Going, going, going

Hey there sports fans,

What's happening all? I owe you an update, and this one will include both past and future.

I arrived home on Sunday night. Despite all the complaining I did while I was abroad, once I got to the steps off the plane, and heard someone call to another, "Abdullah," and the response, "ya Mohammed" I definately felt at home. Add to that Amani picking me up, and I didn't know that Michael would be there, so that was a super nice blessing. And just chilling at the apartment, it feels like I'm home. So that's pretty rad.

We had our relative Heidi staying with us. She got in the same day that I did, and she just left today. She was visiting from London, though she's of Egyptian descent, obviously, and raised in US and Egypt. She just moved to London less than 2yrs ago from work. She's a super rad chick (she's less than 3o, so I can speak of her like that), and we had tonnes of fun. I knew her from before at reunions. She was down for a wedding, but stayed for a week to visit. I've met her 4 times now, in 4 different countries.

Plus, it meant I got to meet Rafiq. He's another relative, slightly more distant. It's not really important, so I won't bother explaining the relation. I've never met him before, but I'll definately hang with him now, he's really fun too. He took us out a few times, for Sheesha and coffee. I didn't smoke (though I have tried it before). Sheesha and/or coffee is a huge pasttime here.

I feel ashamed because I don't think that this blog is living up to my "creative potential," haha. especially given that some ppl have mentioned it. Actually, I have something to say about that, but I may not have the energy to get there. Anyways, I'll blame it on listening to the radio online (ChristianRock.net); Since I blew my CD player on the 220 voltage, I'm hurting for some English media.

Okay, so I went to church by myself on Thursday. For all you church people, I think it would be good to go to other churches (and other churches in other languages, if possible) by yourself, and have the feeling of intimidation, so you know what it feels like for others who are doing the same and are new at your church. But I made some friends, got invited to a Bible study the next day, hung out with them after the group, and now I'm going on a 5 day retreat next week. All in a funny combination of Arabic and English. (I'm just hurting to write more, but the flesh is weak).

Okay so next week is gonna be a busy week. Monday, I have a meeting with a friend of Amani's (Sandy) who works with developmentally delayed kids in schools, and also with kids in a psych ward of a hospital. We're going to both her jobs and gonna see if I can help out at either or both. I hope it works out; it's such a stellar opportunity, given my interests.

Tuesday, I have my telephone interview with Fuller Theological Seminary for the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology. So I'm getting prepped and nervous for that. Then, Tuesday, I leave for the retreat. That should be something. I've met a few people once, of the >100 that will be there, don't speak the language, and have no idea what's happening. So it will be an adventure. But of all the safe places to take an such an adventure, I think a church retreat has to be near the top.

I get back on Saturday from the retreat, and on Sunday, I have registration for the International Language Institute (ILI). I'll probably do some study of Arabic there. How much I do depends on what other opportunities come up with Sandy, and any other of the contacts I have here. And the course would start on Monday.

So I'm gonna jet now and get back to my preparations for my interview. Thanks to all those who wrote and continue to write on my questions and their lives. And thanks to all who read, even if you don't write, because you are awesome too.