[Sur]REAL

The past week (or little more) has been hands-down the toughest. As some of you may know, my Godmother passed away. She has been one of the most supportive people in my life. She has been involved with my life since I was born, and she was always in attendance for big moments in my life. I can't imagine coming home in June and not being able to sit down with her and tell her about my experience. After every trip (student teaching, Malawi, school years in SC), I would visit her and my Godfather and talk about my experiences. I loved sitting down with her (and my uncle) and just getting caught up on what was going on in all of our lives.

I heard in mid-October that she was diagnosed with cancer. That, itself, was difficult to hear, but I tried to think positive of the situation, and that she would get through it. I didn't know her health would take such a drastic downward spiral so quickly. I heard last Monday that she was on life support. This whole past week was just this odd back and forth between reality and surreality (word?). The whole situation seemed so surreal, since I am so separated and removed from it. The reality of it would hit me at the most random times, whether it woke me in the middle of the night, in the middle of my run, or standing in front of the classroom with all 24 students staring at me. I just never knew when it was going to hit. It is still hard to wrap my head around that I am not going to see her one last time and that I will not be at the service. I never imagined when coming here that I would have to face something like this. It is definitely not something one thinks about, but it is reality. You never know what life is going to bring.

I will always remember our conversations, dinners, laughs, hugs, sleepovers, and Christmas Tree decorating nights. I love her and will miss her greatly.

I just want to thank my family and friends back home for their love and support (those who knew). Your kind words through FaceTime or messaging has helped me immensely. I also want to thank everyone here in Kuwait (if any of you read this), for even though you didn't know, you have helped keep me distracted and able to get through the week and be at work each day.

My thoughts are with my family, especially my Uncle Michael, at this time. I love you dearly Uncle Michael and miss you greatly. I am so fortunate to have you as my Godfather.

Aunt Libby and I at my going away party that she planned.

Updates

Two weeks until Christmas break, and I could not be more ready for it. Teacher friends back home know the month of October is rough, well here it is the month of November. I am so ready for a break, and my students are just as ready. I simply could not be more excited to be reunited with Jessie. I cannot believe I have not seen her since July of 2013. That's insane. I feel sorry for anyone around us when we see each other for the first time, because it is going to be quite obnoxious. They will cover their ears. They will wonder about Americans.

The plan is still to fly to Malaysia and spend one week there with Jessie. From Malaysia, I will fly to Turkey and spend a few days there. Hope will meet me in Turkey and then we will head to Dubai for New Years and a couple days. I am super excited to see Hope Chang too, even though I just saw her  in August :) Funny, how we see each other MORE when we are far from each other then when we were in college and only like 30 minutes from each other (probably because it was so expensive for all of my parking tickets going to see her).

Thanksgiving, here in Kuwait, existed of a dinner with Taylor and Allison at the Cheesecake Factory (lol). It was actually perfect. 1) I have never been to the Cheesecake Factory. 2) We are so hilarious when we are together. 3) I ate the most wonderful nachos that have ever existed.  There was also a Thanksgiving celebration the day after Thanksgiving at one of the returner's apartments. It was a potluck and we all brought something. It was a lot of fun, but I had to leave early since I had to race the next day.

I ran like one of the only races in Kuwait. (I guess there are others, but I cannot find them online). It was called Run Q8 and it was a 10K. This was the first time I ran outside since August. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? That is pretty disgusting. It was a nice course. We ran along the seaside to the Kuwait Towers and then turned around (5K out 5K back). I placed 3rd overall for women which was sweet, but also frustrating because I am super competitive and I could have won if I was in better shape (I have ran a faster time than the winner). It is frustrating having a reality check of your fitness. I know I am not "out of shape" but I am not "in shape" either, based on past fitness. I am glad I did it though! It was fun, there was a good mixture of expats and locals. The shirt was also dri-fit, which is a must. I ran the race with Liz, and we ran in matching outfits. We're cool. We bought a tank top and capris. We heard you can run in anything you want in races like this, but we didn't see anyone wearing a tank top, so we ended up wearing a t-shirt underneath. Even though it might be "okay" we still felt uncomfortable. It was a great experience.

Liz and I after our race. Twinning

I had to apologize to the 2nd place, cause I gave her a nasty look at the 5K turnaround. I told her I was tired. I lied. I was really just frustrated that she was beating me. :/

The winner won a bike. Jacob knows that it is probably a good thing I didn't win.

On Saturday, Mila and I checked out the Qout (not sure if I spelled that right, but it's not like you guys would be able to correct me) market. It was sweet. It was on the top of a parking garage (random) and Jessie it was JUST like the Mount Hood situation. We asked multiple people about it. No one knew where it was or what we were talking about, even though we were literally right there. We found it eventually with our intuitive skills. The market made it feel as if we were not in Kuwait. It was amazing. They hold it once a month, so I am sure we will go back again.

The Market

Enjoy.

Here are the featured Skype Screenshots.

LOLO!!!! I miss this girl so much!

Happy Birthday FaceTime with Rae <3

Happy Thanksgiving FaceTime with this enthused child. Stop growing up.

We so mature.

 Dad is really good at FaceTime

I LOVED Skyping with Christine and this cutie!!! I love you Will! I also got to see Charlotte, but I didn't get a screen shot of her!

I love all of you, and I would LOVE a comment or message to update me on YOUR life <3

Leah

Basically Canadian

Well I definitely have dropped the ball on this blog. I haven't posted in a month. 100% my bad. There are a few reasons for this. 1) I have been busy with work and life. 2) I haven't really done anything, so I don't really know what I am going to write about. 3) I have like no pictures, so I don't know what Hope Chang is going to look at.

I guess I will start with a school update. We finished first quarter (1 down 3 to go!) Report cards come out this week and then we have parent conferences. I am a bit nervous about conferences, but hopefully all will go well. I have started seeing some frustration in myself with the language barrier (mostly when speaking with parents). I am not frustrated with them, but I am frustrated with the situation. I don't know what to say or how to say it to make myself clear AND sometimes I make them repeat themselves so many darn times because I am struggling to understand them. I usually have my kiddos translate. They are the best. However this only works if the kiddos are around.

I absolutely adore my kids. I have had many frustrating moments, but man I love them. We read a story about Ellen Ochoa (first woman Hispanic astronaut) and three of the kids went home and researched more about her. My heart melted. I am starting to notice things that I say (whether it be about procedures, content, skills or strategies) FINALLY being regular behaviors among students. They are NOT angels by any means, but I feel like we are over that hump where we have been in school a long time and they are still not doing what I ask. I feel like we have reached the other side. (This usually comes back after Christmas, but fingers crossed!!!) They are also more aware of my pet peeves. I REALLY dislike hearing "MISS MISS MISS MISS MISS" so I started talking about myself in the 3rd person. "Miss Leah is coming around to collect your spelling tests." My students legitimately thought I was crazy. "WHY ARE YOU TALKING LIKE THAT?" I then explained how I like to be called by my name and NOT "MISS MISS MISS MISS MISS" - I really should have recorded how much they say it. Well although it is still around, it is definitely less. One of my students even wrote in her writing (prompt about what would happen if she was the teacher) "If I was teacher, I would have my students call me "Miss Jana" and not "MISS MISS MISS MISS MISS." That kids got an "A" - well written.

First Sandstorm (kinda) The wind wasn't crazy strong, 

but there was definitely lots of dust in the air.

Life update. I am doing well, I am recovering from a few days of homesickness, but all is good. It can come in waves, usually unexpectedly. Although I feel homesick at times, it is nothing I can't deal with. I am fine, just miss some things. I noticed in my waves of homesickness that I don't just feel homesick for the great state of Minnesota. I was surprised (okay maybe not that surprised) when I was feeling homesick for the other great state of South Carolina. I am extremely fortunate to have two places to miss. There is a lot going on at home and it is hard to not be a part of it or to be around for others. It is also hard not to be around to celebrate in others successes. HUGE SHOUT OUT TO THE HHS XC GIRL'S TEAM FOR MAKING STATE (AND ROCKING STATE) AND BEN FOR QUALIFYING INDIVIDUALLY. Ya'll (yep I am southern) are awesome for sending me video clips of the races, tagging me in photos, and keeping me updated. You have NO IDEA how appreciative I am and how freakin' proud I am of you guys! I really hope you ate cake to celebrate.

It is unbelievable how much my friends and family have communicated with me. Every text, picture, comment, etc. is truly appreciated and makes me smile. One of the SC teachers that teaches my kids from last year texted me saying that one of my student's apologizes for all of the bad things he did last year. I laughed so loud. Kids are great. I also received a snapchat from one of my parents (from last year) informing me that her child made HONOR ROLL! (for the first time I believe) - all of these updates just make my day. I love taking screenshots while skyping (don't stop skyping me because of this!). I can't believe I didn't screen shot Montine! You got so lucky! Next time :)

 These kids...

 My favorite male asian

My momma is the best.

I have started to become more social (well kinda). Once I got the gym membership I pretty much devoted my life to that place. While I still work out, I also hang out with friends. I am extremely thankful for Allison, Taylor, and Mila. We started hanging out often and it has made me a much more well rounded person. I went with them to the Halloween party. So great to do something that we would do back in the states. I went as Clark Kent (well actually Claire Kent). It was a ton of fun. It was at a chalet on the beach.

Mila, Me, Allison, and Taylor

RANDOM: I have been mistaken for a Canadian A LOT. Once was a taxi driver. I was in the cab with two other girls (both from the states, one was even from Minnesota) and we said something about the states. The taxi driver "Are you all from America?" and we responded "yeah." Cab driver looks straight at me and replies "I thought you were from Canada." I have also met A LOT of Canadians and many thought I was from Canada until we actually talked and they found out I was from Minnesota. So basically I am going to come back from Kuwait with an even thicker Minnesota accent and a great wealth of knowledge on Canada. I swear I learn more about Canada than Kuwait.

I just learned that police officers can approach a man and woman and ask to see your marriage license (if you are giving displays of affection - like hand holding).  Pretty crazy.

Drivers here are terrible. I PROMISE you they are the worst drivers in the world. I wanted to video, but it didn't work out the day I thought about it. One of these days though, I will. and you will be terrified. They tailgate like nobody's business. All the cars are so close all the time. They speed. They don't use blinkers. They drive on the shoulder like it's a lane. They honk incessantly. Yet there is very little road rage. I don't get it. Literally - car is too close "HONK" car cuts off a car "HONK" car doesn't respond when the light turned green 0.2 seconds ago "HONK" car is next to a car "HONK" car is behind a car "HONK" car is parked "HONK" car is moving "HONK"

Hopefully something crazy exciting will happen soon and I will be able to write an insanely awesome blog entry. Otherwise, expect another blog post like this one until I finally get to go out of the country and travel in December :)


Love all of you,

Leah

Address

Dasman Bilingual School
Leah Korf
Bin Misbah Street
Block 13, Area 1

Dasman, Kuwait
Kuwait

The Island Life

I have been in Kuwait almost 8 weeks, time could not be going any faster! We already made it to our first break!!! We had one week off for the Eid Holiday (more on that later). I don't have my civil ID yet, so I can't travel anywhere. Some of the other newbie teachers and myself decided to spend a day on Failaka Island.  It was a great experience!

Failaka Island is an island that belongs to Kuwait and is only about a 30 minute ferry ride from Kuwait City. The Island has had settlers since the Mesopotamian period. One of the many draws to the Island; however, is the history of the Iraq Invasion in 1990-1991. It was the home base for Kuwait during the war and while on the island you are able to see the old buildings that used to be occupied, the buildings that were attacked (bullet holes and all) and the tanks that were stored/used. In all honesty we were not given a tour that gave us any history. This was all found out in bits and pieces and some internet research. While on the tour he told us what the buildings were, but the exact history of who lived there during the invasion was unclear.

We arrived at the marina at 7:30, grabbed some Starbucks for energy and relaxed until it was time to aboard the ferry a little after 8:00. The ferry took off around 8:30 and we arrived to the island a little after 9:00. We were then bused to the resort area, which is like the headquarters of the island. We checked in and got our vouchers for various parts of the day. The bus tour left at 11:00, so we spent our time looking in the museum and chatting with a local about the artifacts.

 Arrived at the island!

 Losing to an artifact

 Portraits of royalty 

Old Photograph of the neighborhood near our school

After looking through the museum we still had a little bit of time, so we chilled outside and watched people ride the camel! (I am holding out for my camel ride; I want my camel ride to be in the desert)

We then loaded the bus, and took off! Our first stop was a gated area where old army tanks from the war were kept. It was crazy how eroded away the tanks were (due to the climate and environment). The war was in the early 90s but these tanks looked much older.

We then stopped at the stables and were able to see camels! Many people pet the camels and took pictures with them, but I decided there was no need for me to touch the camel. I would rather not get spit on (ever since that horse sneezed on me in 5th grade, I have had a great distrust of animals).

We then drove through the "neighborhood" and saw the old buildings. We saw old housing, restaurants, supermarkets, banks, post offices, and all other essentials of a community. It really leaves you speechless to try and describe such a situation. To see a ruined community and still see the tragedy scars imprinted on the buildings.

 Bank, as you can see the great many bullet holes in the building. Unbelievable

After the tour, we ate lunch and just relaxed in the air conditioned tent (it is still 100 degrees here). We then headed to the beach, but once we got there we didn't feel comfortable swimming in our suits (we were the only westerners and every other woman was covered), so we decided to head back and just hang out at the tea cafe. Liz and I were yearning for water, so we decided to check out the pool just to stick our feet in. We found it and it was a great 5 minutes before we were kicked out because the pool was only for the people staying overnight on the island. We decided to keep touring the resort area. We went to the zoo which had deer (I know, why are deer in a zoo?), peacocks, horses, birds, nothing too exciting. We also found a little handmade lake with paddle boats which we decided to walk around and then hit up the baskin robbins for ice cream. We were still wicked hot. When the sun was setting we walked out to the pier to watch the sunset. The ferry left the island around 8 and we returned to the mainland around 8:30. It was a LONG day! We were all very tired and excited to get home and shower from the hot, exhausting day! But it was well worth the trip!

Sunset on the Gulf

Eid Holiday

On Thursday of our vacation week, we headed to the Aware Center for an Eid holiday festival.  The aware center holds events for expats (and locals I suppose) to introduce them to the culture and life here in Kuwait. The Eid holiday is known as "Festival of Sacrifice" it celebrates Abraham's sacrificing his son to God. Some schools only have a few days off for the holiday, but we were fortunate to have an entire week. The Aware Center's festival had cultural items for sale, cultural clothes to wear and take pictures, free henna, free meal, and calligraphy (which I was too late for since the henna line was so long!) It was really awesome, and I am glad I went. After the festival we walked around the neighborhood and was able to really look at the houses here. They are absolutely insane. I want to go in one so bad. 

Liz and I in cultural dress

Henna!!!

Random house on our neighborhood walk

Liz and I going for a midnight swim after the festivities

Confessions

• I hired a maid, and it was the best thing ever. I decided not to work on my housewife skills while in Kuwait.
• I spend all my free time at the Hilton Beach Resort. This is my gym. I workout, hang out at Bucks, and relax and read on the beach. I spend HOURS here. Totally worth the millions of dollars I spent (not really, but kinda). I just could not take not working out or trying to workout in my apartment. It's amazing how much happier I am, even if it means running on a dreadmill. I will be so mentally tough after this year!
• I really miss the large sizes of America. A large Starbucks or Caribou drink here is only 20 oz. My body needs that extra 4 oz of caffeine. 
• The worst and best thing about living in Kuwait is this app called "Talabat" - you can order food using the app (yep you don't have to talk to anybody) and they deliver right to your door. I am not talking just pizza. I am talking like ANYTHING. First day of break I ordered Cinnabon - can you believe that!? I was also heart broken to find out that CARIBOU delivers, but NOT TO MY NEIGHBORHOOD! Cruel. BTW, don't worry, I only use it like once a week :)
• I got a text from an AMAZING 4th grade teacher in South Carolina that told me my kids (from last year) knew the difference between qualitative and quantitative - MADE MY LIFE! I REALLY REALLY REALLY love hearing about things back home. 
• I also had a parent from last year send me a snapchat of one of my students making a silly face and saying she missed me! MAN I AM SO LUCKY 
• I also am checking up on Hartsville Cross Country A LOT, I have inside spies -speaking to one now. I love and miss you guys way too much, way more than what is normal. ROCK REGIONS NEXT WEEK! CONTINUE TO LOVE RUNNING - NOTHING BEATS IT.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!!!! GOOD LUCK @ CHICAGO MARATHON TOMORROW

I really love this photo

love you lots,

Leah

Proof I have Friends :)

It took me a few weeks, but I finally did something that is "Kuwaiti." I toured the Grand Mosque with some of the other teachers from my school. It was such a cool experience, and I am so glad I did it. I learned a lot about the religion of Islam through the experience. I wouldn't say I know everything, but I definitely got some insight. I took as many notes as possible to share with you.

Grand Mosque

This is the Grand Mosque in Kuwait. It is the largest Mosque in Kuwait, and I think the 7th largest in the world (not sure about my memory on that). This Mosque took 7 years to build and cost 14 million KD (Kuwaiti Dinar) which is equivalent to about $48,678,720 US dollars. INSANE. And yes i did that math in my head. The Mosque can hold about 150,000 people (the man who gave us the tour told us that there are that many people in the Mosque at the end of Ramadan and they all break their fast together, pretty awesome). Mosques are also never demolished, for they believe that they do not have the right to tear down a house of God.

When we arrived we were given a hijab to wear (they wrapped it for us). You were given only a hijab if what you were wearing were acceptable. You had to be wearing a long skirt and long sleeves. If you weren't dressed appropriately, they gave you a robe and a hijab. I found that really great that they provided you with the necessary wear, it shows how open they are to visitors and people who do not follow Islam. 

From Left to Right: Anika, Allison, Me, Liz, Camille, and Valeska (proof I haven't been just hanging out by myself - real friends!)

Once the group of people (large group of people) were dressed and ready to enter the Mosque, the man gave us some information we needed prior to entering. First we had to take off our shoes. Second, you enter the Mosque with your right foot (I couldn't hear the significance of this) and you exit the Mosque with your left foot. There is also a phrase you say as you enter the Mosque that when translated means you are asking God permission to enter His house. 

Leaving my shoes outside

He also explained a little bit about the prayer announcements that we hear. He said it starts off repeating "God is Greater." The first prayer announcement is at 4:00 am. The tour guide (man I really wish I remembered his name) said that at 4:00 am when you are in your warm bed it is difficult to get out and pray, and that is why they say "God is Greater" - God is greater than whatever you are doing at that moment. There is also recognition that there is only one Allah, and the announcement is summoning everyone to come to prayer. Islam means to give oneself up to God. They start praying 5 times a day in their early teens. They learn the Quran at 7 and get tested on the Quran in the Mosque. Also, before prayer they wash. There is a routine of washing, the idea is that your body is clean and now you are ready to clean your soul (pray). First you wash your hands, you gargle, wash your face, right arm, left arm, feet, and head. I have also seen my students wash before they go pray during prayer break (one of my students also told me she couldn't go pray because she had nail polish on, there are more things like that, but I don't know all of them)

 The man who gave us the tour and detailed information. He was awesome.

 Materials to build this are from all over the world. The chandelier (you can barely see) weighs one ton, it is made of 18 karat gold from Italy. The glass is from Germany and France. The designs are from Morocco. The middle circle (above) has 99 names of God (ex: nourisher, giver, Allah, etc.)

Unbelievably gorgeous 

The rooms where the children get tested on the Quran

When entering the Mosque, men enter first and are in the first rows. Behind the men are the children. Women are in the back. They stand shoulder to shoulder and face Mecca. There is a prayer leader who reads gospels from the holy Quran. The Quran took 23 years to complete. There is a prayer and a body movement routine they do while they pray (that I tried to video, but faced technical difficulties). 

The Holy Quran 

This is the direction towards Mecca (and towards the prayer leader) you can see the design in the carpet is like a little prayer space for each person (no chairs here).

It was such a unique experience, and a lot to learn and take in. I know I didn't hear everything. Some of us were thinking of going back one day to learn more. It was such a beautiful place. 

Other Updates

Anika, Anne Rose, and myself went to an Expat Dinner event. We joined an Expat group on Facebook where they host different events to get together with other people not from Kuwait and to meet people. We went to the dinner event and met lots of nice people. My favorite part is that it is not other Americans. You meet people from all over. We met people from South Africa, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, and other places I can't remember. It was great to go and we will probably go to more! They had a bowling one, but I decided not to embarrass everyone with my excellent bowling skills. 

 Found out he is our co-worker's roommate!

 Me and Anika photo bombing, prolly my fave pic ever 

New friend Farnoosh! She is from Iran

Things in the classroom are going well. I have had a couple rough days last week, but let's face it - comes with the job. Our Wednesday was a fantastic day though. We played a place value activity; the kids loved it and I thought they were really grasping the material! (notice the word thought) - all is good though. Baby steps. 

 COULD HE BE ANY MORE EXCITED!!!!???? Ha that is Nasser trying to sneak into the picture

Love Ali's body language on the right. He loves it.

Love you all lots,

Leah 

P.S.

MOM FIX YOUR INTERNET