My journal

learning about Lithuania this year has been a blast. I don't really know what to expect for this following week. I am excited to see the famous landmarks and monuments in Lithuania. Going to Lithuania i have no idea what to expect .

My Journal

One year ago, I did not know about the atrocities that occurred during World War II in the Baltic countries. The novel, Between Shades of Gray, opened my eyes as I followed Lina through her struggle and deportation. Her determination and selflessness was simply inspiring. I was extremely fortunate to speak at the Nashville Public Library’s event of Between Shades of Gray with the author herself, Ruta Sepetys. Through the video about Lithuanian basketball, I learned about their love of basketball and their identity as a nation. I enjoyed getting to know my pen-pal, Paulius, through email exchange about hobbies and daily activities. I expect the trip to be both fun and educational. I am very fortunate to travel to Lithuania with such an outstanding group of teachers and students from MBA and Harpeth Hall. I think the people will be very glad to hear that students and teachers in the United States are studying the long silenced history of Lithuania. I think the architecture and landscape will be similar to the landscape and architecture here in Nashville, Tennessee. I expect the cities to be much smaller than cities like New York and Los Angeles. I envision smaller, older buildings with hints of modern architecture. I envision the countryside to be green and luscious. I am very eager to meet my pen-pal and spend two days with the students of LSMU! The language and cuisine in Lithuania will be different than the food and language in America, and I am thrilled to get the chance to experience it. The temperature is much colder than the temperature in Nashville, and I am eager to experience a little break from the heat! The transportation in Lithuania I believe would be similar to the United States, for Lithuania and the United States both use cars, trains, boats, and planes. Overall, I think the landscape will be beautiful, the cuisine will be delicious, and the experience will be once in a lifetime. 

My Journal

It's hard to believe it's been a year since we started this experience. It feels like just yesterday I was reading Between Shades of Gray. I have made new friends and have gotten closer to my best friends because of this opportunity. We have read some extremely thought provoking books in which we have learned much about Lithuanian culture and history. Without this group I would never have gotten to talk to a Lithuanian boy my age, never would have learned about the tragedy of the Lithuanian genocide, and would not have met amazing friends, teachers, and speakers. I expect the trip to be a very educational experience, with some fun mixed in, for us. I expect the people to keep to themselves, but if we initiate conversation they will be welcoming. I expect to meet my pen pal, and to get to know him better since we had trouble connecting. I think the landscape will be beautiful to see compares to the cluttered cities we are used to seeing. I am exited to hear the language for myself, and am looking forward to learning more of it there. I am also excited for the new food. Judging by the dessert we had, I think it will be good. Overall, I am excited for the trip, and am looking forward to learning about Lithuania.