Random acts of kindness

I have much to say, but think I will write about some things that have surprised me ---- and then add some other observations. It's the kind things that have happened that just surprise me. Not that such things don't happen everywhere - but it's just touching to be the recipient. One of the master teachers in J's workshop gave him 2 beautiful prayer rugs. Such a good reminder that we should get down on our knees and just pray sometimes. It made me think of my 2 special nieces who will be married in April. May they begin their marriages with a prayer and remember that prayer works. And sometimes getting down on our knees helps. Marriage is hard work. Take it from your old aunt and uncle who have been married over 40 years! Another student brought J. a book and signed it. Another gift. Today one of my men students brought me 2 cupcakes. Last week, one of the female students brought me chocolates. We were on a walk in the neighborhood today and one of the Qatari men saw us walking and asked us to come in and have tea with him! (So, of course, we accepted and got to see the inside of a Qatari home!) There is a young Indian man who is a servant to one of the families here. He often greets us in the street when we are walking and always runs up and shakes our hands with a big smile. This morning, the old man with red hair got up from his seat to greet me and wave as I "ran" by him. The men workers all stopped working this morning and called out a greeting as I passed one of the buildings. Each time we go to the grocery store, the young Sri Lankan man who weighs the vegetables greets us and places his hand on his heart when he sees me. The waiter at the tiny Lebanese restaurant we enjoy, serves us with a special smile and surprises us with extra food sometimes. The 4 bread bakers greet us warmly (and sometimes serve us first!) when we come to pick up our 5 pieces of flat bread for one riyal (about 30 cents). My students laugh when I make assumptions that are untrue ---- and then when I laugh at myself with them, I can't help but feel good. Like today. We are getting ready for the first annual domestic violence awareness day EVER at Qatar University. My co-teacher and the expert, is leaving for the US tomorrow and leaving me in charge! Help! You may just want to watch carefully when I report how things turn out----- or not. This could be interesting! Well, I have decided it would be a good learning experience for the male students to see the female students' presentations (which can only take place in the female side of the building) and that the female students should be able to see the male presentations (which can only take place on the male side of the building). As I have explained before, there are locked doors between the 2 sides and signs that forbid female and males to cross over. Guards are posted. Well, I received permission to allow the male students to attend the female presentation, but they must be accompanied by a guard. I figured that would be great. I was following the rules --- silly rules from my perspective, but at least I was following the rules. When I told the male students, they shook their heads and said they were insulted. At which point I told them I would have been insulted also and told them I thought this was a silly idea but I was just an ignorant American so thought perhaps this was normal. They said this was not normal. Then I said that ---Perhaps they needed to be escorted by guards because of what they might do! And I asked them if I needed to be concerned. We all started laughing at that point -------so, I will probably get kicked out of this country at some point without even trying. I just can't help it! I also decided we needed food to attract other students to attend these presentations. My theory is that students will come if there is food. At least when I was a college student about 100 years ago, I would have gone to a presentation if there was free food. So, I discussed what type of food the students would like me to order. They looked at me as if I was crazy. Well, maybe I am, but I really don't think it has anything to do with my obsession with food. They calmly and patiently told me that food is not a motivator here. If I was to offer extra credit or a certificate, those are motivators. Can you believe it? If you hand out a certificate, students will come!? Well, I thought about this. I decided we needed food AND a certificate. This is what you call a compromise. I win. But, I am the teacher. So, who knows how this will all end. The male students are pretty well taking this all in stride. The female students are pretty much mad at each other since some of the girls in their groups are not cooperating and working as hard as some think they should. Drama at the girls end. So, what else is new. It's the same all over the world. Did I tell you how much I love my students? I am sure I have. Well, I do.