Finding Bliss: Out of My Time

"....And time for reflection with colleagues is for me a lifesaver; it is not just a nice thing to do if you have the time. It is the only way you can survive. " Margaret J. Wheatley

2011-2012 UK/US Fulbright Teachers

I had the opportunity this week to meet with my Fulbright colleagues in the beautiful city of Belfast, Northern Ireland to reflect on our year teaching in the UK. It was a time of laughter, insight, good food, more laughter, a beverage or two, and maybe even a few tears as we shared stories from our lives here in the UK.

On the road to the Giant's Causeway

Our adventure started with a road trip up the coast. I had rented a car and quickly filled it with friends to drive up to the Giant's Causeway. I hadn't seen most of these teachers since our meeting with the British Council last October in London. We've been in contact through emails and Facebook, but nothing compares with having the opportunity to talk in person. So, we talked. Non-stop. In between the laughter and the stories we admired the stunning Irish coastline. And my driving left-handed stick improved. Sort of.

Cliffs down to the sea

Basalt columns on the Causeway

This would be such a fun place to kayak!

Rope bridge crossing at Carrick-a-Rede

Famous quote by Nicole, "I just remembered I don't like bridges!"

Hard to tell where the sky ends

Flat calm

This looks like a hillside mosaic

The rocky shoreline reminds me of Maine

I realize I've included a crazy amount of photos, but I actually edited quite a bit. It was beautiful.

Out at the John Hewitt Pub

Over the next two days we continued to talk about our experiences and share thoughts as we processed the year. I love to listen to people's stories and here are some highlights: Karen wearing her dress robes to meetings at Eton, Norrie's students rising to greet her at The High School of Glasgow, Tim's wife being advised of Scottish weather ("..there's no bad weather in Scotland, only inappropriate clothing"!), Nikki's amazing student sketch books, Celia's gardening club, Chrissy's "Day in the Life" video swapping, Abby's photos of student art and so much more. It was such a gift to be able to take some time out to reflect on my own experience, share it with others and refine my thoughts by talking together.

"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." MJW

It was interesting to be in the city of Belfast to do this work. I had a very limited knowledge of the struggles that have taken place here in the past forty years but a guided tour arranged by Fulbright helped me to gain a small understanding of the sectarian divide that this community is working to heal. I also heard from diverse members of the city about the Troubles; everyone from the headteacher of an integrated school to my cab driver had opinions to share about the changes happening in Belfast. I was fortunate to meet Derek Poole, Project Director for LINC (Local Initiative for Needy Communities), who continues to work for peace and reconciliation. He had participated in exchanges through his work and it was interesting to talk with him about the challenges and growth that happens when you put yourself out of your comfort zone.

One of the things I discovered about my own Fulbright journey is that it has forced me to think about what it means to be American and teach in the US. I'm still mulling this all over - and I have five more weeks of school, so the journey continues!