Trip To Oman

Thursday, December 22, 2011 Sandy Boyce and I ventured across the border to Oman.  There we visited a souk,  saw a rebuilt fort, and saw the ruins of a small village.  What a day!

This guy sold me my red pears.  He was SO nice!

Me in one of the souk stalls.  Neat stuff!

 We started in the souk.  The sellers are known to be very aggressive, so we were prepared to say no.  While there I found some delicious red pears.  We also found some traditional tea/coffee cups with camels on them so we bought a set to split - for 18 dhs or about $6 for 12 cups.

Front of the rebuilt fort - not sure what it's called!

Another view of the fort.

 When we first got the the souk a car full of Omani ladies pulled up and beeped at us.  They rolled down their windows and started yelling for Sanday and I to come to their car.  They wanted to touch us, shake our hands and talk English to us.  We were the only blonde western women in town that day, so I guess we were sort of celebrities.


We were interested in the traditional crafts and items in some of the stalls.  We saw frankincense and incense burners.  We saw baskets, mats, rugs and oil lamps.  It was fun to look, and the sellers were very respectful when we said no thank you.











We next stopped by this fort.  It is very interesting, and more of my pictures are posted on Facebook.

Me in the fort

I don't love to have my picture taken, but here I am in the fort.  The tan is due to the past week at the pool.  I use 60 spf sunscreen, but still manage to get some color.

Old Village ruins

Another part of the village

Now we moved on to some ruins.  We stumbled upon them totally by accident and Sandy's good driving skills.  We drove by and I said, "Hey, that looks cool and old, let's stop".  There was nobody there, but the old mud buildings were so interesting.  The details in the construction were amazing.  We did realize how much there was and we hiked around in the sand for about 45 minutes looking, taking pictures and being amazed at seeing something really authentic!

Speaking of Authentic, we ate at a little roadside cafe and survived.  Chicken, rice, salad and some kind of unknown soup.

Dunes are so beautiful!

View from the top of the dune.

  

It Has Been Way Too Long Since My Last Post.

Red and green pears from Oman

So many things have happened, and I have so much to tell you, but I'm going to start with the present and work backwards.  
It is Christmas Eve Eve and my cookies are baked.  Carols were sung today in church at the Service of Lessons and Carols.  Decorations are hung, and all is well in Al Ain.  

The coffee shop in the Rotana Hotel was made into a Gingerbread house!

I love Christmas, but without family it's just not the same!

My "Charlie Brown" tree!

The Tree at the Rotana - where I go to the pool!  Bigger and better than mine!

Gifts under my tree are waiting for Jacob and PJ!  

My computer was speaking Arabic and Kelly fixed it!

Praise the Lord!  I hit a button by accident and could no longer access my blog!  Kelly and I fooled around with it after school today and we/she fixed it!  Now I have a backlog to work on.  

A New Era at Al Ezza School

I realize now that my MacBook Pro can edit faces, so here is a picture of my girls with their traditional dresses on.

     Last Thursday no girls showed up for school due to the Eid holiday, but teachers took the time to work in their classrooms and also to socialize as teachers do on workdays.  Right around lunch time the "Man Bell" rang at our school to indicate there were male visitors.  Nobody answered the door, and I was right there, so I looked and saw some very official men.  I went into the English Teacher's workroom and told my Head of Faculty that there were some men here, and then I went out to greet them.  As I shook their hands I realized that this was H.E. Dr. Mugheer, head of the Abu Dhabi Schools.  He asked me and the other Licensed English Teachers a lot of questions and for the most part we tried to keep it very positive.  Then our principal, Miss Sheikha came out and they met.  
     About 20 minutes later we were called to an all faculty meeting with Dr. Mugheer.  He brought an English translator so we could all understand what he said.  He gave all teachers an opportunity to ask questions, and many good questions were asked.  The Arabic teachers asked questions like why were they being replaced with English teachers who did not understand their culture and their religion.  They asked about what would happen if they could not learn English.  He reassured them that there would be jobs for all of them, even if some had to be transferred.  According to the translator the teachers expressed that they were happy with us, but they knew of some schools where the English speaking teachers were not easy to work with and were not demonstrating good Islamic values as role models for the children.  Then one of the English teachers got up to ask a question.  She got very emotional and said that she came here to learn about the culture but had not been given the opportunity to do so.  While I may or may not agree with her (after all, we were not trying too hard to be social with the Arabic teachers just as much as they avoided us) I do feel she had a point.  Unfortunately the Arabic teachers were quite upset that this issue was brought up in front of the "Big Cheese".  
     After leaving our meeting we stood around to chat and as we did so we saw the furniture being removed from our English planning room.  We were then each assigned to an Arabic planning room where we would eat lunch and spend our planning time if not in our rooms.  There were 2-3 teachers assigned to each Arabic room.
     Sunday, upon our return, I was nervous, but I entered the Arabic room for lunch.  The two other teachers assigned to our room decided to eat in their classrooms, but I was determined to brave the fire.  My one Arabic "friend", Miss Alia, was in that room.  She's always been friendly and helpful towards me.  As I arrived they greeted me warmly and invited me to take off my shoes and sit on the rug to share their Arabic food and ginger tea.  They asked me many questions in English, how many children did I have?  What did I teach in America?  How long was I a teacher?  They were amazed that this was my 24th year as a teacher.  The lunch conversation was 90% Arabic, 10 % English.  I survived.  
     Monday rolled around and it was lunch day 2.  Again, the other teachers chose not to join us in the Arabic room, but I was not going to shy away.  I brought pictures of my kids and my house in America.  I also had made Oatmeal cookies to share with them.  GOOD MOVE!  They asked me question after question and told me I was different from other English teachers.  I was interested in learning about them and they appreciated it.  Then the 5th grade science teacher invited ME to go with them to the Abu Dhabi Science Festival on a field trip.  We were allowed to send 30 girls and they gave 5 spots for my girls to fill.  I was so happy that I got tears in my eyes, but I think that made them even happier with me.  Monday the conversation was 70% Arabic and 30% English.  
      Tuesday the other two English teachers joined us and we all chatted and shared food.  The ginger tea was made from freshly ground ginger and it is a new favorite.  Wednesday the Arabic teachers bought each of us a Kandora, a traditional dress to wear.  So, of course on Thursday we wore them.  I even found a Shayla (head scarf) to match.  
     This was a draining week, but I have to say I've acquired about 20 new Arabic words and have found favor with the Arabic teachers.  Life is hard but good!

1st Trip to Dubai

      Many of you have already seen my pictures from Dubai, but I’ll repost for those of you who do not visit Facebook or who don’t have me listed as a friend (shame on you!).  Ashley and I decided on Sunday of Eid break to go to Dubai to let me see if for the first time and to do some shopping! For those of you who don’t know, Ashley is my UAEBFF and my church buddy.  She keeps me young!  We originally were going to Dubai to use tickets we got for the Ice Lounge, but we could not get reservations because it was full.   So, we will return on Dec. 2 to get into the Christmas spirit while freezing our  _ _ _ _ _ off!

Burj Khlifa, Dubai

      So, we started the day at 8 a.m., got gas and then stopped by Starbucks.  I had my first ever “London Fog” which was Earl Grey tea made with steamed milk.  It was delicious!  Not a big fan of Starbucks, as I don’t really drink coffee, but London Fog I can do!  Then we were on the road to Dubai!  One hour later, almost to the minute we hit the town.  You drive through 120 km or so of desert and then it just pops up out of nowhere.  I expected the Burj Khlifa to be the first thing I saw, as it is the current tallest building in the world (I think it still is) but I saw many other buildings before I saw the Burj! 

Entrance To BIG Roundabout

Mall of the Emirates

This is Ashley!

     We entered town and Ashley informs me that we are about to enter the biggest roundabout in the UAE, maybe even the world (not!).  Glad she waited to tell me because roundabouts here have their own set of rules and they make me very nervous!  Well, in Dubai the roundabouts have traffic lights and that makes all the difference in the world!  With Ashley’s expert guidance we hit The Mall of the Emirates.  We saw the PF Changs in the picture, and then did a bit of shopping.  I bought a music bead for my Pandora Bracelet and ordered a CAMEL!!!  They hope to have it in in time for our next big trip, Dec. 2.  We also saw the ski village in the picture.

Ski Area in Mall of the Emirates

     Next we were off to Dubai Mall where I was meeting some friends I first met in Abu Dhabi upon my arrival.  We met at the Texas Roadhouse and I had the first steak during my stay here in Abu Dhabi.  Yum!  After hitting a few more stores (Bath and Body Works!!!!!)  we were then off to find Ikea in Festival City Mall.  I needed a desk and heard they had Christmas items, as well.  Got desk, got Christmas items!  Now it was time to go home.  Thanks for a fun day, Ashley!

Eid Mubarak!

Today is the first day of Eid Al Adha, a holiday celebrated here for 4 days.  Here is a really good link that tells you what and why Muslims celebrate:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/31/eid-al-adha-2011-dates-customs_n_1028563.html

Home made cookies and a chocolate treat on a stick

 At school on Thursday, our last day before the Eid Al Adha break we had a special assembly.  During the assembly gifts and candy were handed out to the teachers, and the children were thrown candy, piñata style.  Here is a picture of two of the sweet treats I received.  The little boy decoration depicts how the men dress for the Hajj.  The candy on a stick with Arabic says something like, "Blessings be upon you this Eid and always".






When we went to class there were only 5 kids in my class (4-3) and about 11 kids in the other class (4-4).  My arabic teacher suggested we combine them and I teach them in the morning 3 periods and she'd take them in the afternoon.  I thought that was  a really nice gesture as I was sure

Our Class Eid Al Adha Party

they would be totally wild after lunch break.  So I started the morning with puzzles on animals found in the Qur'an and a multiplication coloring sheet.  Keep it easy and fun, right?  Well, I had no party planned because we were told no parties.  All of the sudden, about 30 minutes before lunch one of my girls whipped out two large containers, both still somehow piping hot. One had a macaroni dish and the other had small fritter type nuggets.  She proudly informed me that she and her older sister made these at home and they were for the class.  I told her we had no plates, spoons, napkins . . . she stared at me oddly.  She said, "No need spoon Miss Mary, we share".  The photo shows our classroom party - they all sit around the pots and share.  Of course each girl only used her right hand.  After about half of each pot was gone the girls looked at me and said, "Miss Mary, why you no eat?  You must eat!"  So, do you think I did?  If you say yes, you are right.  It is rude not to accept food if offered.  So I dug my right hand in, grabbed a bit and ate.  It was GOOD!

Finally I opened the gift, which was given to me by the Islamic Education teachers.  Can you guess what it was?  If you guessed a copy of the Qur'an, a book about understanding Islam and a Pashmina scarf to cover my head, you are correct.  A very thoughtful gift, but will it be awkward when I don't convert?  I sure hope not.

Now I'm ready for a break after lunch, and the announcement was made that because there were so few girls in school they were going home.  I am pretty sure my Arabic teacher, who volunteered to take the girls in the afternoon knew that would happen.  Oh well, at least I got the joy of a feast with my girls.  In the next few days I will have an extra long weekend, so I will take a trip to Dubai and one to Oman.  Look for posts and pictures about each.

More from the Classroom

     The girls are really starting to communicate with me, and not just when it's necessary.  Today "A" sat with me after school for 5 minutes and told me how her horse had a baby and her dad is going to America for a week.  She told me that she loves to learn English because she wants to go to America, too.  She told me maybe I could come to her house on 11/16/ 2011 - not sure why that date - to see her horse and baby.
     "S" is my little morning helper.  She is dropped off at the school at 7 am each morning so her mother can be a bus monitor.  I invited her to come into the room to do small tasks for me, things like cut, write the schedule, and staple worksheets.  She talks and talks, and sometimes I understand her and sometimes not.  But at least she's talking, and each day it gets better and better.
     "H" is my ADHD child.  She is never in her seat, and she cares nothing about her work.  Today was our first day in centers and she worked hard to write down the words the other girls had put in ABC order.  She is so far behind, still writing backwards her name and most words.  While in centers she seemed very focused and when she brought me her paper she was so proud.  I sat with her for some one-on-one time and showed her how to write the words forwards.  Even though she wrote 3 word sentences instead of 5 word sentences I gave her the sticker - she did the best she could for her language development.  Later in math she did not understand what to do.  Instead of the usual "do it and get it over with" attitude, she approached me to help her.  She told me she did not know.  So again, we sat one on one (on the floor, as we have no table) and she got it!
     Overall, if I can just figure out how to adjust the levels in the centers to each group and then have TIME to make all the centers I guess things will be on the right track.

I tell myself each day - my job is not nearly as bad as it could be.  I have stories from other teachers that amaze me.  One teacher had 7 fist fights in one 45 minute class period.  One teacher reported being stalked by a student.  Another teacher had a heart attack from his stress.  My girls chat and steal my stuff and are generally slobs, but they do love me, and I'm starting to love them, too.

First of 3 observations for the year

Today was my first observation so I thought I'd give you a blow by blow account of the event!  If you are not interested, or find yourself nodding off, just skip this post!

*I was told if I'd be observed it would be 1st or 2nd period this week or next.  If I have a weakest area of teaching it's English, so I rearranged my schedule to do math, then science, and then English 3rd period.  I was not sure it was today, but I had a feeling.  Well, second period was over, and I was off the hook.  Or was I???

*Third period - I have the girls all writing in their journals.  Last night I was reading about journaling in a new book my parents sent me in the mail.  It said that if I respond to the entries with a question they will read the question and try to write back to me.  I do respond usually, but only with "great" or "good ideas". So today I had the girls write about what Miss Mary should do in Al Ain this weekend and why.  Most girls only write a sentence, but that why made them write more.  I told the girls to bring me their journals when they were done and I would write back to them.  They were so excited to read the question and write back.  Soon girls were coming back two or three times to see what I'd write.  What little order I usually have in class was destroyed, but I felt like the benefits outweighed the break in conduct.  I'm sure now you see where this is going???  In walks Miss Mousa, the Vice Principal, and Miss Karen my Head of Faculty (HOF).  They come in, sit down and get out those evil clip boards with observations attached.

*So as to not look unprepared, I then continued writing in journals and then told the girls to leave them on my desk.  I would reply later.  Forgot that THEY needed their journals for the next two activities!

* I linked my lesson on sentence building to what we had done yesterday.  I had a sentence cut into words.  I attached each word to the board.  Then I realized that I did not remember what the sentence was myself.  So I told the girls to see what they could do with it in their small groups.  Some of them came pretty close.  This activity is good because they tend to use phrases instead of sentences.  They say things like, "Me go bathroom" instead of "I need to go to the bathroom".  Seeing how words like to and the are used in English is an important skill.  Overall, I'd give the lesson a B or B-.

*Next it was time for Making Words.  The kids get a strip of letters - this week it was
s s o p r t.  They cut out the letters so they can move them around and form words.  We work through little words like or, to, so, then on to pot, rot, and then spot and stop, then sport and finally the "BIG WORD" sports.  The girls have done this each week, so are pretty familiar now, and they were throwing out words left and right, of course the words were not English.  POS - not a word, SOT - not a word.  When you don't grow up in the language you don't know.  Heck, even when you do grow up with the language you don't know sometimes!

*Finally the bell rang and the kids and observers left.  I had no feel for their take on the lessons.

*Near the end of the day Karen went over my review.  They both felt that I had a good rapport with the kids.  They both loved the lessons and felt the kids were on task (REALLY?  Were they in the same room I was in???)  They both loved that I speak in full sentences very slowly - instead of using broken English. I guess that is a problem - and i do find myself doing it now and then - "no go bathroom".  The only thing they nailed me on?  Not having my objective written on the board!  Mr. Ronald Monroe, if you read this, I'm sorry!  I failed you and it won't happen again!  I promise!

All in all, a good experience for someone who has not had a "formal" evaluation for 12 years!

A Time for ME to Learn!

Here is a student intently illustrating a book I made for the class.

     This week I have learned a lot and made great strides within my classroom.  I've learned to write my name (Mary) in Arabic.   A few students gave me a lesson on the money system - I was still having trouble with coins and I'm supposed to teach about that in math!) I learned that "yellah" means go quickly.  I learned that Hand, a girl in my class could be my "right hand (wo)man".  I've elected her president.  She is in charge of making the girls quiet and re-explaining things to my class in Arabic.   She is so smart and loves to talk to me about things that are going on in the classroom.  I've found that peer tutoring is not only a good tool, but one that is necessary with a class that needs to learn math and science but can't understand me very well.  In science we study the body so I have a girl write in Arabic while I write in English to label diagrams and pictures.  The best part of my week was when I went to check on a table and they were speaking to each other in ENGLISH, not Arabic!!!!! 
     This week I introduced the "Post it note" system.  Each girl got a purple sticky note (thanks, Dad, for sharing my love of school supplies and feeding me so many packs before my departure!).  On that note they wrote their name in PEN.  They had to have it out every day on their desk.  If they misbehaved I put an x on the note.  3 x's and they lost "Thrilling Thursday" which is the equivalent of "Fun Friday".  If they could not find the purple paper they were out of the fun as well.  Thursday I had games and sugarless bubble gum for those that earned it.  The others went to Miss Sandy's room for remedial help in math or English.  Next week Sandy gets the good kids and I'll take the remediation.  It worked!  Don't get me wrong - my classroom to the everyday observer seems to be a hellish mess, but to those of us that live there, it is gaining a sense of order and clear expectations.
      I now know almost every girl's name, not only when they are in their seats, but also when they are up or in small group.  It is a goal I never thought possible.  I still mispronounce some names, but the girls always remind me when I'm wrong.  It's especially hard in my homeroom class because I have 4 Fatimas (two of which are Fatima Mohammad) and I have 2 Shouqs and 2 Fakhara Nassers!
     Finally, at this weeks Wednesday faculty meeting (mostly in Arabic) we were put into teacher teams, some English teachers and some Arabic.  We were given a binder and told to discuss our committee.  The binder was in English and Arabic, so I jotted down a few notes.  I guess the meeting leader saw me writing notes so when it came to our groups turn the Arabic teacher across from me got up to speak and then the leader pointed at me and said, "You, in English".  So I got up and made my first faculty presentation, falling all over my words, but not too badly.  My committee is in charge of Academic Achievement in English, Math, Science and Arabic, as well as attendance, behavior and extra curricular activities (of which we have none).  Our goal is to improve assessment methodology.  So, here I am at my new school on the dreaded Academic Success Team!  Inshallah!

An Emirate Wedding

You know someone who knows someone whose relative is getting married, so you are welcome.

You get very dressed up. You put on a long dress, do your hair and makeup and for good measure you throw on some bling.  There are no gifts to bring - it is not the tradition.

You arrive at the wedding hall or hotel at 8:30 o'clock at night, when the ladies-only party typically starts.  Somewhere there is a party for the guys as well, and while you can see them they can't see you.

You are greeted warmly at the door by 10 or so of the bride/groom's close female relatives. They are extremely dressed up, with more makeup than you've ever seen a woman wear in your life. You are surprised at the elaborate dresses they wear, which draw attention to their figures, to say the least: cleavage is really on display, and maybe a midsection on a gown or two will be see-through. Their gowns appear custom made because they fit like gloves.  In the background you will smell the incense that they burn and wonder if you'll make it through the night.

Everyone says "welcome," shakes your hands, maybe kisses your cheeks. You really do feel like an honored guest. You're glad you got dressed up; you'd feel like part of the beige-colored walls in the lobby right now if you hadn't.  Women are walking around with liter sized jugs of perfume and they use wands to put it on you when you are not looking.You walk into a lavishly-decorated ballroom: the bride's chosen colors are on display and everything from the flowers to the table clothes and the chairs has these colors. There is a stage at one end of the large room, with a chair or sofa, where you imagine the bride will sit when she arrives.

You find seats with your friends at a table. Arabic coffee and tea are offered, along with fruit juices, water and sodas.

Hummus, moutabal, fatoush, and some sweets are passed around and around the table. Deliciously-cooked lamb, camel and goat - on rice is served on a huge platter.   You can't ignore the bones, and sometimes you'll get a head as well.  There's also harees, a traditional lamb/wheat dish, and other foods at your table.  There is so much food it can not possibly all be consumed!

At 10 or 11 o'clock, the lights go out and a spotlight shines on the far end of the room.  Some of the women start a high pitched ha la la la la that continues for minutes and then the bride appears. She is dressed in an elaborate, white wedding gown that glitters from all angles. She walks very slowly down the center aisle, pausing to pose for the cameras. She looks nervous, but her appearance is absolutely perfect.  Most likely she is wearing new jewelry given to her as a gift from the groom and his family.   She walks up the steps of the stage and poses for more pictures. Finally she sits down on the chair.

The music is very different from western music. It is all in Arabic, and it has a fantastic rolling drum beat that makes you wish you could dance too.  Sometimes women with belly dancing belts shimmy around in the crowd.

Sometime later, an announcement is made in Arabic. Suddenly there is a wave of black moving over the room. Every lady in the room is covering her head with her shayla, some adding their burqa or niqab over their faces.

The groom and his party go up to the stage and stand by the bride and many more photos are taken, although you are not permitted to take any photos yourself.
 The bride's face is uncovered. She and the groom chat as they greet the ladies who wish them well. Cake and other sweets, as well as coffee, are served.
The newly-weds leave together. The wedding is over.

Many have asked for my PO box and I finally have one.  The address is:

Mary Ellen Arthurs
PO Box 13716
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

I would love books for my classroom - used or new.  I spent way too much buying the first 15 so the girls could read in pairs, but when they saw the books they were so excited it made it all worth it!  I'd love to have enough books so each girl can hold her own and still have some on the shelf to pick from.  Just remember, no pigs, no holidays, no bathing suits and no boys dating girls.  I have a range of girls still learning the alphabet to girls reading on an early second grade level - but they are very concerned that we not do "baby things".

Several have asked if I need anything else.  I have become a minimalist (I know that is hard to believe) and need very little for me, but I could use stickers, dry erase markers, small items for my treasure box ( a behavior tool I'm using - even free pencils or anything from the USA would be fun for them to have) and ideas / pre made centers to use in my classroom.  Thanks in advance for anything you send.  If you include a note and your address I'll have the girls write thank you notes!

Journey Up Jebel Hafeet

Jebel Hafeet from the foot of the mountain!

Friday Rebecca and I journeyed up Jebel Hafeet.  We stopped first at the park at the bottom of the mountain.  This mountain is used as a guide point in Al Ain.  If it is on your right you are heading into town.  If it is on your left you are on your way to Abu Dhabi.  At night the roads are lit and it looks beautiful, but during the day no roads are visible  

You probably notice that the park is so green.  There is also a man-made water feature with fish and a fountain.  The water comes from the underlying springs and they have put in a sprinkler system to make it even greener.  My Macbook Pro does a great job at enhancing pictures, as well!

We moved up the mountain and our views were breathtaking!  Scroll down to see more pictures!

The entrance to the park - very green!

A rock feature on the way up the mountain

My favorite picture!  Do you see a bear's head to the bottom left?

We think this is a hotel under construction

A view of the desert from the mountaintop

My best teaching moment so far!

Our Skeletons Class Word Wall - Always a work in progress!       The girls are getting better - I started a reward system with Treasure Box Thursday - the team that earns the most points gets to pick from the non-food treasure box (we are forbidden to give candy or chips, although the Arabic teachers do it all the time).          We made a human skeleton and started an experiment with bones in vinegar to show calcium is in bones.  They have never done an experiment and were not too good at hypothesizing what would happen to the bones.  It was important to them to be right, so they kept asking if they were right.  They also wanted to copy the answer off the board - no critical thinking skills - just rote memorization here.        I had to guide them with questions like: Will bones turn purple?  (NO! maybe white?) Will bones grow into a new chicken? (No, unless Allah makes it so) When asked what kind of bones they were the girls all guessed pig???? Weird, but then we looked at the bones and they realized they were chicken wings.   I asked how do you know it is not a cow bone? (too small)   What part of the chicken?  They all flapped their arms like wings. This was probably my best teachable moment so far!  Good day overall.  I'm supposed to start centers around the room soon, but not sure they can handle it yet.  I need to get discipline under control and make them want to learn first.  It is hard to justify that they need school - most get married at 17 or 18 and don't go to college and families don't find it too important for girls.   Not surprising that my best moment so far would be in science!

I am an official Resident of The United Arab Emirates!

Don't I look happy?!

What exactly does that mean???  Is it good or bad???   I'm not sure, but I just had to post it!  Now I'm off to get a driver's license and a CAR!  Sweet freedom is mine!  I am scared to death to drive, though.   I know, not the best picture. 

I just have to post this. If you don't have a sense of humor, please ignore. It has nothing to do with my trip!

I found this on Facebook:


On her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, which was posted on the Internet.
----------- Dear Dr. Laura: Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination .... End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them. 1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians? 2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her? 3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of Menstrual uncleanliness - Lev15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense. 4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them? 5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it? 6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination? 7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here? 8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die? 9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves? 10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14) I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.


 James M Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education University of Virginia

I really need some books - and if they have lesson activities all the better!

I'd love to start getting some books I can use with my kids.  I have ALL reading levels from girls who can only scribble to girls who can spell the first 100 sight words!  Picture books are what are needed at reading levels from Pre Primer to about 2nd grade.  Others I can use to read aloud.  There are bookstores here, but the books in English cost about 3 times as much as they would at home.  I bought a soft cover of The Cat In The Hat and it cost about $12.  At home it would be $4.99.  Used books are great!  Please read through it before you send to make sure there are no pigs or kids in bathing suits.  Also, no ghosts.  They may not mention any religion other than Islam nor should they mention holidays other than Muslim holidays.    They should not show boys and girls at a sleepover together.  They should not mention dating.  If in doubt ask.  This is a requirement list I got last week.  The books I get will become highlighted - thanks Mom and Dad for the yellow books!

Books I have a few activities for:
Jan Brett Books
Eric Carle Books
Dr. Seuss Books ( I have The Cat In the Hat, and Mom and Dad got me Green Eggs and Ham, ABC book and On Fish, Two Fish)
Magic Treehouse books (to read aloud) (Mom and Dad got Blizzard of the Blue Moon)
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat
Pumpkin Soup
Dear Mr. Blueberry
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
Lottie's New Beach Towel
Officer Buckle and Gloria
Miss Spider's Tea Party
Where Do Balloons Go
An Uplifting Mystery
Stringbeans Trip to the Shining sea
Miss Alaineus
Tell A Bunny
Cook a Doodle Doo
Clarice Bean, That's Me
Magic Schoolbus Books ( our science topics are the human body, solar system, scientific method, the moon)


Any other books that you like would be great as well.  I will add to this list and I will highlight books that I've gotten so you will know.  Multiple copies would be good for reading groups!  I've only made this list because I've had several people ask what I need.  I can live without everything else, but books are a need!  Thanks in advance for anything you send.  I hope to get my national id soon and then I can get a post office box!

4th grade Switch! Otherwise titled the 6th Best Day of My Life!

Two days ago I was told there was an opening in 4th grade and an "extra teacher", Sumaya, who is fluent in Arabic and taught 1st grade in the states would take it.  I made the comment that I wish I could have it.  They told me I could, but they did not want to ask me because I had "settled in so nicely".  So, I left behind everything I bought and moved into a bare room with 26 and 31 (total 57) 4th grade girls.  My first day I was quite nervous- If I failed here there was no excuse!  So, I pulled some ideas off the Internet and started my day.  What a difference!  They do not speak well, but they could understand and a few girls are very fluent.  I will say we are very far behind in math, and teaching the science concepts about body systems, scientific methods, and Earth and Space will be hard with the language deficit.  Reading we have no books so I have to buy one at the book store and then type it and copy it.  I was told there is no copyright here, so . . . I'm hoping that's true.


Today was day 2 and the girls would not pay attention so I turned into monster teacher.  But they still loved me.  Here are a few pictures of me after they adjusted my Shaylah.  No, I don't have to wear the head scarf, but I may chose to do so out of respect.

We worked on place value and writing numbers (in words) to the hundreds place.  Some of the girls work very hard and will make a lot of progress.  Some, not so much.  I think when the first report cards go home there will be a bit of a shock.   The discipline here is nonexistent - even at home the girls order around their nannies and in the Muslim world children are without sin until the age of maturity (about 13 for girls and 16 for boys I think)
 In reading we read The Cat In the Hat and they loved it!  I then had the girls draw and write the English words for 10 things they saw in the book.  Mostly I got 3-4 items like cat, cake, hat, or fish.  One girl drew a picture and labeled it almost exactly like it was in the book even though I did not allow them to look back at the story!  We will work on the basic first 100 site words and then start word patterns with Making Words, if I can get my hands on a copy of the book.  Over all, I'm excited and have a much better attitude.
PS - the first 5 best days were getting married, giving birth (counts as 3) and getting my Master's degree.

The Al Ain Choral Society

I decided that I needed to continue singing and I saw a group on line.  On Sunday night I trekked on out to the rehearsal space and sat in the Alto row, sore throat and all.  I was asked to introduce myself, and then placed in the 1st Alto section.  I was handed some music and told to sing along.
The music includes (so far):

• Jesus Christ the apple tree by Elizabeth Poston - tune from Divine Hymns compiled y Joshua Smith.
• Three kings from Persian lands afar by Peter Cornelius
• It Came Upon The Midnight Clear - traditional English tune adapted by Arthur Sullivan
• Wassail song a traditional carol arranged by R. Vaughan Williams

Notice the lack of capital letters in song titles?  I know, as a teacher, that these are incorrect, but it's the way they are in the music, so . . . 

By far the Wassail song will be the most challenging so far.  There were 10 sopranos, 8 altos, 2 tenors and 3 in the bass section.  Our concert will be December 9th, so if anyone wants a ticket, let me know.  The  ticket includes a nice buffet meal at the Intercontinental Hotel.   I also have a bed you can sleep in.

Food in the United Arab Emerites

I’ve been asked by several what kinds of foods we eat here and the answer is pretty much everything that is not from a pig.

There are many American and British foods here, but for the most part people here eat lamb, beef and chicken.  Kafta is a ground meat (beef or lamb) with Arabian spices in it.  It is formed into long patties and put on skewers and cooked over a fire or in the oven.  The Arabian bread is flat bread and it is delicious.   They also eat pita which is usually served with hummus (ground chick peas with tahini mixed in) and olive oil.  Everywhere has baklava for dessert, but another local favorite is Um Ali.  It’s like a bread pudding with raisins, pistachios and vanilla flavoring   Lamb stew is very popular, as are curry dishes with lamb or chicken.  Mezzah is an appetizer, which is almost like a hush puppy with meat or cheese filling.    They also eat a lot of fish – Dory and Hammer as well as prawns.  There are olives and cucumbers everywhere, and the fruit section of the market is amazing.  There are things I’ve never heard of, and each fruit or veggie is marked where it came from.  There could be oranges from 4 different regions or countries and each has a distinct flavor and different color.  One thing that is not prevalent is lettuce.  It is expensive and not served as a salad usually.  If you ask for salad you will sometimes get cole slaw.  Lettuce is usually dipped in hummus.  I have seen camel steak in one market, but it does not appear to be a regular food.  I love yogurt chicken.  Kebab is also very popular – chunks of meat with Arabian spice roasted on skewers.  Falafel – fried ground chick peas are also everywhere.  I have not seen goat anywhere.  Of course the most popular food item here is DATES – you see them everywhere and in everything!

 

I took a picture of the spice market.  Spices are SO cheap – they sell them from the buckets they are in and you buy them by the kilogram – of course you’d never need a whole kg!  I bought cinnamon – enough to fill a container you’d buy at home – and it was only .55 DHs – or 15 cents!