My May started with a visit from my friend Lukas from Germany. Together, we hiked in the Small Carpathians, from Plavecký Mikuláš to Pezinok, passing by beautiful spots like Vápenná. The views were really nice, and we were lucky with the weather! We even discovered special places in the forest where people can bivouac with a campfire area and a water source. All you need for a perfect night in nature, right?
In the following weeks, we started Slovak classes again, and I’m really happy to keep learning the language. I truly enjoy the lessons with our teacher Andie, they’re fun and motivating.
During my free time, I started volunteering with Greenpeace, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve always tried to protect the environment in my daily life, like avoiding planes, but lately, I’ve felt like that wasn’t enough. Just talking about these issues with people around me didn’t feel impactful enough. I wanted to do more, and Greenpeace feels like the perfect place for that. Plus, I’ve met some amazing people there who share the same values, and it feels great to be understood.
One of the highlights of the month at INEX was the “Míľa pre mamu” event with the association Prešporkovo. We spent the day in Medická záhrada, where many organizations had their own activity stands. I was with my ESC friend Tereza, and together we made badges with kids, it was really sweet (also because we got free ice cream 🍦).
A few days later, I spent a day with the association SPOSA (Tereza’s association) which supports people with autism. That day, we made pancakes with two lovely little girls. It was a beautiful and meaningful moment, and I’d love to go back later this year to help again.
Towards the end of the month, I led my own workshop during the Tea Meeting. I had been preparing for weeks, working on it almost every day. I really wanted it to be perfect. At first, I felt a little anxious, but once people started creating their notebooks, I felt really good. I love bookbinding, and when I saw how engaged everyone was, I felt so happy. In total, 15 people attended the workshop!
I also joined Lucia’s workshop in Svätý Jur again. I’m always grateful that she invites me every time. This time I painted some iris flowers.
In the end, we had the Leadership Academy “at home” with Monika, since we have our ESC training on the same weekend in June and we can’t miss it. Everything went really smoothly, and I enjoyed learning new tips while preparing for the Slatinka summer workcamp.
So, it was another full and active month. I have to admit, after my friend left, I felt a bit lonely and low on energy. But soon, my family is coming to visit, and I’m really looking forward to that. I’ll recharge my batteries and get ready for the workcamp season!
Ahoj,
Sarah 🌸
