There are some definite differences working at a DODDs school in a foreign country. At this point, things that I at first thought were strange, I no longer even give any thought to. But every once in awhile, I still think, "this sure is different and kind of weird."
Here was my normal morning routine in the States...Leave the house and hope I'm early enough to stop at the Carribou Coffee drive-thru. If I was pressed for time, I could save a few precious minutes by 1)actually going inside rather than going through the drive-thru 2) ordering a regular coffee and not something fancy that required more time. Then, with coffee in tow, I would proceed to school, passing huge McMansions on nice, smooth new roads, with not much traffic. I would pull into my usual parking spot next to my friend, Karen, and head to my music room.
Here is my new routine in good ole Turkey (if I'm subbing). I head out the door with Tim with my empty coffee mug in tow (to be filled up at school because, horror or all horror, there are no coffee places on the way) and we pull our ridiculously heavy door shut hard, so we make sure it closes. We gingerly walk on our marble (I think, or something like it) walkway, hoping not to slip, and then proceed up a marble spiral staircase for a couple flights (really hoping not to slip). At the top of the stairs, we arrive on the street level and before walking to the car, we wave to the guard (who looks a bit disheveled from his night shift) and if it's a Turkish holiday (like yesterday-Turkish Republic Day) we dodge the giant Turkish flag that hangs right smack dab in the opening.
We walk down a bit to our car, which sits next to some of our other American neighbors' cars, in a carport type of thing. We pass some Turkish students in their school uniforms, people walking their giant dogs, and several giant pictures of Ataturk hanging from the various apartment buildings. We head to school, driving down a narrow, curvy road with cars parked on both sides of it, making it difficult for cars coming both ways to have enough space. As we wind our way through these neighborhoods, we pass little grocery stores (like mini 7-11's minus the slurpees), people headed to work (some in western clothes, some in more traditional Turkish clothes), and men carrying giant plates of simits (like thin bagels) on their heads, calling out to their customers. Sometimes these simit men will stand on the sidewalk next to a traffic light and people just roll down their window and buy their simits there. Well, I guess we do have some "drive-thrus" here in Turkey:)
We hang a left at the sign that says to "Balgat" and "Konya." We often hang a left on a red, which is ok to do here, and encouraged. After that, we find ourselves on a more major road with technically 3 lanes, but that quickly become about 5 lanes or so because, really, who cares about those lines painted on the road?:) We stay out of the right lane, mostly, because the public buses or school buses will just stop without warning to pick up their passengers.
After about 10 minutes, we've made it on to the base. We pull up, turn off the engine, pop the hood, roll the window down, and get our id ready to hand over. We exchange Good Mornings (in English or Turkish) with the guards, who know us pretty well at this point, while they look at our id's, check under the hood, in the trunk, and under the car. Then, they wave us on and tell us "Iyi gunler," or "have a good day." We drive slowly past the Turkish soldiers who are newbies and are marching in a formation, or the older higher-ups, with their more fancy uniforms.
Before driving onto the American part, we have to show our id's again. We know the guards here even better. They are usually pretty friendly and call me "Madame" and Tim "Teacher" or "Coach." Tim has played soccer with some of these guys. They let us pass, more "Iyi Gunlers" are exchanged and we park and head into school.
The kids at school are from all over, which keeps it interesting. I've always loved international schools. You get a lot of different perspectives coming into your classroom and you, even as the teacher, you end up learning a lot about other countries and cultures. Most kids speak 2 languages at the minimum. Many of their parents are pretty important. I walked into the lounge the other day and saw a parents who'd left his business card on the table. He was the "Second Secretary" for the Embassy of Uzbekistan. Our school is home to students from a lot of those countries you don't know much about. Those weird mixes of Soviet, Muslim, and Asian elements. Those "stan" countries. Some are more religiously conservative, some not so much. Many girls wear head coverings. Some struggle with the decision to or not to wear it. I think it is difficult for them in such a Western kind of environment. Often, many of the girls will start to wear the covering, then the next day not wear. They flip flop, trying to decide on their identity when they feel like they don't really belong anywhere.
It in the middle all of this exoticness, you'll see an American kid wearing a Redskins sweatshirt or Nationals t-shirt (I give those kids extra points:). That always makes me smile-just a little taste of home. Many of the kids actually moved here from Arlington, VA and we talk about our favorite restaurants from home and what schools they went to. There are several Georgians here too(both the state and the country) and that always makes Tim happy:) With them, there are other people with southern accents.:) It's funny how much the kids comment about Tim's accent. I'll ask them "Do you think Mr. Redden has a Southern accent," and they always give me an overwhelming "Yes!!" Tim is so good for those American kids who have moved around a lot. He can really relate to them, since he moved around a lot as a kid. That is a lot of why he was drawn to teaching for DODDs.
Sometimes in the middle of teaching, we'll hear "pop, pop, pop, pop." Just as I'm wondering what in the world that is, I remember it's the Turkish soldiers practicing on the shooting range. It is kind of weird because the shooting range is pretty close to us, so the sound is very loud. I'm usually the only one who flinches. The kids are so used to it,they don't even notice anymore.
For lunch, the middle school and high school kids have access to the BX or commissary for lunch. The commissary is like an American grocery store and the BX, is like a food court.
When school is over, everyone takes a bus, or their parents pick them up. There are no high schoolers driving themselves to and from school. Buses certainly aren't the big yellow ones we are used to in the States. They look more like vans.
Tim and I usually split up at the end of the day. I rush home to teach piano lessons, while he stays and works on his endless amount of stuff. I arrive home and the guard asks me how I am. Since I am no longer studying Turkish and using English all day long, I usually can't think of my answer quick enough. Lately, I've said some really ridiculous things in Turkish, thinking I've said the right thing. The guard usually laughs and I smile smugly thinking I've said something clever and he is amused by the fact I said it in Turkish. Au contraire. Several minutes later, it dawns on me what I've said I feel like an idiot. Here are 2 examples...
Guard: Nasilsiniz, Kate? (How are you, Kate?)
Me: Ben unutuyorum. (I forget)
Note: I meant to say "I'm tired," but I mixed up my verbs.
Guard: Nasilsiniz, Kate?
Me: Ben ilac. (I'm medicine)
I mixed up the word for medicine and sick. Oops.
Well, folks, time to wrap this entry up. This is way too long! Just wanted you to have sneak peak into parts of our day:) Things surely have changed!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Lessons from Phil
Alright, everyone. I couldn't stay away from the sappy blogs for too long:) My dad emailed me this a few weeks ago. I think it is worth posting, as it reminds us all, to "put in in the bag." You'll see what I mean....
As Alan (our pastor) has begun a series on fear, I wanted to share a story from last week about my “special” friends, Phil and James. I need to give you a little background on them first. As most of you know, Phil and James are regular attendees. They both have some mental illness. I don’t know what their diagnosis is and they are both in the Loudoun County social services system.
Phil often tells me how much he enjoys worship on his way to Church. They give offerings to God as the plate is passed. Phil is very proactive during the services, clapping and raising his hands and making some beautiful sounds during the worship songs that only God understands. He is the one with the full beard, affectionately called Sasquatch by his friend and roommate, James. He will often come up to you and say “no more Mormon” if you can understand what he is saying. He went to their Church for awhile. Reiff baptized him several months ago in one of our services. He came out of the water with a thumbs up sign and you all clapped for him.
James was up front with me to light Phil’s candle during the Baptism. I specifically told him to not touch the matches and that I would light Phil’s candle. James proceeds to pick up the lighter and try to light all the candles that were unlit. I quickly panicked and told him to put the lighter down and surprisingly enough he listened. Never a dull moment. James is less demonstrative during the service. He sits quietly during the service and claps during the songs. He worked for Luck Stone for 15 years?, I think, before getting laid off a year ago. He is yet to find work.
I never really know what either one of them comprehends from the message. Alan’s message on fear Sunday was not discussed on the way home. We came back to the picnic which they thoroughly enjoyed. They both talk about their family here at this Church and how many friends they have here. On the way home from the picnic, James is asking me whether he will ever find work and will I take him in if he can’t afford his apartment. Phil is sitting in the back seat humming something. He hears our conversation up front and says something which I cannot interpret. He repeats it again twice and I still cannot understand what he is saying. He gets a little frustrated with me and tells James to interpret for me. That’s funny because I can hardly understand James either some times. James finally says, Phil says to “put it in the bag.”
I say what is it and what bag? Upon saying this, I immediately understood what he was saying. Alan’s sermon was about putting your fears in the bag and lifting your requests before God (Jame’s unemployment). After this, Phil says to James in a very optimistic, encouraging way, that God will take care of him. Isn’t that amazing? What an encouragement to me. God talks about coming to him with a childlike faith, like Phil. He understood exactly what God was saying thru Alan. What about you? What are the fears that keep you from being all that God intended you to be thru his Son, Jesus Christ. I look forward to this sermon series from Alan and the practical application demonstrated by our brother in Christ, Phil. Also, would you pray for a job for James.
Hope that is an encouragement to you today. Put it all in the bag.
As Alan (our pastor) has begun a series on fear, I wanted to share a story from last week about my “special” friends, Phil and James. I need to give you a little background on them first. As most of you know, Phil and James are regular attendees. They both have some mental illness. I don’t know what their diagnosis is and they are both in the Loudoun County social services system.
Phil often tells me how much he enjoys worship on his way to Church. They give offerings to God as the plate is passed. Phil is very proactive during the services, clapping and raising his hands and making some beautiful sounds during the worship songs that only God understands. He is the one with the full beard, affectionately called Sasquatch by his friend and roommate, James. He will often come up to you and say “no more Mormon” if you can understand what he is saying. He went to their Church for awhile. Reiff baptized him several months ago in one of our services. He came out of the water with a thumbs up sign and you all clapped for him.
James was up front with me to light Phil’s candle during the Baptism. I specifically told him to not touch the matches and that I would light Phil’s candle. James proceeds to pick up the lighter and try to light all the candles that were unlit. I quickly panicked and told him to put the lighter down and surprisingly enough he listened. Never a dull moment. James is less demonstrative during the service. He sits quietly during the service and claps during the songs. He worked for Luck Stone for 15 years?, I think, before getting laid off a year ago. He is yet to find work.
I never really know what either one of them comprehends from the message. Alan’s message on fear Sunday was not discussed on the way home. We came back to the picnic which they thoroughly enjoyed. They both talk about their family here at this Church and how many friends they have here. On the way home from the picnic, James is asking me whether he will ever find work and will I take him in if he can’t afford his apartment. Phil is sitting in the back seat humming something. He hears our conversation up front and says something which I cannot interpret. He repeats it again twice and I still cannot understand what he is saying. He gets a little frustrated with me and tells James to interpret for me. That’s funny because I can hardly understand James either some times. James finally says, Phil says to “put it in the bag.”
I say what is it and what bag? Upon saying this, I immediately understood what he was saying. Alan’s sermon was about putting your fears in the bag and lifting your requests before God (Jame’s unemployment). After this, Phil says to James in a very optimistic, encouraging way, that God will take care of him. Isn’t that amazing? What an encouragement to me. God talks about coming to him with a childlike faith, like Phil. He understood exactly what God was saying thru Alan. What about you? What are the fears that keep you from being all that God intended you to be thru his Son, Jesus Christ. I look forward to this sermon series from Alan and the practical application demonstrated by our brother in Christ, Phil. Also, would you pray for a job for James.
Hope that is an encouragement to you today. Put it all in the bag.
Here Piggy, Piggy, Piggy
Enough of my sappy posts...time for the Ankara news. Well, swine flu has hit us (and yes it does affect places where pork is not eaten:). Several of the other international schools here got swine flu before us and were promptly shut down. We had our first 2 cases (and so far the only ones) of it last week. There was quite a buzz around school. Some students were completely freaked out in the hallways and I found myself being the reassurer. Other students were still drinking from each other's water bottles and giving big kisses on the cheek and I found myself being the enforcer. Some of the embassies kept their healthy kids home because of fear of contracting the flu. Others took it in stride.
So, as of this week we are the only school that is open in the city of Ankara. Every other school has been shut down for the week (even schools without any swine flu). But, we are trudging along. Our kids are the only ones at bus stops in the morning. Our kids aren't on the basketball court at 11 a.m. or running around their apartments like crazy at 1 p.m. Nope, they are in algebra or art, chemistry or chorus. And all the while we are hoping none else gets this swine flu.
I think I'll go wash my hands now...:)
So, as of this week we are the only school that is open in the city of Ankara. Every other school has been shut down for the week (even schools without any swine flu). But, we are trudging along. Our kids are the only ones at bus stops in the morning. Our kids aren't on the basketball court at 11 a.m. or running around their apartments like crazy at 1 p.m. Nope, they are in algebra or art, chemistry or chorus. And all the while we are hoping none else gets this swine flu.
I think I'll go wash my hands now...:)
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friends, Family, Fireflies, and Songs
Good Morning all. It's a beautiful fall morning. I'm sitting at the table, looking out into the valley, looking into God's creation and listening to Sara Groves new cd, Fireflies and Songs. The vines that wrap around and climb our apartment building have turned a beautiful shade of fiery red. The roses are still in bloom. The sky is a beautiful blue and even makes the uglier apartment buildings look almost pretty against it. It is a quiet morning-no subbing for me. Just a chance to reflect on this beauty and God's encouragement and care.
My friend Micah called this morning. She is coming in a few weeks (from Montenegro) and I'm incredibly excited about that!!! I'm looking forward to a wonderful time of talking for hours over coffee (which, by the way, my friend Rebecca sent a great recipe for a pumpkin latte you can make in the crock pot!), walking around Ankara, and reconnecting with my dear friend. Right before Micah called, Sara Groves sang a song about peopel in our lives who make our lives "half as bad and twice as good." That has been incredibly true for me and this morning, I'm thankful for my friends and family and what they mean to me.
Sara Groves' new album was sent to me via Jill. I cannot put into words what a gift that was. Jill and I have bonded greatly over many a Sara Groves song-nodding our heads in agreement with her, harmonizing together and weeping as she touches the deepest part of us with her truthful and encouraging words.
It's funny how God knows how to comfort us or encourage us when we need it. I have been missing my friends and family terribly this week. Living overseas is exotic and an adventure, but it can be lonely sometimes, being so far from people you love. Poor Tim has had to endure a more emotional Kate this week (I'd like to add that he handles it incredibly well-knowing when to pass me a kleenex or make a joke). I am so thankful this morning for Jill sending me this music, for Micah calling me this morning, for Rebecca sending me a recipe for something she knows I will love, for talking to Rebecca (Tim's sister) last night and getting an update on Parker, for talking to my mom yesterday about everything I could think of, for emails from my brothers and sister-in-law (who said she missed hanging out with me), for emails from my dad that are both touching and hilarious, for Tim's mom sending us an old letter that his Granny sent him and his siblings when they were young (complete with illustrations), and for both our families checking in on us via email or phone just to see how we are doing. All these things are a blessing and encourage us as we go about our day. Thanks for making our lives "half as bad and twice as good." Love you all.
My friend Micah called this morning. She is coming in a few weeks (from Montenegro) and I'm incredibly excited about that!!! I'm looking forward to a wonderful time of talking for hours over coffee (which, by the way, my friend Rebecca sent a great recipe for a pumpkin latte you can make in the crock pot!), walking around Ankara, and reconnecting with my dear friend. Right before Micah called, Sara Groves sang a song about peopel in our lives who make our lives "half as bad and twice as good." That has been incredibly true for me and this morning, I'm thankful for my friends and family and what they mean to me.
Sara Groves' new album was sent to me via Jill. I cannot put into words what a gift that was. Jill and I have bonded greatly over many a Sara Groves song-nodding our heads in agreement with her, harmonizing together and weeping as she touches the deepest part of us with her truthful and encouraging words.
It's funny how God knows how to comfort us or encourage us when we need it. I have been missing my friends and family terribly this week. Living overseas is exotic and an adventure, but it can be lonely sometimes, being so far from people you love. Poor Tim has had to endure a more emotional Kate this week (I'd like to add that he handles it incredibly well-knowing when to pass me a kleenex or make a joke). I am so thankful this morning for Jill sending me this music, for Micah calling me this morning, for Rebecca sending me a recipe for something she knows I will love, for talking to Rebecca (Tim's sister) last night and getting an update on Parker, for talking to my mom yesterday about everything I could think of, for emails from my brothers and sister-in-law (who said she missed hanging out with me), for emails from my dad that are both touching and hilarious, for Tim's mom sending us an old letter that his Granny sent him and his siblings when they were young (complete with illustrations), and for both our families checking in on us via email or phone just to see how we are doing. All these things are a blessing and encourage us as we go about our day. Thanks for making our lives "half as bad and twice as good." Love you all.
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