As the sun starts to set and Shabbat is in the air, I am given an opportunity to reflect on this amazing experience that Lyndall and I have had in Poland these last 10 days…. Wow! Has it really been 10 days? Alas, the trip has come to an end for me as tomorrow I board a plane back to California. I am deeply saddened that it is ending.
With that said, the opportunity to learn about Jewish Early Childhood in Poland is one I will never forget. Our new friends and amazing educators both in Kraków and Warsaw have a passion to learn and grow in ways that I wish we saw more of in the United States. Truth be told, they are the future of Jewish Early Childhood Education, and they are ready for the challenge.
Although, we were invited to help them learn about Jewish Early Childhood education it ended up being a two-way experience. Lessons I learned from these phenomenal educators:
- Passion and Persistence will carry you forward
- Respect and honor for the image of the child is profound and apparent in their actions and engagement
- Hachnasat Orchim (Welcoming Guests)is at the core of who they are.
- The desire to learn and grow is HUGE
If only we could have stayed longer as our journey together has just begun and there is so much more work to be done…. together. We have formed a bond and a partnership that will hopefully continue as both groups move forward in their journey towards excellence in Jewish Early Childhood Education. I cannot say enough how important this journey is and will be for years to come… this is the future.
With that, I say a fond farewell and HUGE thank you for allowing us to come into your space, share ideas, push the envelope and dream together.
Shabbat Shalom,
Mykenzie
