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As I sit down to reflect on my second month in Lithuania, I'm filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude. When I first arrived, everything felt new and unfamiliar. Now, just a month later, I find myself deeply connected to this beautiful country and its people. This month has been about more than just settling in. It's been a time of building relationships, understanding cultural nuances, and contributing meaningfully to the community.
I had the chance to get to know Lithuanian cuisine better. Our dear mentor taught us how to make "Šaltibarščiai" and "Cepelinai." Learning to cook these meals and enjoying my colleagues' company made my weekend filled with joy.
Later that week, we had the opportunity to visit Gelvonai High School. During our visit, we gave presentations about our home countries, sharing rich details about our cultures, traditions, and histories with the students. It was incredibly rewarding to see their curiosity and enthusiasm as they learned about different parts of the world.
For me, this experience was particularly meaningful. I believe it is my duty to educate others about my country and its traditions, and this visit allowed me to do just that. Engaging with the students, answering their questions, and seeing their genuine interest in my homeland was a fulfilling experience. It reminded me of the importance of cultural exchange and the impact we can have by sharing our stories and heritage with others.
On March 11, I participated in a marathon in our city to celebrate the Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania. Joining the local community in this significant event was a truly memorable experience. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and pride as people of all ages gathered to commemorate this important national holiday. Running alongside fellow participants, I felt a deep sense of unity and shared purpose. Celebrating this great holiday with others not only allowed me to appreciate the rich history and resilience of Lithuania but also to feel more connected to the community that
I am in. It was a day filled with joy, camaraderie, and a profound sense of belonging.
Another event we attended was organized by the Rokiškis Youth Center. Rokiškis is a small yet culturally rich city located in the north of Lithuania, known for its vibrant history and community spirit. During the event, we had the opportunity to present the various activities we conduct at our youth center and explain the functions of the mobile youth center, along with my colleague Kerem.
Our presentation highlighted the innovative programs and outreach efforts we are involved in, aiming to engage and support the youth in our community. The event was a fantastic platform for exchanging ideas and learning from the experiences of others working in the field. Meeting new people who share our passion for youth development and seeing the impactful work they are doing was incredibly inspiring. It reinforced the importance of our mission and provided fresh perspectives on how we can continue to improve and expand our initiatives.
Later this month, we visited Širvintos Primary School and had the wonderful opportunity to introduce the students to our countries' cultures. I showcased a national ornament of Azerbaijan called "Buta," and the children had a lot of fun coloring it and engaging in related math activities. Spending time with these young students was both the most interesting and challenging activity for me. Their enthusiasm and curiosity were contagious, making the experience incredibly rewarding. It was a joy to see them embrace a piece of my culture, and their energy and creativity made the day truly special.
This month has been fulfilling as I've had the opportunity to share my culture and country with others. Conducting activities at Musninkai and Kėdainiai schools with the students was a truly enriching experience. I look forward to the next month with hope that it will bring even more joy and learning.
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