here.

Early this morning the superintendent picked us up from the airport in his car to take us back to the town to get settled in. When we got to his car we realized that it was going to be quite a challenge to get each of our 3 checked bags and carry-ons (a total of 6 large suitcases and a few smaller ones) in his car. Eventually, with a lot of maneuvering and twine I had in my school supplies we managed to tie 2 of the suitcases to the roof and drive under 40 mph the whole way back. On our way back from the airport we passed by the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath. I was once again blown away by the history of this place.

We got a little settled into the apartment and then Miss Grace took us out for Arabic food and then back to her house for Arabic coffee, mint tea, and snacks. One of the lady's serving us coffee has a daughter who will be in my class! We also met some of the middle school students who were playing basketball this afternoon in the courtyard. So much has happened today I can barely squeeze it into one blog post.

I'm constantly reminded that I'm in another country from the music we hear coming from cars passing by, the outlets, the view outside our window, the food in our pantry, and other subtle differences in our apartment. Most of the afternoon with Miss Grace we had no idea what her and the neighbors were talking about but she would translate every now and then if she found the conversation was funny or interesting. As we were driving home she exclaimed "Sometimes it is good for a person to have a long laugh!" and that is what we did today, a lot of laughing.

Here's a few pictures from today, hopefully I'll have more later:

our living room

Kitchen
view from bedroom
my bedroom
the little car with a LOT of luggage