Blogging from the Future...

Well, I am ten hours ahead of California...

Choni Bashi (hello, how are you?) from K-stan! Another day is coming to a close, and evening classes are about to begin. My class has settled in with about 13 students, give or take a few each night. Last night we talked about body language and hand gestures. I found out that to cross your fingers is a very bad sign here, and am glad I was informed of this early on. Not sure what it means, but I'm not going to do any digging.

Nothing brings me more in touch with my mortality than an upset stomach. No lie. You might ask, aren't you worried, living so close to Iran, I mean...you are in the Middle East? But no, its when I am laying in front of the toilet, heart pounding, regretting everything I have ever eaten that I remember that someday I am going to die. I have not had too many of these night, but I have learned to be wary of lamb as my stomach can't handle too much grease. No real moral to this story other than my thankfulness for a God who hears prayers, no matter where they are prayed.

We have another team visiting us now, from Ohio. They will be doing a lot of baking for the LIFE center as well as helping out with the classes. This Friday we will be having a Ladies' Night where we will make pizzas and crafts, and just be able to show love to the women around us. I am hoping that my six wonderful women from the morning class are able to make it. They have been such an example to me, all so joyful and loving, even though their lives have been so rough. Many of them had to move from Baghdad when life there became too dangerous to stay.

My birthday was yesterday, 25 on the 25th, my golden birthday. The ladies in my class, upon hearing it was my birthday, scurried out of the LIFE center and arrived back in 20 min with a cake plus candles; I felt so special, and hope that I succeed in showing them love in return. Later in the day we went to the Roma restaurant (yum!) and then bowling. I broke 100 for the second time in my life. Clearly a birthday to remember :)

Well, it is time to gather up my books. Today in class we will be learning about grocery shopping as well as the correct way to ask if we have "any" or "some" of something. Definitely going to be interesting as the class is comprised of mostly men.

Zor Spaz (thank you very much) for all of your support!
Qwa hafis! (God be with you)
-Sarah