Thanks for waiting...

We're kind of starting to fall into a groove here!  Hopefully we can be more regular with our blog posts.  Emmy has been meaning to post for a couple of weeks, so you may get a bonus post soon after this one.

Like the last time, I'll let you in on a few things that went on and write a little more about the ones that were coolest.

We're still not home

We got news a little while back that we'd be moving.  The moving process has not yet started.  From what I understand, the best thing is to be patient so that any necessary repairs can happen BEFORE we move in.  We're keeping our promise we made to the school to be flexible, so we're staying in our temporary housing for the time being.  However, that could all change tomorrow.

School started!

As of our last post, we hadn't told much about school.  It's a beautiful campus with lots of construction going on around us and a ton of open space.  We have a small classes that are no larger than 10 in any classroom.  It really gives you an opportunity to get to know your students.  Knowing, understanding and using the culture of your students is something I think every good teacher should do.  There has definitely been a learning curve, but I lean on the students.  They do a great job teaching me about the local culture.  I've talked to parents in person and on the phone.  The students love to have a phone call to their parents about the good things they are doing in class!  On the other side, the students seem to be really interested in my culture.  When they heard I was from Texas and didn't own a cowboy hat or boots, they were amazed!  They didn't think I had the Texas accent and some kids gave me their best Texas accent to show me how I should talk.  I've went along with it and now open every class by saying, "Howdy, y'all!"  The kids love the energy and many respond back with a  howdy.  It's been tough getting started without knowing students very well, but the students are great and getting more fun by the day.

I play a ton of team sports

I love team sports.  Running is just boring unless there's a task to go with it.  I've started to jump into groups that are doing activities throughout the week.  I have regular activities, including Monday football (soccer) with students, Wednesday yoga with Emmy and some colleagues, Thursday staff volleyball and Saturday early morning basketball at the American School of Doha.  Each one is fun in its own way and lets me be active with some really cool people.

We had a great night out

We're finally getting caught up with what work and life demand and now are getting to sneak some time to ourselves.  Last night we went to a traditional Middle Eastern restaurant called Afghan Brothers.  It was awesome!  You got to have a traditional meal, eat with your hand (only the right), and we got a ton of food for about $8 a person.  After, we went to Souq Waqif, which is a market that is near our temporary housing.  The night was great (about 85 degrees) and the souq was awesome.  Of course, Emmy got a few things and I got the best cup of carak (a really sweet hot tea with milk) that I've had so far.  We meandered around for a while and I saw the coolest swords and daggers ever.  I will own one of them one day.

Thanks and love to all those following our lives.  Know that we love, miss and care about you.  We have room for visitors and are glad to host if anyone wants a few nice days this winter!  Until next time, Peace in the Middle East!