School Begins

I taught my first class today…

I am so humbled…

I was a bit nervous at first, but the girls immediately disarmed me. They range in age from 17-21, and are all uniquely beautiful and gifted. What caught me so off-guard, though, was the way they seemed to admire me.

They really had no reason to—we had just met, and it would have seemed to make more sense for them to be shy, or critical, or apprehensive. But no, one of the first things that my student Fadah said was “teacher, I have to tell you that I know that you are very beautiful.” They all nodded in agreement and began eagerly pelting me with questions about life in America, my family, my likes and dislikes and “what you are most good at cooking?”

They humbly asked for help and clarification on spelling and grammar and eagerly asked for more new words. They told me how grateful they were to have me “come all the way to see us.” When I told them I’d be here for three months, they said “Oh, that’s too short—will you come back??”

It wasn’t five minutes before they said, “Teacher, I want you to come to my home and I will cook for you anytime. I can make spaghetti with cheese and anything you like. I want you to come always to my house.” The other girls echoed in agreement, each trying to out-do the other with promises of hospitality.

The most touching moment came at the end, though. After the lesson ended, my students wrapped up their faces in dusty scarves, gathered their tattered notebooks, and lined up to kiss me warmly on both cheeks, saying “Thank you teacher, thank you. Take care of yourself, and sweet dreams” ( hehe…)

One student, Miriam, hung back. My shyest student, she waited until the other girls dispersed and then came up and touched my arm, saying, “Teacher, I want you to know, if you need help with anything—you need food or a mulfha, or anything at all, tell me, and I will help you. You are my sister, and my mother, and my brother.”

I am welling up again with tears as I write this. These women are so full of hope and life and kindness, even in the midst of such desolate surroundings. Any inkling I had of unilateral blessing has been demolished—I will certainly be blessed as much, if not more, as these girls in the coming months.

It's already worth it...