Back in Qatar

I am back. After 2 marvelous weddings in the United States, time with my absolutely darling and precious granddaughter (and her parents, my son, my extended family, etc!) and a bout of dystentery, I am back in Qatar. The temperature is now 104 Fahrenheit, so I am complaining and only go outside if and when necessary. With all the work I have to do, this is not really hard to do. Complaining comes naturally and staying inside to avoid the heat is easy for me. J. was thrilled to have me "home", at least that was his first impression. Time will tell! Mary Pat and I are in the home stretch in our Domestic Violence Clinic courses and we have come to appreciate the strengths of each other - and luckily we have different strengths! There is no way I could teach these courses alone. Mary Pat keeps me sane and realistic. And she keeps me laughing - mostly at my ridiculous expectations. I am oftentimes convinced these courses will "birth" the future domestic violence pioneers of Qatar that will awaken the nation and save the people. Sounds like I grew up in the 60's and never quite swallowed my dose of reality! Things have changed since I left just over 2 weeks ago. Our local grocery store is remodeling and I am now lost. Several new homes are almost finished in our compound since I left. The Indian restaurant at Katara is better than I remembered. I tried the local cupcake store that serves icing on the cupcakes as thick as the cupcake itself (obviously not good for anyone that should be watching their weight!). I forgot how much I missed the students and their enthusiasm for studying about domestic violence ---- and how much they love to argue with each other! I forgot how nice it is to have a focus and purpose to my life here, even though it's only temporary and narrow. I spent all morning working on my power point for Sunday's lecture. Right now I plan to take a walk, sweat in the heat, enjoy chatting with J (who is still so serious about his students and his work here!) and look forward to the remaining adventures. Life is good.