Rainy Days!

I think this was one of the best weeks I have had here!  Here's why:

1. I have lived in Morocco now for a little over a month and a half. I don't remember many cloudy days much less rain! But we have three rainy days in a row! I love it! We even had a few thunderstorms!! Which terrified my students who aren't used to hearing thunder but it was actually comforting for me. Storms in Michigan always scared me a little bit; they go from fun to destructive Way to fast! But here, I knew it was a gentle storm! In one day I heard thunder, then saw three different rainbows, blue sky, and a bright sun. I also got rained on during recess. Actually, that kinda sounds like a day in Michigan! It was just the thing to wash away the homesickness I have been feeling!

2. My students were top-notch this week! We did group work and story time and writer's workshop and they were awesome, little workers! They made some great pictographs with a partner and I Love hearing the stories they write...some of them have quite an imagination! They even earned an extra recess on Wednesday. (confession: I kinda gave it to them as a time filler!) We had an early release (half day) so the students left at noon but recess goes until 11:35, so...extra recess! They did work hard and were really great but I was planning to give them an extra 10-15 minutes anyways! I did have a little guy fall at recess and break his arm though! It happened on Tuesday and he was gone for the rest of the week! Poor little Mohamed!

3. Fancy dinner and sunsets! I love the sunsets here! Over the ocean with tons of color...so pretty! On Tuesday, I was invited to/crashed a dinner party at the school board president's house. Dinner was amazing and the host and hostess had tons of stories to share about Morocco...I left ready to jump on the closest plane or train! Their house is gorgeous with a good size patio that looks out to the Corniche (boardwalk) and ocean. The sunset was amazing! And with rainy weather/clouds we've had lately the sunsets are extra red and vibrant! It almost makes up for the lack of color-changing leaves around here.

4. Communication! I got to see/chat with my roomie! Naturally, that makes for a great day! And,the iphone Amanda gave me when she came is finally unlocked and working like a phone! After a few weeks of really poor internet service, it's nice to be able to see and communicate again!

Sure there were some tough times and not so great things too but overall, it was just a really good week!  Fingers crossed for another one!

My Greatest Comfort

Last weekend when Bryan and Amanda were here Bryan asked me a question that I have thinking about all week. He asked, "what has brought you the most comfort here?" I thought for a second or two and then responded with "the church," which just happened to be where we were coming from.

My answer wasn't wrong but I don't think it was entirely true either. I do enjoy the church we have been going to very much. The worship is wonderful, the pastor is great, and I do feel the spirit is in that place. But it's more than the church.

What has brought me the most comfort here is the sense of God's presence everywhere I am and in everything I am doing. I know this where I need to be, even when I don't really want to be here, because I can feel his affirming presence. He makes it known each and everyday that he is near and I am loved. What greater comfort could I ask for?

Being in a Muslim country I was expecting the opposite, but I am surprised by how present I feel he is! I attribute that to all of those who are praying for me while here....I cannot thank you enough! At least 5 times a day (although sometimes it feels like more, other days less) I hear the Call to Prayer.  A man's voice is broadcasted (quite loudly and often early!) throughout the city and surrounding areas. I don't understand a word of what is being said, but it still serves as a reminder to me also that I am here for Him. Several times, the call to prayer has started at the same time I am praying. There is something to be said for the idea of an entire nation joining in prayer at the same time! It's pretty cool.

It could be a colorful sunset, a hazy sunrise, a funny comment by a student, or even a smile from a stranger in the market but I find God is everywhere. Even in the midst of homesick moments and longing for the familiarity of home; I know I am where I should be because I am with Him.

And that is my greatest comfort.

Play it again, Sam

This past weekend was probably the best weekend I've had since moving to Casa. My SISTER and BRYAN were here!!!! It was so amazing to have family here! They got in Friday evening and left Early Monday morning but we packed the weekend full of super fun times, lots of laughter, and a few tears!

Friday: I don't remember a single thing from school that day except I told my students Amanda was coming and their first question was "Is she bringing the dog?"oh, my kids! Their next question was if they would meet her, which sadly couldn't happen. But I did give A&B a mini-bio of each student and showed them pictures.
Cherith (roommate) and her father took me to the airport. A huge saving grace! I didn't have to pay for a taxi or ride in the taxi awkwardly unable to communicate with the driver! Her dad parked and we ran (yes, we were the crazy American girls running into the airport!) to find them. When they finally came out, I started crying...I couldn't help it. You try not seeing any familiar faces for a month and then holding back the tears...psh! Good Luck!
We went back to the car to start our trip back to campus which took far longer than it should have! We rode half way back to campus but the Wellings were headed to a fancy party so we jumped out in town and planned to taxi back. Of course, I had the worst taxi luck Ever! We nearly walked (with backpacks) the entire way to the Grande taxi lot. Except that I got a little lost. I'm still trying to learn the city and the lack of road signs is really not helpful! We finally got a petite taxi to get us to the grande taxi station. Bryan and Amanda were able to experience the joys of taxiing! We finally got back to campus a few hours later than planned. Enjoyed some authentic couscous and delicious Chocolate Cake (in honor of A's bday!).

Saturday: We taxied back into town and went to The Mosque. It's one of the biggest tourist attractions in Casa and I missed the trip they took during orientation so it was perfect! We toured the inside of the 3rd largest and the tallest mosque in the world. (Fun fact: The mosque is on the other side of Casa, but I can still see it from my rooftop!) The tour was amazing! The detail and craftsmanship in there was unbelievable. I will post pictures eventually, although my camera died about half way through leaving me with few photos :( .  After the tour we walked the Corniche. We stopped for a great lunch on the water then continued and walked the entire Corniche! Its a few miles. Thankfully, it ends at the Morocco Mall where we saw the huge aquarium and got smoothies! Mostly, because we were super hot and sweaty from our long walk in the Hot Moroccan sun!
We taxied back to campus. I gave them a tour of the school and my lovely classroom! We opted for a chill night after our busy morning/afternoon. I made pizza for dinner (meaning started with frozen crust, spread the sauce, grated the cheese, chopped the basil, and baked it in our uncontrollable oven!) They turned out quite well! Then we hung out and watched a movie.

Sunday:We went to church. We went to the Medina. Another place I'd never been too; but I can't wait to go back! It's a very touristy market. Lots of authentic Moroccan clothes and trade goods. And some really cute shoes! My friend Jasmine had joined us and her Arabic language skills totally came in handy while helping Bryan get a good deal on some souvenirs. From the Medina, we went to Rick's Cafe. The other major touristy thing in Casa! And another place I had never been! We had a wonderful lunch and decided to go for some smoothies for dessert. Another taxi ride across town for some panache d' orange! Yum!!! We ended our time in town by going to Weldom or the "Moroccan Menards" as I like to call it! It's a little hardware/home goods store. We bought a fan for my apartment...I have to admit, I am sleeping so much better! But I don't hear the dog fights at 5am anymore. ehh, pros and cons. ;)
Back at campus we decided to check out the school's car for a little bit. After a rocky start, Bryan figured out the Kangoo and we headed to Dar Bouazza for dinner. We ate the Sunset View Cafe and watched the sun get close to setting. We took some photos by the beach. And went back to campus where Bryan gave me my first driving lesson! I didn't hurt anyone or anything, although I did scare a stray dog but peeling the tires a little bit! I stalled the Kangoo no less than 10 times but I also got it a few times! I drove up and down a random dirt road hereby the school. I wasn't very excited at first, but now I can't wait to learn! Thanks for the first lesson Bryan...now come back for lesson #2! We got back to the school just in time to head up to the roof for the sunset. One of my favorite things about life here is the sunsets! And from the roof the view is amazing!!! Like I said, you can see the Mosque, Casa, DarBouazza, the King's palace, he school, random sheep, and of course the ocean! The sunset was beautiful but also reminded us that our last day together was over. We finished out the night by watching Friends...the one where Joey learns French...it's amazing!

Monday: We woke up at 4. They packed up. We waked the the gate and met the last taxi of their trip. He took them to the airport. I got ready for school. There may have been a few more tears.

It was a great weekend and I wish it could have been longer. I got to play tourist. See lots of new things in Casa. But most importantly, I got to see my sister!!!!! I know there are many great weekends to come, but I will definitely be wishing I could "play [the weekend over] again."

Love you miss you A&B. Give Dooley a hug from me!

Typical Timing!

This is a Big Week!
I was super excited about this week!
I had big plans for this week!

And then I got sick. It's typical timing really- I can't even count how many times I have gotten a cold Just before Christmas, or Thanksgiving, or Mother's day (I still don't think I've been fully forgiven for that one!).  If something Big is about to happen, I catch a cold! Honest to goodness, I really am not sick that often but I am really good at getting sick at the most inconvenient times!

I spent the whole weekend planning super active, fun lessons to do with my 19 rambunctious students and couldn't wait to do the activities with them!
I was going to spend the week prepping for Amanda and Bryan's visit!!!!! Even bake a cake for her --th birthday!!!
Our school open house is Wednesday night and I have to tell all the parents (who may or may not speak/understand English) all the wonderful things I plan to teach their children this year! 

I had big plans for this week! Getting a cold...not one of them!

Instead, I spent the week fighting my way through those awesome lessons (I refuse to take sick days for a stupid cold!). I went to bed last night at 5:30. Can that even be considered 'night'? My plan was to do the same Tuesday night...but instead I stayed up far too late talking with friends! Which I paid for on Wednesday! The morning was great! I had almost no troubles! But then in the middle of story time, I lost my voice. Not just lost my voice but I had a severely dry throat and honestly couldn't breathe or talk! Apparently, that's a highly effective way to get all the kids' attention! Storytime ended abruptly and turned into "color-until-Miss-Feldpausch-can-breathe-again" time...they liked it!

Before the open house my eyes and nose ran like a faucet! But thankfully, it wasn't a huge issue...that was my prayer all day long! The open house ended and I hurried home to find my friend NyQuil!

Here's to waking up healthy...hopefully!

Happy One Month!

One month ago, I had just watched my best friend get married, I ate dinner with my family and close friend, and I was spending the night in a hotel with my parents and sister. We spent the night laughing mostly and fighting back tears as we talked about my new adventure to begin the next morning.

That was only 1 month ago.

It feels like so much longer! Not in a bad way. Just in that "There is no possible way all the things that have happened recently could have occurred in 30 short days." Moving to Africa. Setting up a classroom. Living in a real apt where I pay rent and everything. Starting my first year of teaching....

I feel like each of those things deserve/require their own month! And there was so much in between too!

But, it's only been 30 days. I think it feels longer because I am comfortable here. It feels like home in many ways. And it has since the very beginning.

I have been asked a few times if I am homesick. And the honest answer (at least for now) is no. I miss people like crazy and can't even begin to explain how badly I want to see familiar faces. But I am not homesick. What I really want is for those I love/know/miss to see and experience my new home here. I want them to know (or have some idea of) the people I encounter, things I see, sounds I hear (as if on cue the call to prayer has started...again), things I smell (be thankful you miss out on this!), my students, and everything else that makes my life what it is now.

There have been plenty of frustrations and challenges over the last month but there have been even more successes and new experiences that I wouldn't want to trade for anything! I certainly hope the next 10 months are as great as the last one has been!

Reasons I Smile

There are Many reasons I smile...if you know me at all, you know that is true. But one week ago, I found 18 (and today a 19th) new reasons to smile! 

I love my students! If you catch me at 1:30 (after 5 and half straight hours with them) on any given school day, it might not seem like that's the case. But by 1:40 (after dropping them off at specials) all most has been forgiven and I love them once again!

Today was full of smiles! It was a great day in room 205! Tuesday was bad. Tomorrow might be bad. But Today Was Great! And Full of Smiles. Here are some reasons why:

• All Full. My last student finally showed up! I have been dreading this, expecting her to be super behind and lost since she missed the first 5 days of school! Thankfully, she is a native English speaker (smile #1). Smile #2 came when I saw my other 18 students following the routine and starting their warm-ups while I was welcoming Maria to the classroom! They did such a great job (especially compared to yesterday!). We started the day off with lots of praise and some cubes in the reward jar! 
• Total pros. I thought having a new student show up today would be a small pain. Instead, I barely noticed! She caught on quickly which helped, but my students were all thrilled to help her! She knew the routines, procedures, and what was going on before I could even open my mouth! They helped her find her things, get her lunch, go to the nurse, they shared their snacks and supplies...I was so surprised and pleased!
• Tricky Letters. I  have noticed lately that Zineb labels her papers Zine. Today I asked her why she doesn't write the b and her response was "Ahhh! Miss, I always forget that!" She went back and wrote the b.  This afternoon she came up to turn in her paper. At the top it said Zine. She really does forget!
• Multi Cultural. Hanging around the lunchroom are flags representing our different students' nationalities...there are a lot of flags! My freckly, fire-red hair, French accent girl asked me which flag was mine. Then she acted surprised when I pointed to the USA's flag...even though I have told them where I from at least once a day! Then she pointed to a flag and said that one's mine. I didn't know which country it was exactly but I did know it was a Middle Eastern country and she, of all my students, doesn't look Middle Eastern. I looked at my little red head and asked what country she was from. Her response...Syria. Syria? Didn't see that one coming at all! 
• Food Envy. The student lunches here are interesting. I can't really tell you what they eat but it doesn't look that bad. most days. However, they do get teeny tiny portions and ask to get more multiple times! They also use real bowls, real forks, real plates, and each child (200+) is given a 16oz water bottle each day...actually I don't smile about any of those points; I just find them interesting. I smiled when the music teacher walked by after buying a hamburger from the staff line and I watched each and every one of my students spot the hamburger, look at their food, and look back at the hamburger...actually this made me laugh a little! One of them turned to me and asked "Miss, if I bring money can I have a hamburger?"
• Dance Party. We had a dance break- yes, it was in My classroom despite my feelings towards dancing. Yesterday, we were discussing respect (like I said, Tuesday was rough) and I may have busted out a little Aretha thinking they would catch on and follow. Nope. Not at all. They had no idea what I singing! So today, we listened to Aretha sing it! And we danced a little. How can you not? They sang that song for the rest of the day!!! Bonus: Now they can all spell 'respect' too! 
• HIGH-FIVES and fist bumps! I told my kids the first day of school I love High-fives. Most of them give hugs, which are nice too, but I also love their high fives. And fist bumps. And hand shakes. It's a little insight to how they are feeling. I have a little guy who will give me a high five followed by a fist bump but ONLY if it's a good day. Today, I got three high-five/fist-bumps. All Before Lunch! I would call that a successful day! 

I can only hope that tomorrow is as great and smile-filled as today was!!!