Already a Month!

I have been here for a little over a month now! I can’t believe it has already been that long. My first weeks here have just flown by! I have been learning a lot about Kurdish culture and the work that is being done here.

English classes have been going very well lately. The other day it seemed as if my students all of the sudden work up! Everything is beginning to make sense and I am having more conversations with them before and after class.  Coffee Shop nights have been going great as well. I have been able to meet more people outside of my class, and join in good and insightful conversations. One in particular stands out to me. Two weeks ago, I had a long conversation with a guy who takes English at the center. We talked about the differences between Islam and Christianity, and I was able to use some the verses from the Bible and the Koran that I had learned from my classes at Nyack.  I am excited just to be able to have these conversations.

I am adjusting to living here very well. We have been having difficulties with our hot water and electricity lately, but it has not been too bad. Thankfully it is not too hot or too cool outside right now. I have also been learning how to bake here as the ovens are different. I have had a few failures, but with more coffee shop nights I will get better!

Being here has made me think a lot about where I am going with my life. As of right now, of course I don’t know. However, I am learning more about things I like and don’t like. I am also learning about how I relate to people. It is very insightful and confusing all at the same time, but I am glad to have this opportunity to grow. 

From the picnic a few weeks ago. Ethan is adored by everyone here!

Random picnic site picture

Practicing our traditional dancing...

 For some reason I can't upload vertical pictures. I have a bunch more, but this will just have to be a preview for now!

Bazaar, Picnics, English Classes and More

 Almost two weeks ago I had my first trip to the Bazaar. It was very interesting, such a mix of modernity and antiquity all wrapped into one. It feels older because it's a market, but electronics are sold among clothes, jewelry and food.  Some men wore the traditional clothing and others looked completely European (with the exception of the unibrows that are so common here). Stacy (a single fulltime worker here whom I love) and I went together. While it was safe for us to go, we did get a lot of "I love you"s and such as we are obviously American and fair-skinned. It was quite the experience and I hope to go back to get some souvenirs for myself, friends and family.

We also went on a  picnic with a family whose children go to our center. We drove about 45  minutes outside of the city, and picnicked by a lake. The picnicking was done much different than in America, but I enjoyed it. We went to a place by the river where you rent "pavillions". The mother of the family had made yaprach, or stuffed grape leaves. It was delicious. We ate and drank tea. Then we went closer to the river and paid to ride on a speed boat, which was also fun.. and helped with the 90 degree weather. Many people, including a few of us, wore the traditional clothing. I have yet to buy some.


English classes have been going well. This past Monday was a bit crazy. Student always have suggestions during the break, and it is hard not to feel compelled to take them into consideration. However, I keep telling myself that I am the native English speaker. Class if fun though. We often learn things about American culture from the curriculum, but then I get to ask them about their culture. Our previous unit was about food. The students are very open and eager to learn. However, sometimes they do not tell me if they do not understand, but we are working out all these minor problems.  I really enjoy the coffee shop nights because we get to hang out with our students rather than stand up front and teach them.

I also started my own language learning with a tutor. So far I have learned numbers, directions and greetings. I am not learning how to read and write as I am only here for about two more months, but it is nice to be able to shop and get around on my own.

I have been reading Exodus, and the passage about God sending the mana is one of my favorites. It reminds me that God is going to give me everything I need to get through the day. It is important for me to take things one day at a time. It is easy for me to look ahead to the future and miss people back home, but God is going to give me what I need for each day.