Well, it can now be said that we survived our first year in Beirut. School is finally done! We are wrapping things up here before heading out for the summer adventures. First stop- Amsterdam with Lily!
I feel as though there should be some sort of reflection on our year of many firsts: first year of marriage, first year in Lebanon, first year teaching (for me). Marriage is an easy one. It's been great! Being so far from home with so many changes and challenges, it was always comforting knowing there was a familiar face at the end of the day. We certainly have filled this first year with adventure and accomplishment.
The first year teaching was certainly a test of my patience, dedication, and creativity. Never underestimate the intelligence of a 6 year old! They are sure to keep you on your toes. We both struggled to understand the chaotic structure of IC. Despite operating for over 100 years, the school seems to function as a start-up school. Many a day did we shake our heads at the utter lack of organization from the administration. But the saving grace is the spirit of the school, which is evident in most of the students and teachers.
And Lebanon....what is there to say about Lebanon? In most cases, it's a very easy place to live. Our neighborhood is like a Western-world haven, interspersed with some signs of Arabian culture. It's easy to have a "normal" life here, and it's just as easy to walk a few blocks and remember the real reason we live abroad- for the culture, the diversity, and the foreign experience. Lebanon had a huge success recently- a peaceful election. There is still talk of the unfair Western influence on the voters, and that may be justified. But in a country that is so ravaged, both physically and spiritually, by war, it was inspirational to see the citizens rejoicing in the calm and relatively orderly fashion of election day.
I think I can speak for both of us when I say that we've grown a lot this year. It surely wasn't the Peace Corps experience, but it had it's own challenges and rewards. I think without the skills gained in PC, this would have been a much more difficult year for us. Being together was what made it so great. We're both so excited for the trip home, and we're also excited to come back for year 2, Inshallah!
