They usually fail to look and see that I already have a falafel ball in my cheek and a piece of bread with zattar the size of my head on my plate. Lately I have been strategizing and trying to eat slow so I'm always chewing, but that doesn't help much either. The hospitality is so incredible that if you show any sign of want someone will be offering you a treat within seconds. Amazing people. They also brought a little gift along, something from the department to help me remember them. The little wooden box held inside the message, "Wishing you the best of everything...wherever you go & forever. P.E. Department. 17.6.2009."
It's been hitting me lately how comfortable I have become here, and how much I love the people I work with. One of my best friends at the school is old enough to be my father. His name is Mohamad and he's been working at ABS for 16 years. He still remembers the voluteers that worked there when he first arrived. We were talking about them one day and I commented that they must have done an amazing job if he still remembers them. I joked with him that I hope he will remember me for at least one year. But with his all so common genuineness and sincerity he said that he will remember me for many years to come. In many respects, such a simple comment was mission accomplished for me. 
One last confidence booster for me that I'll share comes from the title of this blog. In our last Arabic lesson I asked our teacher to help me write a note in Arabic to the PE team. I gave it to the head of my department this week. She read it with a smile, thought for a moment, and then said, "You are a very decent person. We all love you." You are a decent person doesn't seem like a flattering comment to most, but amidst the language barrier, with the last 10 months in mind, that was more than I could ever ask for. Although Lena doesn't want to admit it, the end is near. We are all excited to see our friends, families, churches, and homes...but it will definitely be difficult to leave our new relationships behind.
1 comment:
What a great looking meal, Zach, and truly a nice tribute and gift. I appreciate your entries and enjoy reading them, as you have an entertaining writing style. "And another teacher who is leaving this year" was a nice touch, although if you're talking about what's-his-name you could maybe show a little more respect! (Just kidding, of course!) I can see why you've left such a good impression with your students and others, and it says a lot to be described as a decent person!
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