Dutch Elm Disease and other unexpected events

I don't have any clue why, but the British Text book we use in our school finds it necesary for seventh graders to be able to discuss Dutch Elm Disease in scientific detail in English. It is painful to hear the kids sight read words like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide. I will never understand them being obliged to learn these words before they know how to send a letter or buy food at the store. But such is the nature of the Ukrainian education system, the verb "to fight the fascits" is in the cirriculum but not postage stamp.
Anyway this has been one of many suprises lately. Last weekend I was on my way to the center, fighting my way through the mud in front of my apartment when nice, new, blue sedan pulls up and asks me directions to a church. I don't really know the difference between the churches and I explained that I was not from around here. Then the passenger in non-accented American English leans over the driver and asks if they are on the right road to the little, 600 year old church. I said "Oh the little churc." Shocked by both the American English and the age of the church. They drove away and I was so shocked I didn't have the presence of mind to ask the woman where she was from. And I find out later in the week that the small church set back in the mud in my neighborhood was built in 1423. This little building is older than the modern history of North America. Wow, my little village really does have a long history. and I apologize to mom and dad and my friend Nicole who visited me and didn't get to see the church. I just had no idea. I haven't been inside yet either, it is always locked with a cheerful, green pad lock.
I'm sorry it has been so long, I have been working on a grant for the camp I am involved in this summer. It has taken up the majority of my time the last two weeks but I turned it in just a half hour ago. That is a huge weight off my shoulders. This weekend is a long weekend. Tomorrow is the 8th of March aka Women's Day in the former soviet union. I have already recieved flowers and cards from my pupils just for my chromosones. Wow, what a country.