After many months of anticipation, the Vaughan family finally met the Decombas-Deschamps family and we joined the DC tour bus provided for all Fulbrighters. I particularly enjoyed revisiting the Lincoln Monument, reminding us all about the leadership and commitment which Abe gave our country during perhaps it's most pivotal crisis. I reread the Gettysburg Address, tried to explain it to my kids, and took the required photo of Heather & Brandon standing at the feet of Lincoln (just as my mom had done when I was 9!). We all walked to the gates of the White House (significant since recently, access that close has not been allowed) and I was reminded that the White House is on the back of the $20.00 bill. Andrew Jackson rides his horse in the center of the square, and each corner of the square holds a statue of an important European who assisted us during the Revolutionary War: Lafayette & Rochfoucauld (sp), a German and a Pole from Poland. (proper names to be added later... anyone know their names?)
During our training, the kids participated in their own cultural research, making friends with Brits, French, and kids from many other nations while they took field trips to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum. Heather connected with other "teens" on their way abroad, which reassured her about our impending adventure. Derek had meetings with the other spouses of grantees, and made friends with a Jon & _____, a couple from ______ who will be in the Czech Republic for the year.
Maryline and I spent as much time as possible together, attending meetings to help us adjust to culture shock, learning about how to be ready for the First Day of School with Henry Wong and his book, scrambling to finish housing contracts, learning about copy books (huh?) and carnet de classe (huh x2?), listening to returning American teacher Jennifer R. who helped us focus in on crucial discussion topics, bonding with the other exchangees from the US (Kimberly, Vandana, Lenin, & Shamita) and their partners from France (Valerie-Montpellier, Isabelle-Perigeux, Claude-Franche Compte, & Esther-Paris).
Tucker spent this time at a Vet/Kennel a couple blocks away, and in a panic, we finalized USDA paperwork so Tucker could fly with us to France.
The orientation ended with a dinner and sharing of cultures on Thursday. Each country had planned a short presentation highlighting something special, and the US French teachers were invited to participate with the French as we sang (with lyrics in hand and soundtrack booming) La Vie En Rose from Edith Piaf. Afterward, our male partners, spouses, & sons came to escort us from the stage. We were well received, even if not as impressive as all of the Latin American countries (and India!) with their music and dancing!
Heather & Brandon perfected their "bises" (kissing on each cheek once when saying hello or goodbye), Sofiane (15 year old daughter to Maryline & Daniel) bequeathed her cell phone and her sister's to my kids (another big moment!) and we all promised to continue the emails and gmail chatting that has allowed us to become such good friends across continents! Thanks Fulbright!
During our training, the kids participated in their own cultural research, making friends with Brits, French, and kids from many other nations while they took field trips to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum. Heather connected with other "teens" on their way abroad, which reassured her about our impending adventure. Derek had meetings with the other spouses of grantees, and made friends with a Jon & _____, a couple from ______ who will be in the Czech Republic for the year.
Maryline and I spent as much time as possible together, attending meetings to help us adjust to culture shock, learning about how to be ready for the First Day of School with Henry Wong and his book, scrambling to finish housing contracts, learning about copy books (huh?) and carnet de classe (huh x2?), listening to returning American teacher Jennifer R. who helped us focus in on crucial discussion topics, bonding with the other exchangees from the US (Kimberly, Vandana, Lenin, & Shamita) and their partners from France (Valerie-Montpellier, Isabelle-Perigeux, Claude-Franche Compte, & Esther-Paris).
Tucker spent this time at a Vet/Kennel a couple blocks away, and in a panic, we finalized USDA paperwork so Tucker could fly with us to France.
The orientation ended with a dinner and sharing of cultures on Thursday. Each country had planned a short presentation highlighting something special, and the US French teachers were invited to participate with the French as we sang (with lyrics in hand and soundtrack booming) La Vie En Rose from Edith Piaf. Afterward, our male partners, spouses, & sons came to escort us from the stage. We were well received, even if not as impressive as all of the Latin American countries (and India!) with their music and dancing!
Heather & Brandon perfected their "bises" (kissing on each cheek once when saying hello or goodbye), Sofiane (15 year old daughter to Maryline & Daniel) bequeathed her cell phone and her sister's to my kids (another big moment!) and we all promised to continue the emails and gmail chatting that has allowed us to become such good friends across continents! Thanks Fulbright!
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