit longer in Warsaw before heading home. She was once in Silicon Valley but left to become a preschool teacher—and she’s loving it.

Post-Volunteer Poland Travel

After our volunteer work ended and we were dropped off in Warsaw, Joshua and I rented a car and drove to Kraków, where we stayed in an Airbnb right in the center of the city—an absolutely perfect location. Kraków is incredible: pedestrian-only streets lined with shops, restaurants, and endless charm.

Kraków Highlights

On our first night, we explored the Jewish Quarter, where the old ghetto once stood before WWII. We had drinks at a cozy bar—both excellent—and considered going to a 17th-century cellar restaurant, but instead opted for Moo Moo Wine, right next door. Joshua had an incredible-looking burger, and the food was fantastic. Presentation, flavor, even the soups and salads—it all blew American restaurants out of the water. And everything was so inexpensive: with a 4-to-1 exchange rate, a high-end entrée might cost 40 złoty—about $10—with wine and all, and you’d still have trouble spending a lot.

We went for a run around the city, although I wasn’t feeling great due to jet lag and several nights of little sleep. Someone on my flight into Poland had been coughing nonstop, and I think I caught a mild cold. I was tired but not fully sick, just trying to be cautious. Joshua went for a great solo run the first night—five or six miles—and really enjoyed it.

The next day, we went shopping. Joshua bought some beautiful jewelry for Desiree, and I picked up a couple of unique gifts for Chelle, including a necklace with quartzite—a stone believed to help with anxiety and depression.

Salt Mines & Sushi

Later that day, we drove to the Wieliczka Salt Mines—a fascinating, three-hour walking tour. The scope of the mine was impressive. Afterward, we were pretty wiped out, so we rested, then went out to dinner at Nami Beef & Reef, a stylish sushi and Wagyu beef spot. The presentation was again amazing, the food delicious, and the ambiance top-notch.

That first night, we also found another cool bar to relax at after dinner—again, everything in Kraków just felt high-quality and fun.

Auschwitz

The next morning, we packed up and made our way to Auschwitz, stopping for breakfast in a small town about 20 minutes outside. The breakfast was—again—exceptional. Beautifully prepared eggs, great flavors, incredible value.

Auschwitz was a deeply emotional experience. The tour lasted about three hours. The first part was the old Polish military barracks taken over by the Nazis. The second part—the structures the Jewish prisoners were forced to build themselves—was even worse. Our guide spoke English, though at times it was hard to understand her. Still, the impact was overwhelming. Joshua broke down early on, and understandably so. We saw where the trains arrived, where the “selections” were made, the gas chambers, the crematoriums, living quarters, bathrooms… It was devastating.

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Wrocław

After Auschwitz, we drove to Wrocław and stayed in an incredible penthouse Airbnb for just $200/night—unbelievable views and an amazing space. We went for a great run, but our time there was short. That night we had our only disappointing meal of the entire trip—at a Mexican restaurant (something like “Tequilarina”) that just didn’t deliver.

The next day, Joshua needed to do laundry, so we stuck close to the area. We had another amazing breakfast and returned to the penthouse to check out. When we got there, a group of kids was already in the hallway waiting to check in—they were in town for a big soccer final. Luckily, we had everything packed, and the cleaning crew had just arrived, so we were able to hand things off without much delay.

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Mierzęcin Estate & Winery

Next stop: Mierzęcin Palace & Winery for some R&R. It’s a unique place—part vineyard, part spa, part horse ranch, with even a bowling alley. We checked in and immediately booked massages and facials, followed by a five-course chef’s dinner that blew us away:

• Beef carpaccio

• Strawberry soup with goat cheese

• Amberjack fish

• Pork

• Chocolate mousse

We enjoyed a bottle of 2011 house wine, and the setting was peaceful and refined. The spa had multiple steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, and pools. My facial was especially incredible—I felt like I left my body for a while. Joshua’s massage wasn’t his favorite, and mine the next day was just okay, but that facial made up for everything.

The breakfast the next morning was also a highlight—the way they did the scrambled eggs, blending them with fried eggs or something similar, made for an unbelievable texture and taste.

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Toruń

After Mierzęcin, we headed to Toruń. The drive took longer than expected—about 4.5 hours instead of 3.5—partly because Joshua kept stopping at convenience stores for hot dogs. At one stop, karma hit: he got a huge glob of mustard all over his pants.

Toruń is a medieval gem—one of the few Polish cities not destroyed in WWII. Buildings from the 1200s are still standing. It’s where Copernicus was born and is also the birthplace of gingerbread. They even have a gingerbread factory where you can make your own (we ran out of time for that).

We went for a scenic run past some of the historical buildings. That night, we started at Bar 1489—reportedly the oldest bar in Poland. Joshua had an IPA, I had a pilsner—both great. Then we went to Schlib Vino for dinner. While the wine list wasn’t impressive, the food and ambiance were excellent. Joshua ordered a giant Moscow Mule (over 100 złoty)—the size of his head—and the waitress was in disbelief. He drank nearly a fifth of it. We were going to hit another bar called Whiskey Something, but it had just closed. So we called it a night.

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Malbork Castle

The next day: Malbork Castle—and it was hands down the best castle we’ve ever seen. We only spent two hours there, but they offer a six-hour tour, which we’ll definitely do next time. It’s huge and absolutely worth a return visit.

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Gdańsk & Sopot

Then came Gdańsk, and it completely blew us away. A stunning riverside city with 15th-century architecture mixed with modern design. The streets are lined with restaurants and bars, and the vibe is vibrant and youthful.

We sampled cherry vodka (hot and cold, with real cherries), went to a shot bar, and then to this surreal fantasy bar that looked like something out of Disney—creative drinks, magical interior, but not cheesy. Joshua insisted we try every drink on the menu.

We also went to a jungle-themed bar, like a high-end Rainforest Café with outstanding cocktails. Every bar and restaurant had exceptional presentation and quality. Even street food was amazing.

We stayed the last night in Sopot, a beach town, where we ran 10 miles along the seaside promenade. Sopot has a more laid-back, summer-vacation vibe. We stayed at the Sofitel Hotel—gorgeous rooms, balconies overlooking the Baltic Sea (Joshua’s room was bigger than mine—again!). That night, though, we took an Uber back to Gdańsk because we just couldn’t stay away from the fun.

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Observations

As you move north in Poland, it starts to feel more “American.” Some places even offer tipping options, but it’s still not standard. Even at fine dining spots, it’s hard to spend more than $20 on an entrée, and wine is similarly affordable. Southern Poland feels more traditional and is even less expensive.

We also noticed that while you don’t see many Americans, the locals—especially women—often seemed shy or reserved. But once you break the ice, you realize it’s mostly due to insecurity about speaking English. Once they open up, they’re warm and friendly.

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Final Thoughts

We ended our trip in Warsaw, another fantastic city. We didn’t have much time, but it left a great impression. We heard there’s a fantastic WWII museum (possibly like the one in Gdańsk), so we’ll be back.

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Summary:

We definitely want to return to:

• Kraków

• Gdańsk

• Malbork Castle

• Sopot

• Warsaw

Places like Wrocław, Toruń, and Mierzęcin Estate were great, but we feel like we’ve seen what we needed to see there.

Poland truly exceeded expectations in every way—food, people, culture, history, and cost. We’ll be back.

VOLUNTEER’S “MESSAGE OF THE DAY” AND “JOURNAL ENTRIES”:

Message of the Day from Joshua:

Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans. John Lennon

Sunday, May 18th, Poland Journal by Marc

We started the day at 8:30 am with some peach yogurt, apple pancakes, and the obligatory cheese.  Marc stole some “bananas” once again and surreptitiously put them in his room.

We did go for a run down the road in front of our hotel, and you have to be careful because I do firmly believe that all of the drivers in this area of Poland are not just driving to their destination. They feel that they are in a drag race in Daytona or some NASCAR event because they go 100 miles an hour easily! So watch your back! ;-)

Later in the day, we went to town to see the activist residents cast their presidential voting ballots and place them in the large rectangular glass box.

Today we:

1. Discussed what we want to accomplish from this wonderful trip with Global Volunteers in Siedlce, Poland.  We each chose our top 3 goals, and then we consolidated each category with a summary statement, and those papers were placed on top for a headline statement.   The final captions were:

1. TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND INSPIRE EACH OTHER

2. TO CONNECT, INSPIRE, AND SUPPORT POLISH STUDENTS

3. TO ENJOY OUR TIME HERE AND FEEL GOOD ABOUT WHAT WE DID

4. TO LEARN ABOUT THE KIDS AND THEIR OWN NEEDS

5. TO CONNECT WITH THE POLISH CULTURE

6. TO IMPROVE MY OWN COMMUNICATION SKILLS (LISTENING & SHARING)

2. Next, we all said out loud one-word adjectives for the “Characteristics of an effective team”.  The goal was at least 15.  They were:

1. Supportive

2. Prepared

3. Flexible

4. Motivated

5. Honest

6. Respectful

7. Punctual

8. Collaborative

9. Inclusive

10. Patient

11. Friendly

12. United

13. Understanding

14. Compassionate

15. Reciprocal

16. Fun

3. We had a beginning lesson on Polish where we learned single words and short phrases.  We also learned the numbers 1-10.  The hardest part was pronunciation as some of the letters are new to us and some of the letters we are familiar with are pronounced differently than English.

We had a session where all of the teachers from the various schools came to talk to us about what to expect and gave us the schedules. Afterwards, we had a much better understanding of the days ahead!

And we finished up with another wonderful dinner, and the pierogies were quite delectable!

Then time for sleep, and the good news is that tonight there’s not a big 18-year-old birthday party or kids' party till 4 AM. Making a lot of noise, so we should sleep pretty well tonight! Looking forward to our first day teaching tomorrow!

Message of the Day by Marc

"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone," Ronald Reagan.

Monday, May 19th Journal by Joshua

Poland Journal, Day #2

We opened the day to a nutritious breakfast and the best quote the world has ever heard. Marc shared his experiences for the day as we indulged in cottage cheese pancakes and fresh banan.

Before we knew it, it was time to start our very first day. Mariola arrived exactly on time, speeding around the driveway. She opened the doors and tossed her cars eat in the trunk. 

We arrived at the bright lime green School #10. First on the schedule was a meeting with the Director of the school, a classically Slav-looking man who, at any other time in Polish history, you would either want to avoid him or have him on your side. He barely spoke English, but that didn't stop him from communicating his gratitude for our time and consideration. 

The first class was the best welcome we could have received. We introduced ourselves, and in their own way, the children also showed us who they were. We showed them pictures of our lives back in America. When the first dog picture showed on the screen, the children shouted with joy. When Marc showed his father's grave, Maya, a rambunctious and excitable girl, yelled out, "Matching, matching!". 

Once we completed the presentation, we moved on to games - flash cards, hangman, and football. The children were ecstatic to speak English and excited to participate. Every subsequent class was different in its own way. Some were more reserved; others were more disciplined.

As Mariola drove us back, we were allowed some time for self-reflection, to think about how we might improve the lessons for the next few days. Others had similar experiences, and we shared them over dinner. We found that allowing both the kids and the teachers a break from their usual routine might be the best value we can offer. In that vein, we would likely continue our casual approach to games and football. Maybe someday, when the children remember an English word they learned that day, they will also remember the smile on their faces.

Message of the day by Geneva 

‘Be present in all things and thankful for all things.’ Maya Angelou

Tuesday, May 20th Journal by Larissa

started with our standing 7:45 AM meeting. We listened to Joshua deliver a poetic account of Monday, May 19, and a quote from Marc citing Ronald Reagan, who inspired people to help one another. 

The table, as usual, was decorated in white linen and porcelain, and a delicious array of fruit, cheese, meat, bread, and an egg and broccoli dish over purée was served. 

Once we had our coffee and our brains were working, we went on our various excursions to different schools.

Geneva and I returned to the high school we had visited the previous day, STANISŁAW STASZIC SCHOOL COMPLEX NO. 3

FOR POST-PRIMARY EDUCATION

ul. Ks. Jerzego Popiełuszki 8

Siedlce

Each morning, Olga takes us to the train, where we travel to Siedlce and are collected by car with a Learning student driver and his instructor. 

On Tuesday at school, we met with students ages 17 and 18. We learned a lot from the previous day, and Geneva thus prepared printed handouts of our presentation to ease the burden of relying on technology and projectors being available and working. This was a huge help to a smooth-running day. 

Handouts included pictures about who we are, where we are from, our family pets, and activities we love in order to inspire conversation. While only six pages long, we barely made it through the presentation in one class period. We went around the room asking questions and engaging more deeply when we touched on interesting or unique experiences and topics that everyone enjoyed. 

Our second group of the day was a very talkative class with many interested students. It was fun to dialogue and ask questions, laugh together and learn more about the students experiences and aspirations. It was surprising to learn how many kids shared interest in Asian culture and visiting Japan. 

We did have a scary moment when one of the students began to feel ill and was taken to the nurse. We hope she is okay and returns to school quickly. 

The drilling work above one classroom made conversation really challenging but Magda quickly solved for the issue inviting everyone into the teachers lounge. 

This highlighted our visibility and new teachers became more interested in the program asking to be a part of the experience. Geneva and I were thankful to be appreciated but could see that perhaps it is better to stick to the plan so as not to disrupt or disappoint set expectations. 

The day went quickly and we felt we connected with many of the students and Magda herself seemed happy participating. We learned that the northern lights have been visible in Poland at least 2 times. We also learned that talking about family pets is an easy way to break the ice because complicated questions seem easy when talking about our fur families. 

After school was over we waited for our Learner driver to bring us to the Governor’s office. After a few short stops, we were happy to arrive at the Siedlcecounty office. 

Here we ate a delicious packed lunch and waited for our meeting with Governor Karol Tchórzewski, who is currently serving his second term. 

Governor Karol sat us down in his office at a long wooden table. We ate more chocolates and introduced ourselves and discussed several topics at the top of the governors list of concerns including funding roads and agricultural production of rapeseed which produces the yellow blossom fields we have all been admiring. We received a lovely gift of a journal and mug which was an unexpected unique souvenir. 

We began our journey back to Reymontowka and shortly thereafter welcomed Ukrainian families to the manor gardens for a barbecue and creative game of baseball. 

All of the kids and adults alike had fun impressing one another with newly found batting skills and running the bases on our rhombus shaped baseball “diamond”. 

For dinner we enjoyed sausages including a blood sausage some of us tried as well as a lard dish meant to be spread over fresh baked bread.  

After dinner and activities on a perfectly timed day for the weather, most of us retreated to our evening rest while Geneva and Joshua entertained a large group of visiting artists for several hours talking about art and AI, and some sort of interesting topics judging by the laughter echoing down the hall. 

It was a wonderful day, and I’m thankful to have learned so much beyond the goal and intention of teaching English here in Poland. 

Message of the Day by Larissa

“In raising children, I have lost my mind but found my soul…”

Lisa Shambrook

Wednesday, May 21st Journal by Geneva

Today I woke up a bit tired at around seven in the morning. After getting ready in a timely manner, I met everyone downstairs in the red room where we ate a delicious breakfast consisting of cottage cheese-filled crepes, tea, coffee, fruits, and vegetables. I also ate my usual half sandwich with ham and cheese. We followed by listening to my quote of the day, representing the value of the present and recognizing the things we should be grateful for. Shortly after, my mother and I left for school, where we were graciously driven to the train station by Olga, then met by Darota and walked to the Learning Driver, who chauffeurs us safely to school. By this time, we finally knew our way to the teacher's lounge and were ready to sit and wait for class time. Just then, one of the students from the previous day came by to say hello, which then led us to lead the end of their class through debating strategies in English by providing them with an example: Is going to university more or less beneficial for having a successful future? After minor discussions and counterarguments, the class ended. Today we stayed in the same classroom and were followed by one of the excelling English students in the class prior. He spent the entire day with us. Luckily for us, he wasn’t the only student interested in extended learning. After the first scheduled class, we met with a different student from the previous day, and we walked and talked in the hallways on the way to grab some water from the in-school market. Soon after this pair spent the rest of the school day together in classroom 31 helping, asking, and answering questions with my mom and I. These additions were not only useful to the class but were also noted as a great contribution from the teachers. Many were impressed by the interest students showed. Even some “trouble makers” spent their entire break time chatting before having to go to their next class. Turns out students who have been in the same grade for years have never met each other before. After more fun times talking with students inside and outside of class, the school day sadly concluded. My mother and I were driven back to the station… and yes, by another learning driver, where Darota met us. She brought us to this cute cafe before the train, and gave us a traditional Polish cake called Senkacz, or as Mr. Marc calls it, “Polish Fire Roll”, to share. After returning to the manor, we ate lunch, which included tomato soup with pasta, chicken, cauliflower, and the usual fruits and vegetables. After relaxing for an hour, Josh and I met with the art students once more for about an hour to talk about various things they are interested in. For Josh, he continued to answer the in-depth AI and bio-mechanic questions. Questions she had lingering. There was mention of her also speaking with Marc about a finance-related question, but it seems Josh covered that information as well. Then, just when we finished, a group meeting was held where others shared their experiences of the day. Mindy spoke joyously about the preschoolers she worked with and how they try to talk to her excitedly in Polish and tell her how they want to bring her home, and Marc spoke about the relationship development between him, the students, and the teachers. Continuing this meeting we attended a Jazz concert we were kindly invited to downstairs, and listened to the most impressive harmonica, guitar, and singing triple threat most or maybe all of us have ever heard. After some of us could chat with the talent about various topics, music, and more. Then to finish off the night, we ate and laughed through a nice dinner serving a cabbage/ sausage dish, wine, and beet salad. 

Message of the day by Mindy

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

Thursday, May 22 Journal by Katie

Our fourth day of teaching began with a drizzle of rain and a slight dip in the nice temperatures of Wednesday.  But Thursday’s weather wasn’t about to hinder our volunteering efforts and after breakfast we all set out to tackle our teaching assignments.  Carrying stashes of games and activities, we were hoping to secure our students attention for yet another day.

  Mindy making good use of flashcards with everything from colors to animals to parts of the body capitated the attention of her preschoolers and felt the love from all her students.

 Marc and Josh, working incredibly hard to stump the bright students in their classes, deployed tough hangman terms with the letter Q.  But to no avail, as the student successfully guessed word after word until the dreaded 'thorax' left them stumped. 

  Larissa and Geneva undertook the task of connecting with a group of younger, 10–14-year-old students and remarked that the lower school classes were quite engaged during lessons and that the energetic atmosphere and constant chatter between classes could be very chaotic. 

  Katie enjoyed teaching a range of ages connecting with 1st graders, 4th graders and 8th graders displaying a wide and varied grasp of the English language with no shortage of excitement. Each group proved to be energetic and inquisitive while enjoying a range of board games mixed with conversation.

 Reflecting back on our fourth day of volunteering as it draws to an end, I can, without a doubt, say that teaching children at the pre-school, elementary and high school levels is a fast paced, keep-you-on-your-toes kind of job.  The kids are so eager to connect and engage with volunteers.  They have a strong curiosity, they ask endless questions and they love to play games and to share stories about their families, friends and their country. 

 With so many activities and discussions to have with students, we, volunteers, found our teaching time flew by quickly pivoting from topic to topic in the blink of an eye, one moment focused on talking about a student's fluffy black bunny and in the next moment arguing about the best filling for perogies or trying to outmaneuver some pretty smart kids in a heated game of hangman.

While we were all quite exhausted at the end of the day, we were also feeling connected, grateful, and accomplished, and with a sense that our teaching had value and importance and meant something special to the students.

Message of the day by Katie

“Service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on earth.”

Mohammad Ali

Friday, May 23rd journal entry by Mindy:

Today marked our final day of service in Poland, and the feeling is bittersweet. It’s hard to believe how quickly the week has passed. Just a few days ago, we were meeting for the first time as volunteers—strangers brought together by a shared mission. Now, it feels like we’ve known each other much longer. The connections we’ve formed are deep and meaningful, and I know they’ll stay with me

A big part of what made this experience so smooth and meaningful has been the guidance of our team leader, Olga. Her calm presence, thoughtful organization, and ability to bring people together helped set the tone for the entire week. As someone who has lived in Poland for the past few years after leaving Ukraine, she brought a unique perspective to our time here, and her support throughout the week made a real difference.

As usual, we began our day by heading to our individual volunteer assignments. Each of us worked in different locations with different age groups and varying levels of English comprehension. Some of us were with preschoolers, others with older children or teens. And yet, despite these differences, our collective takeaway has been the same: we witnessed genuine joy and curiosity in our students. The children lit up when learning English with us, and their enthusiasm affirmed the reason we’re here. We’ve all felt the impact we’re making—helping bridge language and cultural gaps through connection, creativity, and care.

After our morning assignments, we reunited in the afternoon for a special excursion. We were treated to a private tour of the Muzeum Diecezjalne in Siedlce, where we saw a spectacular El Greco painting—an extraordinary piece that was discovered in the attic of a Polish home. Joining us were our Ukrainian friends we met earlier in the week, including Mila, still proudly sporting her stylish dance competition hairdo from the day before.

From there, even more Ukrainian friends joined us for ice cream. Mila and Artem were bursting with energy—squealing and laughing as we made our way to the shop, so excited to see us again and, of course, for ice cream! The day continued with a farewell dinner at Brofaktura, where we enjoyed burgers, salads, and fries, sharing stories and soaking in our final evening together.

Reflecting on the week, I’m filled with gratitude—for the children we taught, for the teachers who welcomed us into their classrooms, for Olga’s steady leadership, and for the meaningful conversations and quiet moments that made each day special. This week has reminded me that the most important thing we can offer each other is our presence. Whether through music, shared meals, classroom activities, or casual conversations, we’ve experienced firsthand how human connection transcends language and borders.