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So today at school went SO much better than I could have ever imagined. Truly...no sarcasm at all there. It was amazing. Marion came, and was able to experience first-hand the chaotic environment and schedule (or lack of schedule). She went with me to one lesson (I only had one lesson today, instead of three) and had my class size shaved down to five students instead of 11. It may sound wimpy wimpy wimpy, but let me tell you...with these kids being INSANE, tired of being in school, hungry, and always trying to talk over me in Arabic, translate for everyone else to show their command of the English language (even though they only succeed in thoroughly annoying me), and inevitably throwing things...and then add in the classroom acoustics that are too terrible to be accidental, then also add in the noise of the air conditioner (each classroom has individual units, not window units, but similar)...and five students can still be overwhelming. The thought is that with five students intead of 10, 11,or 12, I'll be able to actually accomplish something in the 35 minute period beyond taking role and getting the students quiet in time for the bell to ring.



One thing that's interesting that I don't think I've mentioned is how I am (at the school in Jaffa) more popular than I have ever been in my entire life. Seriously, with no exaggeration whatsoever, when I am walking to a class, or to the teacher's room after a class, going up/down the stairs, I am greeted by countless students (not just my own either) calling my name, asking me how I am, etc. Having never been a popular student during my own public education, and now experiencing something akin to popularity, I have to say that I'm grateful for my past unpopularity. There's something to be said for the privacy given to nerds and all other unpopulars. Being popular means you're always on stage...and while that's okay because being a teacher means you're also on stage most of the time, it's a very new experience for me.



And...this is the best part of my day, without a doubt. Samia, theEnglish teacher who coordinates TASP in the school, told Marion some really amazing things about me in my presence. They were exceptionallykind words that were like giving water to a parched man in the desert. It made up for, entirely, all the times I've gone home from school and cried. Then Marion was heading up in the direction of my apartment, so she gave me a ride. I was slightly concerned about awkwardness, but we had excellent conversation the whole time.



Yesterday was University classes, and in one of the classes, the professor asked us something about the Danks, and told us that we should always feel free to let them know if there are problems withtheir part of the program. (TAU is responsible for the academic dimension of the program and the Danks are responsible for the actual intern experience portion of the program.) I'm sure the professor didnt' realize the can of worms she would be opening with that statement...oh gracious. And most of the issues were genuine, authentic problems that need to be addressed. But I cannot help feeling that we've unknowingly lit a fuse...perhaps a really LONG fuse, but the feeling that an explosion is imminent is overwhelmingly strong.



Yesterday I left my apartment around 8:00 AM and didn't get back until around 6:00 PM. Daive was cooped up for all that time. In my guilt, I took her to the pet supply store behind my apartment and bought her a can of dog food (she normally eats dry only) and, due to the need to buy one with a pop top (don't own a can opener yet) I got a brand I normally would not have bought. Then, due to laziness/insanity (pick) I gave her the entire can. I should have known better. No...I DID know better. I don't know what I was thinking. She ended up pooping twice last night in the apartment. Once at 4:30 and then again at 7:30 AM. It's totally my own fault (and forgive me for getting a little disgusting here) but I nearly got sick. I have some issues with the smell and texture of canned dog food due to some bad experiences I've had in the past. The smell makes me gag. Each time I woke up (at 4:30 and 7:30) it smelled like someone had opened up a 40-gallon vat of dog food and left it open in my living room. NOT exactly the kind of morning I'd ever want to have.



I need to go buy some school supplies before I go home and eat dinner, so I'll end this. And Mary, I'm more than happy to hear your soapbox on missionaries...perhaps in email? :) I'm up to it, I think. Love you all!