That
special autumn week here in Illuka was full of
good energy .
Long tiring
days, especially for Finns because their week started with a very long journey
from Taivalkoski.
The Estonian team had a lot of hard work and worries with the programme and hosting
because we wanted sincerely to make our partners´ stay here as comfortable
and enjoyable as possible. We were also worried about the weather. On the other
hand we know that Finns are used to any kind of weather. And it was not so bad
- I believe the weather didn ´t disturb us during the week.
Now when
thinking back I have to say that there have been so many nice and touching
moments!
The very
first one was, when Harri was playing the piano and we were singing our anthems in our both languages – „Maamme“ ja „Mu
isamaa“.
We were
hosting a cheerful, open, humorous, understanding and willing to collaborate
team here!
What made
me especially grateful was the mood of the wonderful Finnish teachers. Working
and communicating with them gave us courage and enthusiasm; we had some really
enjoyable moments together.
Thanks to
them I could realise that our both nations can easily work together and
understand each other. It seems to me that in some moments we used more
Estonian and Finnish languages than English!
There were
also moments when we realised that we are more alike than we knew before –
remember the morning in Tagavälja talu!
Aino-Leena, Kirsti, Harri, kiitämme teitä
sydämellisesti!
What made
us happy was the growing synergy while learning songs and the culmination on
Friday afternoon when most of us sensed the power! That was something special
and I felt new energy and had the
feeling that this week had been a success – I hope you think the same way!
The
Taivalkoski kids were excited and enthusiastic! Talking and making jokes with
them was a pleasure; and it was
possible without good knowledge of languages! I only wish I could have more
time to have better contacts and to know all their names.
Our Illuka
kids liked the Taivalkoski kids very much! Some of them made friends on the
first day already and I am happy that they are still keeping in touch. I think we all learned much – for
most our kids it was the very first project and some of them have to learn
more. But we have time to do it during
the project year.
Minun ystäväni on kuin villasukka joka talvella
lämmitää
– indeed, what a good idea here in the deep north! We all need woollen socks
here - for our feet and for our souls!
Suur kiitos, Taivalkosken ryhmä :
Ella,
Laura, Karoliina, Aada, Annu, Olivia, Eerika, Linnea, Linnea, Mariela, Juulia,
Annastiina, Hanne, Jalmari, Aaron, Niklas, Eemeli, Eemeli, Eetu, Jonne, Toumas,
Taneli, Jami, Tommi!
Terveisiä Viron ryhmältä:
Adriana,
Marco, Danny, Emily, Raigo, Aveli, Kerli, Egert, Janett, Janar, Daniel, Elise,
Sander, Reigo, Helena, Hannes, Vane.
Our Norplus week photos can be found at the home
page of Illuka community: Illuka vald- Illuka Kool – Nordplus pildigalerii.
Reet Ernits,
Nordplus coordinator in Illuka
