Life on Vacation

Life caught up to me on vacation, and either because of the stress, insufficient water, or just my body's quirks, I started to get a migraine the day after cave tubing. We woke up as usual before the sunrise and then had a delightful subdued breakfast. Val and I quickly earned a reputation as "The Girls Who Laugh" but we did have our moments of quiet. 

Even though I wasn't feeling great, I appreciated the great care I received. Valerie went to the manager to ask about rehydration salts of some kind, and instead, the groundsman Omar brought me a fresh coconut with a straw. I spent most of the day in the shade, but by afternoon, I felt I could venture out to join Valerie on the dock with some fresh pineapple juice. She was a gem and was very gracious about rearranging our planned activities for the day and taking good care of me!

Tales from the Classroom

I certainly enjoy teaching English.  I have wonderful students, and I'm learning a lot about teaching and the English language through the process of teaching it!

However, one thing I need to learn well is how to explain the concept of vegetarianism.  I have had multiple conversations with my students about this but it doesn't translate well into some cultures.  My Asian students understand it easily.  My Middle Eastern students…not so much.

My Egyptian students made me molokheyya,  a traditional Egyptian soup made from a green vegetable.  This is typically served with chicken.  Since I have been to Egypt, my students asked me if I had had that and I said yes.  They offered to make it for me but I told them that I don't eat chicken.  The husband looked at me with concern and asked, "You only eat it over rice?  It's better with chicken."

The next day, they brought me a container of rice and of molokheyya.  Ezzat, the husband, grinned proudly at me and said, "Since you don't eat chicken, we made it with duck."

The same couple brought me Egyptian macaroni béchamel.  Macaroni with hamburger.  I thanked them but said, "I don't eat meat."  Ezzat said reassuringly, "But it is small pieces."

Life in Transition, yet again.

Life, always interesting, has gotten a bit hectic lately.  I am so thankful that I only registered for one class this term.  In addition to Linguistics, which has been a very challenging class, I'm going to be starting work soon.  Thank you very much to those of you who have been praying for me as I've made a variety of decisions about work!

I have just received my final clearance for my teaching job.  I will take my collection of forms and clearances into the main office on Tuesday and I start teaching a class of adults on April 23.  This job will only be eight hours a week.  To supplement those hours, I'm going to be working at a local retirement village, as a part time home health aide.  I have a six hour orientation on Monday for that position.

On May 1, I'll have a new roommate moving into my flat.  Martha and I roomed together in university, and nine years later, we are going to try this again!

As I sit at my kitchen table, covered in a pretty yellow and orange striped tablecloth, I feel so excited.  Spring is here, the sunshine is lovely, and I'm making a home here.  I've been so encouraged by the friends I've been reconnecting with and the opportunities before me.  I love being able to pop over to my sister's house and say hi for a few minutes.  I finally feel as though I'm making some connections at church as well.  Like the bits of green popping up everywhere, this is a time for me to grow.  

Green Smoothie Goodness

I've gotten a few responses to my green smoothies.  My sister thinks I'm nuts.  My mom likes them.  Some friends also make them.  I think they are amazing!  I actually start to crave them if I go a long time without one.

The idea behind a green smoothie is to use green veggies as the base of your smoothie.  Fruit can be added to sweeten the taste.  I add a little bit of kefir as well.

I make all sorts and I don't really follow a recipe.  Whatever happens to be in the fridge is what goes into my smoothie.  Here is this morning's smoothie:

Don't the colors look pretty?  I started with some cucumber, then added three big strawberries. Next, I chopped up a banana and then added several handfuls of baby spinach leaves.  I poured a little raspberry kefir (or yogurt) on top, added a bit of water, and blended it together.

I know some people are put off by the green color, but it tastes delicious!  I actually love the brilliant green.  I prefer to use baby spinach, but I have some friends who use kale.  The baby spinach tastes a little sweeter to me.  If you haven't made one before, you should really get out your blender and try it!