21 AUGUST - 2ND DAY IN SCHOOLS...BOY OH BOY

OMIGOSH
Something I have been waiting for - schools, principals, teachers and KIDS!!!
What joy to stand with colleagues despite 10 time zones, logistical frustrations (yeah to a refrigerator and hot water!), language and access. As Jonathan Kozol (internationally recognized educator whose books I read and spent time with - now THERE is a story) says : "I always feel safest in a room full of teachers."

Three very different schools all with memorable moments and heart and visual snapshots. Today's host said 'Keevin (how they say my name), you are the star."

Why:
Among my teaching, communication skills there's the look. OK, so think of past notes & observations from here. Then picture this: a delegation arrives at school (12 people) umm, (immodestly) who might stand out - um - how 'bout the tall redhead with fair skin, blue eyes and a KILLER Hugo Boss blue suit and tie?????

In a girls' school with an all female scarved staff????

At the teacher presentation (at which I arrived late) and was conducted in Arabic by the locals, the buzz from the staff was 'where is Keevin?', 'Get Keevin', 'When is Keevin coming?'
Hahahaha

I learned later that here was one of their visuals - The delegation visited several classes (ANOTHER story!) and I ran out of my gift pencils (I had 144 pencils engraved with 'Peace Wishes from Seattle, U.S.A.) and gave them out to deserving students, teachers, retail clerks making connections. (So, can I work a room (or country) or WHAT?)

So before I went further in the school I raced back to my backpack at the principal's office to get more...well the last 7 feet were abbreviated when I ran and glided along the hallway and stopped right in front of her office (it was kinda cool). I was so focused on the task I didn't notice the staff and students around. The buzz I later heard was "Who IS that man?", "How old IS he?". "Did you see that guy?"

The response to them in Arabic was "He's the kindergarten teacher from America...and he's 51."

Lots of disbelief and laughing..so by the time the meeting came and I didn't attend the meeting - there were some expectant folks.

Just makes me grin

SO MUCH MORE TO TELL but I promised myself in bed by midnight for a 6 a.m wake up 7-9:30 bus ride and a full day - when are they not?

it's now 12:15 a.m.

Cultural Observation:

BIG Families here, so the restaurants more commonly have tables from 6-10 people instead of the 2-4 seats we typically see. And, of course, we arrive in a group of 8-12 people all the time so we fit right in - we do call ourselves a family and that is sweet
Oh that reminds me the presentation today...
oh boy

FOR THE KIDS:
Hey. WOWEE today I was so excited because I was in schools! It is early for us but here school has been open for 3 days - since Sunday actually - here the school week is Sunday thru Thursday - different, huh?

It was great to see kids and be in a school
Makes me VERY excited to begin school soon.
Are you excited to begin?
Lemme know
Hugs to all
Kevin