did you just say thank you?

sometimes i just assume that my work is not being appreciated or utilized here. it's a different culture where a "thank you" is not required. i realize that americans say "thanks" constantly... but here, you only get one when it's really deserved.
i'm writing my final report for the book grant i wrote last spring. started to get pretty down about it, feeling like i was going to have to lie about how successful it has been. but this week i have been going into the classes to obseve the teachers and see how they are using the new materials in the classroom. sitting in the back, i watched the teachers and students use the materials, be interested in the content, answering the prompts, and structuring the classes with a warm up, presentation, practice, and time for free thinking production. i almost couldn't believe it. my combination of book project and teacher seminars is actually working.
darika, the senior teacher in my department, watched me as i stressed out about how to see everyone's classes. "Katie, your books are being used, Gulia made a universal test for unit 3, and the students are active. Your work is paying off. thank you." feels good to be thanked for doing something worthwhile.