I arrived at the UW this morning, laughing at my sense of deja vu. Some thirty plus years ago, my father dropped an excited 17 year old off to start her first term at a big university. Many years later, I'm just as excited and anxious to start this amazing journey. I was thrilled to finally meet these people I've heard and read so much about over the last few months. Maysoun, my Jordanian counterpart, a Biology teacher like myself, is a delight! Her outgoing and generous personality make her a engaging companion. I know we will have a great deal to talk about in the days and weeks to come. I also had a chance to speak with Rabia, an English teacher of 5th and 6th grade students. She is one of three other women, Manal, and Hiyam being the other two. The 5th Jordanian teacher is the only man; Mustafa. Most of today was spent trying to get to know one another professionally. Three of the Jordanian teachers teach in the secondary level, with their students age averaging around 17 to 18. Hiyam and Rabia teach elementary students. The American teachers are just the opposite; only two of us teach at the secondary level and the remaining three teach elementary. Somehow it seems fitting that I'm staying in the same dorm I began my University work. Soon I will be in a dorm half way across the world living in a culture that I'm just beginning to explore, so different from my own. I can't help thanking God this opportunity has come my way. I know it will change my life, and I know I will never forget it!
