I'm Here and Safe!

I have arrived! However it was quite the experience getting here...

Saturday morning I woke up with pink eye so I had to contact the on-call doctor for a perscription and make an unexpected stop to the pharmacy :) Our flights from Detroit to Chicago and Chicago to Montreal were smooth BUT when we arrived in Montreal they made us go through customs, pick up our bags, and check in again (which we were told when we checked in that we wouldn't have to do!) We arrived to the check in desk just before they closed the flight. Thankfully there was a wonderful gentleman who helped us get through security and said he would personally make sure our luggage made the flight. What a God-send! So, we ran through the airport to catch our flight only to find out that the crew had not arrived yet (so much for rushing)!
Once we boarded the plane, the flight was good. They gave us dinner and then woke us up at 4:30 for breakfast (it's Ramadan and Muslims can't eat after sunrise). When we landed we had to get on a bus to be brought to the terminal. After we boarded a man came on with a sign for Tunis (spelling?) and pointed to another bus. Since neither Sarah nor I know French or Arabic, we were a bit confused. We stayed on the bus hoping we were in the right spot...and it was! We went through customs, got our luggage, found our people, and were on our way to the apartment.

Some Facts...

• Morocco is in northern Africa (yes I did have to look this up!) and the weather is similar to the Carolinas.
• Casablanca itself is a large city, 4 million, but Morocco is a beautiful country located on the North Atlantic coast.
• The country is completely Muslim; but I’ve heard of a strong community of believers that live in Casablanca.
• The school is a private American school of around 200 students in a wealthy area of Casablanca. I will be teaching in English but the school is trilingual: English, French and Arabic.
• The student population is 60% Moroccan, 20% American, and 20% other. Class sizes are no larger than 22…which is really nice!
• The staff is from all over the globe: America, Honduras, Guatemala, Great Britain…and include a wide range of ages!
• I will be teaching four math classes: 6th grade, 7th grade, 10th grade Geometry, and 11th grade Algebra 2
• The curriculum I am using is what I used during student teaching.
• While the pay is not what I would get in the states, it is tax free and the benefits are pretty good. Sarah and I will be given a fully furnished, two bedroom apartment with satellite and wireless internet. Transportation to and from school is provided along with lunch every day at school. I get health insurance and money for furthering my education. …Really this is pretty good considering all the expenses I would have accumulated in the states (rent, car, gas, insurance, cell phone…)
• Casablanca is a $50 plane ticket away from Europe! This will allow me to travel like I have always wanted and dreamed about!
• Sarah has been a good friend since my freshman year of college. She is a strong Christian, experienced traveler, and a fun person to be around. It is such a comfort to be going with her.
• My family got a webcam and skype…now mom will really have to learn how to email :)

My Story

Prior to spring break, Hope student teachers received an email about a principal from Morocco coming to interview for an elementary and middle school teacher. I immediately emailed my friend Sarah Koon (as a joke) and asked, “Is this our future?” She replied with interest, interviewed with the principal, and was offered a 5^th grade teaching position. At the end of her interview, the principal said to her, “Now the only thing that would make this more perfect is if you had a friend who was a middle school math teacher who could be your roommate.” Sarah told her about me and the principal asked Sarah to call me immediately and to have me contact her. The next day I found myself in an interview that I had not anticipated and with a job offer on the table. After a few days of prayer, questioning, and discernment I have decided to accept the offer. I am so excited and a bit nervous about what this experience will hold.