1997: I Begin to Speak

From the archives: It turns out that I was blogging long before anyone had ever heard the term “blog.” Twenty years ago I was an exchange student in Estonia. While studying at the University of Tartu, I created an online travelogue to keep my family and friends apprised of my experiences. Both my life and the nation of Estonia have changed a lot the two decades since. This reprise is providing me with a glimpse at who I was back then and the excuse to learn more about more recent developments in my temporary home.

Previous entry: What an Incredible Life

September 15-21, 2018

All in all this was a good week. I began a couple of new things. First and foremost, I started my Estonian language conversation class. I am learning a lot in the grammar class, but I personally learn a lot more speaking and communicating than I ever do by memorizing grammar rules. I know that one needs both, it’s just that I enjoy this system so much more. The other first of the week was finally finding the right place and time to begin Estonian folk dancing. I’m still not quite sure what to make of it, but I’ll give it a try for a while and see how it goes.

Outside the realm of school, I got to see a couple really good friends from Helsinki. They were down for the weekend and it was good as always catching up with them. No matter how many times I do it, I can never get over having to say goodbye to friends. I hate it, I simply hate it.

The week ended on a very sour note with the passing of my step-grandfather after a difficult struggle with lukemia. It is impossible to put these feelings into words, so I will not discredit myself by even trying. Suffice it to say that this is always a terrible experience and I hope that everyone will remember him and his family in their prayers.

15 September 1997
Monday

I enjoyed today, we began our conversation class and I took my first stab at Estonian folk dancing. It was a lot of fun, but I might not be able to walk tomorrow.

16 September 1997
Tuesday

I started learning Russian again today. It went fairly well and I am looking forward to seeing if I can remember a bit of that language.

17 September 1997
Wednesday

A very long but enjoyable and educational day. Twelve hours straight from Russian class this morning to Estonian folk dancing this evening. I love this life.

18 September 1997
Thursday

Once again, a very good Thursday. After a good day of classes I went with some of the group to the cafe for a bite to eat and even indulged in a bit of Americanism with a supper at McDonald’s. It was nice, not too expensive, and really helps to remind myself of where I come from. It’s admittedly a strange culture, but it’s my culture and I love it.

I taught English for the first time tonight. I tutored Silvi and Jane at the Catholic School. I think that it went fairly well. I am definitely not a professional level teacher but I hope that they learned a little. We are going to continue it from here on out. I am not making too much, but it is good experience and I am considering it as part of my donation to the church.

19 September 1997
Friday

A good day. After classes I took at sauna with the grammar class group at Rugile’s (a student from Lithuania) husband’s office. It was a lot of fun but for some reason I ended up passing out for the first time that I can ever remember. After coming out of the sauna and taking a shower to cool off I just kind of buckled and hit the wall behind me fairly hard. A large lump and small headache follwed me the rest of the evening. I am not quite sure why it happened, alchohol was definately not a factor here, it must have simply been the extreme temperatures.

20 September 1997
Saturday

I had a great day. I got to see Sole and Missa, two good Finnish friends, for the first time since last year. We had dinner together at Anu’s place. It was great to catch up. I’m so sorry that I let myself get so out of touch. A good friendship rekindled. I’m just sorry that they have to leave so soon. Tuesday and they’re on their way back to Helsinki. Time flies so fast.

21 September 1997
Sunday

Today I went back to Pauluse (St. Paul’s) Lutheran Church. It was a very good service, but I still have a lot to learn before I understand everything that goes on there. My confusion at the service is a really good incentive to learn the language much faster. In the evening we had a birthday party for Ene. It was a wonderful time and a great opportunity to get some extra Estonian practice in.

A big hit came today while I was reading my email. Nathan sent me a letter telling me that Grandpa Young had died of leukemia this week. Although I never knew him very well, a death in the family is always a shock. I pray that everyone is able make it through this all right. I just wish that I was able to be there to lend my support. Being here in some way it just doesn’t seem real. Not a good way to end the week.

Next entry: My Last Few English Days