Happy Halloween!

This weekend Tearce celebrated Halloween for the first time. As I approached the school on Friday I could hear the excitement coming through every open -- and closed -- window. The students had been waiting all week, and finally the day arrived. The door to the gym was opened about 97 times and curious eyes, outlined in black and white face paint, peaked in as the English teachers and I prepared for the party. The Macedonian students have their own holidays in which they dress in costume, however for most of the Albanian and Turkish students this was the first time in their lives they've had a reason to "dress up". Much explanation was required throughout the week to ensure the students understood the concept of a "costume" as many of them simply thought it meant they needed to wear their nicest clothes, however it was evident they finally caught on to the idea as princesses, zombies and monsters poured in as the clock clicked over to 1:00.

Bobbing for apples, carving pumpkins and "mummy wrap" were just three of the many games students could choose from throughout the party. School parties such as this are extremely rare, if present at all, throughout Macedonia. Every element was planned in advance, even down to lines taped on the floor to designate where students needed to stand to wait for each game. However even with this, much explanation was needed as students have absolutely no concept of a "line" and seemed to not understand how to stand on the tape. The festivities finally commenced though and it was apparent through shining eyes and wide smiles that the day would never be forgotten.

On Saturday, another party was offered at the American Corner for kids from Tetovo. Again, the children could barely contain their excitement and showed up in costume anywhere from 45 to 30 minutes early. First 7 to 11 year olds came, followed by 3 to 6 year olds. Conor and two other Volunteers came to help with this party which again turned out to be a success. I am also very grateful to the English teachers, our friend and tutor Alek, as well as two high school girls from Club GLOW that volunteered their time to help with the parties.