Interview with Marjorie Graetz

Marjorie Graetz is a member of North New Hope Lutheran Church near Amherst Junction, Wisconsin. As a volunteer for the Division of Global Mission  of the ELCA, she is currently teaching English at the J.A. Komenskeho Gymnasium in Kosice, Slovakia. On the one-year anniversary of her arrival in Slovakia, she was interviewed in her apartment in Kosice.

It is a long way from Amherst Junction to Slovakia. How did you get here?

Recently widowed, I was feeling stagnated and asking, "What is the rest of my life for?" I decided to go to a Global Mission event in Minneapolis with some friends, thinking that if there was some opportunity there for me, I would follow up on it. The first thing I saw was a display about teaching English in Slovakia, and I learned more at a session led by Jon and Ann Sorum, missionaries in Slovakia. Because I had been a fulltime and substitute teacher for almost 30 years, this seemed like something I could do.

I called ELCA Global Mission for an application and felt that someone was urging me to fill it out. After I submitted it, I received a call from Steve Nelson of ELCA Global Mission, asking me to come to Chicago for an interview. Everyone there was very pleasant and concerned that I have a good feeling about the interview. When I left, I had hopes that I would be accepted, but did not want to count on it. When I learned that I had been accepted, I was really excited. By January 2003, I was flying to Slovakia with the blessings of my five grown daughters.

What is a typical day for you?

I walk to school in ten minutes, arriving at 7:30 AM to get things arranged, and have my first class at 8:00 AM. I have from two to five 45-minute classes a day, with about 15 students per class. Our emphasis is on English conversation, and we talk about English and American literature or various topics in general culture. I finish my teaching between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM, depending on the day. Afternoons and evenings, I spend some time correcting papers and preparing for classes.

What do you do for recreation?

I enjoy singing, so I joined the choir at the Slovak Lutheran congregation. The choir has been very welcoming, so I feel I have 30 new friends. It also helps me to learn Slovak. I help with the children’s sermon for our monthly English service. I also enjoy attending symphony concerts three or four times a month. On two weekends, I traveled in Slovakia on short excursions with students and other teachers.

What are your students like?

My students have been a real treat. They are typical teenagers, but they have a commitment to getting a good education and are grateful to be in a bilingual school where they can learn English well. They each have tested into the school, and they are learning subjects that will equip them for a university education.

How do you like living in Slovakia?

I love it! Slovakia has many beautiful areas and friendly people. Being a country girl, I surprised myself at being able to adjust quickly to living in a big city (Kosice has about 240,000 residents). I like being close to stores, historical buildings, and parks. The public transportation is so reliable that I do not need a vehicle. I feel safe walking everywhere, anytime. Even though I understand only a little Slovak, the language is not too big a problem because people are always happy to help, and I also carry a dictionary. My accommodations are more than adequate. I share an upper flat with three other American teachers and one Slovak. I have a very large room with a shared kitchen and two bathrooms. My only expense is my share of the telephone. I am in walking distance of the school, stores, dentist, and doctor. With the health care provided, I am able to see a specialist if I need one.

In what sense do you see yourself as a missionary?

I do not see myself as bringing Christianity to Slovakia, because Slovaks have a long Christian history and many have a deep faith. I am only continuing what they have had for hundreds of years. I am here as an example of Christian living. I believe that actions sometimes speak louder than words, and how I treat my students says a lot to them. In addition we always open our first class and end our last class with prayer, and we have chapel every Tuesday.

What would you say to someone who is considering teaching English in Slovakia?

If you are adaptable, it will be a very fulfilling time for you, not only in school but meeting new people and enjoying the history all around you. It is a fantastic experience. Do come!