Love Letter
I recently wrote one of my classes a goodbye letter. I have had 17 classes this year, and they have all had such different personalities, and it would be impossible to truly connect with all of them. However, some I became closer to than others. 3A is the class that I bonded with the most, and even though I came here to teach, they are the ones that have taught me. They have given me many lessons in love this year, they have taught me how to enjoy the most commonplace activities, and dare I say, I think they have helped loosen up this tightly-wound girl (just a little!) Here is the letter I wrote them:
My Precious 3A,
I want to leave you something to remember me by, and since I enjoy writing, I thought that leaving you my words was the best gift I could give. Each time I write something, whether it is a letter to a friend or a page in my own personal journal, I pour my heart into it, and this is no different.
I am sometimes asked by colleagues and students why I came to the Czech Republic. The first reason is a very practical one: I knew there was a need for native English speakers to teach overseas, and having majored in English, I thought perhaps I could help fulfill that need. The second reason is that I love people, and I really looked forward to getting to know my students before I ever even arrived here. The third reason, which really is the first, is that I believe God called me here. I know many of you may not believe in God, and I have no wish to offend you, but if I didn’t tell you that it was God who brought me here, I wouldn’t be telling you the whole story.
It wasn’t easy for me to leave home. Remember the poem, “The Road Not Taken,” which we talked about in class? When I made the decision to come here, I felt like two paths were staring me in the face: one was the easy path, which was staying at home where it was safe, and the other was the more difficult path, the path that was less traveled, and therefore, “wanted wear”. This path was much scarier, because I didn’t know anything about living in a foreign country. I had many fears before I ever even got onto the airplane, and overcoming those fears was not an easy thing, and it was something I was only able to do with God.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by…” In the end, I knew I didn’t really want the easy path, because I knew it wouldn’t challenge me, and consequently, it would never satisfy. Leaving the comforts of home and the things that were familiar to me perhaps was difficult, but it was well worth it, because I was able to come here and meet all of you.
You have been such a joy to me. The good times we have shared in class together are priceless memories that I will carry with me my whole life. I am still laughing over your brilliant political parties, plays, advertisements, etc. You have made teaching so much fun! When I gave you assignments, you always went above and beyond what I asked you to do, and I found myself delightfully shocked by your display of creativity and intelligence over and over again. Out of all of my classes this year, you are the class that I have bonded with the most, and therefore, it is very hard to leave you.
“And that has made all the difference.” I am quite content with the path I chose, and I am going home with a heart that is deeper and wider than when I left… and in my heart is a place for all of you. Please believe me when I say that I will never forget you, and in the months ahead I will be reaching through my memories to see your smiles and hear your laughter once again.
Your last assignment this: e-mail me in the months ahead and let me know how you are doing! I also have one more thing to ask of you. I don’t know what your beliefs are about God, but I encourage you not to close yourself off completely to Him. Even if you are open just a little bit, it is enough for Him to show you how real He is.
I will continue to think of you and pray for you often.
Love always,
Courtney Scianna
I received a response via text message from one of my students, Marketa, who has become a very dear friend to me. This is what she said:
Dear Courtney,
I thank you deeply and from my whole heart for your beautiful letter. I know the feeling when you have to leave your beloved. I want you to know that you are a special and precious person to me and I can feel how big influence people have on each other and believe me the door is always opened for you. I'm thankful for your prayers and for your heart you've offered us... :)
With love,
your Marketa
My Precious 3A,
I want to leave you something to remember me by, and since I enjoy writing, I thought that leaving you my words was the best gift I could give. Each time I write something, whether it is a letter to a friend or a page in my own personal journal, I pour my heart into it, and this is no different.
I am sometimes asked by colleagues and students why I came to the Czech Republic. The first reason is a very practical one: I knew there was a need for native English speakers to teach overseas, and having majored in English, I thought perhaps I could help fulfill that need. The second reason is that I love people, and I really looked forward to getting to know my students before I ever even arrived here. The third reason, which really is the first, is that I believe God called me here. I know many of you may not believe in God, and I have no wish to offend you, but if I didn’t tell you that it was God who brought me here, I wouldn’t be telling you the whole story.
It wasn’t easy for me to leave home. Remember the poem, “The Road Not Taken,” which we talked about in class? When I made the decision to come here, I felt like two paths were staring me in the face: one was the easy path, which was staying at home where it was safe, and the other was the more difficult path, the path that was less traveled, and therefore, “wanted wear”. This path was much scarier, because I didn’t know anything about living in a foreign country. I had many fears before I ever even got onto the airplane, and overcoming those fears was not an easy thing, and it was something I was only able to do with God.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by…” In the end, I knew I didn’t really want the easy path, because I knew it wouldn’t challenge me, and consequently, it would never satisfy. Leaving the comforts of home and the things that were familiar to me perhaps was difficult, but it was well worth it, because I was able to come here and meet all of you.
You have been such a joy to me. The good times we have shared in class together are priceless memories that I will carry with me my whole life. I am still laughing over your brilliant political parties, plays, advertisements, etc. You have made teaching so much fun! When I gave you assignments, you always went above and beyond what I asked you to do, and I found myself delightfully shocked by your display of creativity and intelligence over and over again. Out of all of my classes this year, you are the class that I have bonded with the most, and therefore, it is very hard to leave you.
“And that has made all the difference.” I am quite content with the path I chose, and I am going home with a heart that is deeper and wider than when I left… and in my heart is a place for all of you. Please believe me when I say that I will never forget you, and in the months ahead I will be reaching through my memories to see your smiles and hear your laughter once again.
Your last assignment this: e-mail me in the months ahead and let me know how you are doing! I also have one more thing to ask of you. I don’t know what your beliefs are about God, but I encourage you not to close yourself off completely to Him. Even if you are open just a little bit, it is enough for Him to show you how real He is.
I will continue to think of you and pray for you often.
Love always,
Courtney Scianna
I received a response via text message from one of my students, Marketa, who has become a very dear friend to me. This is what she said:
Dear Courtney,
I thank you deeply and from my whole heart for your beautiful letter. I know the feeling when you have to leave your beloved. I want you to know that you are a special and precious person to me and I can feel how big influence people have on each other and believe me the door is always opened for you. I'm thankful for your prayers and for your heart you've offered us... :)
With love,
your Marketa
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