Well I survived my first week of school. Classes started on Sunday since Sunday = Monday here. It has been so weird going to church on Fridays and then starting school on Sunday. But I must say that I love having Thursday night to party, Friday for church, and then Saturday to do whatever.
Sunday through Thursday we have classes at the Arabic Immersion Institute from 10-12 and then from 4-5. During the 12-4 break we have speaking and writing appointments along with free time to do homework or get in our two hours of speaking. In addition to the homework that our teachers at the institute give us, we are required to speak to natives two hours a day and read newspapers two hours a day. So it is intense but I am sure that it will help me improve.
Within the first two weeks this program has really taught me how to let go of perfection. This study abroad is literally designed to give you too much to do in order to help you improve. If you do all of the homework everyday perfectly, for example, then you will easily never sleep and get burned out. So it has been hard to skip questions and not understand everything, but it has really taught me to do my best and focus on me instead of constantly comparing myself to others and noticing all of the kids who can speak, read, and write, better than I can.
Man, it is so easy to lose joy in life when you focus on perfection and some distant goal or future. Living in the moment and enjoying every second of the “good” and the “bad” is what life is all about. We talk so often about “enduring to the end” as if life is meant to be difficult. It is not. Life is meant to be an exciting learning experience tailored to our individual needs and wants. Isn’t that great? So enjoy the ride because it is a fun one. You can’t go wrong when you are doing everything you can to improve yourself as a person and grow closer to God. Oh, and doing what you love is important too. Happiness is why we are here.
As for finding Arab friends, I met a group of girls the other day on campus who were absolutely lovely. We exchanged numbers and they invited me to an all-girls party since they don‘t generally have mixed-gender parties. I took one of my roommates last night and it was one of the most amazing experiences ever. First of all, Arab women are gems. Some of the girls I had met wore hijabs while others did not, but there was no difference amongst them as they chatted, laughed, and danced. Since is was an all-girls party those who normally dressed conservatively changed into red carpet-worthy dresses. They all looked like Arab super model barbies. There was even a DJ at the party and we basically danced for two hours straight. Let me tell you, there is nothing oppressed about these women, with or without a veil. Maram and Rola are my two “favorites” out of the group of girls I met. Maram wears an hijab while Rola does not, but there really is no difference between the way their charismatic personalities shine. I have never met someone so kind as these girls. I am far from fluent and I don’t feel like I have a personality in Arabic, yet right off the bat they have treated me as if I was one of their closest friends. They know maybe a few English words which is great because it forces me to practice speaking and listening.
Cultures may differ, but these differences do not have to be barriers. We are all so connected as human beings it is scary. How else could we form multi-cultural friendships and relationships? It is truly a miracle and a testament of our divine connectedness.
Also, I am loving that dry shampoo you bought me. It is a lifesaver especially since our apartment RAN OUT OF WATER the other day. I will post the story on my blog, inshallah, and then you can read about it. Long story short my roommates and I had a mass apartment breakdown. Or at least I did since I was going crazy with the pile of homework next to me, dirty feet, and zero water. It was hilarious really.
Love you guys and I love the updates on everyone. Keep them coming!
Jordan
Sunday through Thursday we have classes at the Arabic Immersion Institute from 10-12 and then from 4-5. During the 12-4 break we have speaking and writing appointments along with free time to do homework or get in our two hours of speaking. In addition to the homework that our teachers at the institute give us, we are required to speak to natives two hours a day and read newspapers two hours a day. So it is intense but I am sure that it will help me improve.
Within the first two weeks this program has really taught me how to let go of perfection. This study abroad is literally designed to give you too much to do in order to help you improve. If you do all of the homework everyday perfectly, for example, then you will easily never sleep and get burned out. So it has been hard to skip questions and not understand everything, but it has really taught me to do my best and focus on me instead of constantly comparing myself to others and noticing all of the kids who can speak, read, and write, better than I can.
Man, it is so easy to lose joy in life when you focus on perfection and some distant goal or future. Living in the moment and enjoying every second of the “good” and the “bad” is what life is all about. We talk so often about “enduring to the end” as if life is meant to be difficult. It is not. Life is meant to be an exciting learning experience tailored to our individual needs and wants. Isn’t that great? So enjoy the ride because it is a fun one. You can’t go wrong when you are doing everything you can to improve yourself as a person and grow closer to God. Oh, and doing what you love is important too. Happiness is why we are here.
As for finding Arab friends, I met a group of girls the other day on campus who were absolutely lovely. We exchanged numbers and they invited me to an all-girls party since they don‘t generally have mixed-gender parties. I took one of my roommates last night and it was one of the most amazing experiences ever. First of all, Arab women are gems. Some of the girls I had met wore hijabs while others did not, but there was no difference amongst them as they chatted, laughed, and danced. Since is was an all-girls party those who normally dressed conservatively changed into red carpet-worthy dresses. They all looked like Arab super model barbies. There was even a DJ at the party and we basically danced for two hours straight. Let me tell you, there is nothing oppressed about these women, with or without a veil. Maram and Rola are my two “favorites” out of the group of girls I met. Maram wears an hijab while Rola does not, but there really is no difference between the way their charismatic personalities shine. I have never met someone so kind as these girls. I am far from fluent and I don’t feel like I have a personality in Arabic, yet right off the bat they have treated me as if I was one of their closest friends. They know maybe a few English words which is great because it forces me to practice speaking and listening.
Cultures may differ, but these differences do not have to be barriers. We are all so connected as human beings it is scary. How else could we form multi-cultural friendships and relationships? It is truly a miracle and a testament of our divine connectedness.
Also, I am loving that dry shampoo you bought me. It is a lifesaver especially since our apartment RAN OUT OF WATER the other day. I will post the story on my blog, inshallah, and then you can read about it. Long story short my roommates and I had a mass apartment breakdown. Or at least I did since I was going crazy with the pile of homework next to me, dirty feet, and zero water. It was hilarious really.
Love you guys and I love the updates on everyone. Keep them coming!
Jordan
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