Getting to know some of the kids we would be teaching English to.The family that hosted me were so generous and welcoming. I could tell that at first they were a little wary of a strange American, but after only a few days we were laughing and talking like good friends. The family consisted of the father and mother with two older sons who were high school age and a single daughter about middle school age.
The father of the family insisted that I try on his kuffiyah (red head wrap) and take a picture with him.The class I taught was the introductory level students. They'd had very little to no English exposure prior to our lessons. I was very fortunate to be able to speak to the kids in Arabic. Some of the teachers had no prior Arabic experience. The progress was slow going, but they did learn some English. It reminded me alot of my initial Arabic studies.
This is me with the class of kids I taught.
This is a picture of my roommate seeking respite from the sun in the shadows of the school building. It was very hot in the village compared to the city.The old Bedouin influences were everywhere and much of the village relied on farming for income. I was amazed at the amount of green "things" to be seen. Living in the city, there isn't nearly as much vegetation. It was so good to see something vibrantly green and growing.
Many days after we finished our work teaching English, my roommate and I along with the local youth would walk and just admire the village and scenery. It was quite beautiful.
This is a picture of me in the middle of a watermelon field with the two older sons from the family I stayed with in the village.
In addition to the watermelons they grow wheat, tomatoes, and several other produce.
When we walked by one of the wheat fields one of the boys showed me how to pick the heads of grain, rub them in my hand and eat the grain. I thought of a very specific story when I was doing this...I have alot more photos of the village and students to share. Those will be forthcoming soon...
