Thursday Surprises

on thursday afternoon (remember, the weekend is fri-sat, so it's like friday night...) sheila and i were sitting in the "drawing room" of the school playing "skip-bo." Susan, the principal wanted to play with us, so we taught her, and next thing we knew we had a game with Susan and 2 of the other teachers. it was so fun and unexpected.

then, while we were playing we got another surprise...our friend from class, and her sister showed up at the school to see if we wanted to go for a walk at the park. so we went. again, wonderful. we strolled and were able to talk with them...such great conversation - continuing to know one another and building our friendships.

I think i'm amazed by these friendships...and i feel like i have so much to learn, like my life is greatly enriched by knowing them. They're from Pakistan, and have a very different view of life, and experiences that i have had. I am so blessed to know them.

also, they're so sweet to us. earlier this week sheila was sick, so they sent over dinner for us. a wonderful dinner. we felt so loved and cared for. then, when we were on the walk they said, "well, when you are at home and you are sick there are people to take care of you - but who will take care of you? that's why we sent over the food."

as different as our lives are, there is still this common bond and deep understanding. She asked me if it was hard for me to be here, and i replied that she, of all people, probably understands best how i feel about being here. I'm happy to be here. i have a good life here - and yet there is the distance from friends and family, which of course is difficult - no matter what culture you come from!

it was a great thursday