Blessed

Lindsay here (seems to be the norm lately).  Today I am feeling blessed.  Blessed to have a ride to work with a fellow EMT.  Blessed to have an incredible co-teacher and friend.  Blessed to have my best friend here with me.  Blessed to have a church family that are fun, giving, and full of experience.  Blessed to hear good things.  Blessed to be alive!

On my way to work this morning, I had a wonderfully uplifting conversation with my fellow EMT, who is Muslim.  We talked about what we believe.  I don't know about her, but I was strengthened so much by it.  There are so many similarities between our core values and beliefs, and it lifts my spirits to find a spiritual connection with someone of a "different" faith.

My day at work was good and challenging.  I am definitely open to ideas and suggestions from anyone who is wiling to share.  When my co-teacher and I taught bilaterally, it was incredible.  I understood the basis of what she was saying and our lessons flowed relatively smoothly between Arabic and English.  The kids were so good for us today.  However, when it was just me, it was a completely different story.  I am counting that 30 minutes as my work out today, because I was literally dripping with sweat.  After school, I confided my feelings of frustration and concern with my co-teacher, and she was so understanding.  She said that it is because the children can't understand me, and that it is that way in the beginning for all EMTs.  That was confirmed by my conversations with my fellow EMTs on the way home.  After school, my co-teacher and I had a chance to review the day and make some plans for tomorrow.  I think we came up with some pretty good ideas.  I feel so blessed to be teaching with her.  She seems already like one of those people I will be friends forever with.

Coming home to Matt is about the biggest blessing I can think of.  I can't imagine how hard it would be for me to be here alone.  I love him more than I can express.

We had dinner tonight with some of our friends/new family from church.  It was so great to get to talk to people who have been here for a while, and have been teaching and getting to know Al Ain for longer than us.  They picked us up, fed us, and then we all just chatted for hours.  I loved it!

As I was writing this, I was blessed to be able to listen to the end credits of the Hobbit.  Good music always lifts me, and I am feeling really happy... and ready for bed, insha'Allah. :)