International night at the elementary school

[ahka]

Last Thursday, we went to the Oakwood elementary school in the evening to participate in their international night.  My friend Alina, as a mother of a student at that school, volunteered to represent Ukraine. 

The event was held at the school’s gym that was full of people.  Around the walls, there were tables that represented different countries.  At each table one could have learned something about that country, get stamp in the passport; answer trivia question, get some candy or small souvenir and do some activity.

In the middle of the gym were held dance and music performances represented from many different cultures.  Some performers were little kids and they were great!  The costumes also were authentic and beautiful. 

Michael was not feeling well and at first was clinging to me and not really enjoying the event.  Once we figured out what was where, and found Alina and our other friend with her son, Michael got into the activities at each table. 

Especially he liked to play at the table that represented Japan where he used chopsticks to move little plastic bits or dry rice pieces from one bowl into another.  Also, he liked playing with the castanets at the table that represented Spain. 

Everyone who represented a country were volunteer parents.  Each had pictures, maps, items that represented that culture and country.  I helped Alina print some pictures of Ukrain that she beautifully arranged on the displays.  Most of the pictures she took herself this summer when she went to Ukraine.

By the time event was over, Michael felt better and even started running around with his friends and even wrestling.  The only thing was challenging for me is to take any pictures and especially of him.  He refused to be photographed and made everything possible to screw up my pictures.  Well, I made a few pictures while he was not looking.