Leaving On A Jet Plane...

Eddy and I haven't been able to sleep the past few nights- not necessarily out of excitement. It's a strange process this "culture adaptation" and we're not quick to think that re-entering our "home" culture will be a cake walk. While we haven't been here that long, we've been here long enough to become at least partially adapted to a third-world, developing, corrupt, relationship-based, HOT climate culture. Our thoughts and emotions vary depending on the day, hour or minute and whether we're having a "good" day or a "bad" one. And of course, the reality/question that looms in our near future, how will it be when we come back?

Exhaustion seems to have taken over our lives, permeating every aspect- to the point that some students make encouraging comments, like: "Are you sleepy or something...? Cause your eyes look really tired...". (Gotta love the innocent honesty...) We have to remind ourselves that while we have developed a routine for daily living, we are still attempting to live and adapt in a culture completely opposite of our own. This takes time, effort, energy- just living--- Let alone being teachers and examples to people here!

So we frequently try to remind ourselves to relax, take our time and give ourselves grace. We are eager to have a break and look forward to being "free" to relax and be ourselves for a few weeks. We will be checking our email frequently and will be posting updates throughout our time. Thanks to all for your support and encouragement these past 7 months!

Photos: Eddy and a peddler in one of the largest outdoor markets (suuq) bartering for some souvenirs-it was ridiculously crowded due to the upcoming Eid holiday... A morning glory vine we planted on our lanai... Dogs are EVERYWHERE- neglected, and occasionally vicious and territorial...