Tuesday, September 27

Let's see...it's been a few days. First, Joe is in the air right now on his way back to America for Chris's wedding. He's been looking forward to it so much. I hope he arrives safely and has a great time. Since he's not here, it appears I have a little time to catch up on my blogging.

I spent the day at Dream Park with my 12th-grade students on a "field trip." Dream Park is Egypt's premiere amusement park. To be honest, it's about on the level of Adventure Land in Iowa. We had fun, though. Mostly because I really, really like the 12th-grade class. They are wonderful. They look out for me, take care of each other, and work really hard in school. For example, they try to include me and make me feel comfortable. It's cute, really. On the bus today, they made me come sit with them while they danced in the bus. (It was all girls, so they pulled the curtains and did their belly-dancer-type dancing. They tried to make me, but I'm hopeless.)

During the day, they made sure that I went everywhere with them and that I always had someone to ride with on the rides. They thought it was really funny what a chicken I am when it comes to the rides. I made sure to put on a good show of screaming for them. Okay, maybe it wasn't all a show. I went on all but one ride, though!

They buy my tickets for me and help me order my food when I can't read or speak enough Arabic. They're also so affectionate. I don't remember why, but one of the girls even leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek today. That sounds really weird in American terms, but it's sweet and innocent here. When I told the kids I would be taking a taxi home from school, the boys all said "No way." They suggested that they take me home to make sure I was safe. Honestly, I think they are the most rewarding class I've ever taught. They were even discussing what homework they had to do on the way home, including the quiz they had to study for that Mr. Bearns left for them!

It was a fun day. I got too much sun since I forgot my sunblock, but it was nice not having class. Not to disgust you, but I think that park was designed to make people throw up. We saw two grown men vomit today. Some of our kids came close, but luckily no disasters.

Since all the kids know that Joe is gone, they are very worried about me. For most of them, the idea of staying alone is outrageous. They've never been and probably never will stay alone in their lifetime. They keep asking me if I'm lonely or if I'm scared. I tell them yes to the first question and no to the second. The girls keep insisting that they are going to come over for a pajama party. I'm beginning to wonder if they're actually serious. They really might end up on my doorstep. I guess I better clean! They were joking that they'd just bring over their uniforms for school tomorrow.

I'm really tired from our long day, and I have a very long day of school tomorrow with lots of classes. If anyone seeing this will see Joe soon tell him I miss him, and make sure he has a great time. I know I'm looking forward to the all the goodies he will get from the States, but I wish I could be there with him.