Happy Thanksgiving!!!

God bless our troops abroad! And May God bless you. Hopefully you'll make time today to reflect on all that He has given and blessed you with in this life!I'm blown away when I reflect on all the God has blessed me with. PTL!! Tomorrow is tree day. The Christmas lights are going up all around us. Exciting!

Snowboarding the Arabian Desert

These kids can sing in German!

haircut--Korean style

Got my haircut today at E-village. Hannah, my favorite Korean Barber was there. She cut my hair last time. Some people angle for the same barber every time. I don't. I just show up and let the first lady cut my hair who is available. It really doesn't matter to me. I don't place too much stock in making my hair nice. So this was rare day for me. Hannah, twice in a row. She actually remembered how she had cut my hair the last time: number 1 on the side, and number 4 on top (I'm refering to the sizes of those razor grill thingies). Amazing she remembered. Maybe she's one of a number of barbers in the area with a photographic memory? anyway, she did a decent job. She's a very sweet lady. The one thing she did that MUST be Korean is that she gave my eyebrows a trim. Yes, that's right! She trimmed my eyebrows. Now, I have pretty thick brows. She was kind enough to explain to me that the eyebrow shave was for free and included in the price. It felt really weird. Kinda tickled. That was a first for me. I'm not sure how I would have felt if she wanted to charge for that. Hmmm, probably wouldn't have paid for that. As I left I wondered if I'd try to get her next time. I do tend to go to the same place just cuz its close to home and I always get a coupon (which I just end up giving back as a tip anyway). Nah, probably not. I like her, but hair just doesn't matter that much to me. Seems like anyone can do my hair....yes, and probably anyone could trim my eyebrows too.

Titaya's--Best Thai Food in Austin...and cheap!!

It's been a busy week. I've been setting up appointments with students, tracking with our Friendship Families (who thankfully are making some great connections with their international students), and getting prepared for the big trip next week. So, what better way to conclude the week than with a trip to Titaya's with a few international students. Paran, a student from Thailand's Chaing Mai province introduced me to the place. It is simply the best Thai food I've ever had. What's amazing is that a lunch there will only set you back $7. They have the best Mango and sticky rice i've ever had. My friend Kevin, who works with me here at UT teared up after tasting it during his first visit. Looks like we'll have a group there. It should be good times. Titaya's, if you're in Austin is just south of 2222 on Lamar next to the Half-Priced Books. I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed. It's a great way to experience Thailand.

Arabic

Assalamu Alekum, Keif Halek??

I've been cramming as much arabic lately into my head as I can. I'll soon be leaving for the Middle East and I want to know as much as possible. Arabic is the fifth language I've studied and it is certainly true what they say that the more languages you can speak the easier it gets. For this trip i'm focusing mostly on about 30-40 of the most needed phrases and will memorize a few paragraphs that describe who I am and where I'm from. For some reason I just can't fathom going to a place and not making an effort at the language. You don't have to achieve fluency, but you should at least try to say something. Even if you learn a few phrases, it speaks volumes to people about your interest and intentions in their homeland. It is the best way to say, "I respect your way of life!" It's because you've made a premeditated effort and they know it. With that, "Ma'asalama, Enshufuk alaxher!!" (by the way, the arabic word above means GRACE.)

Funny Conversation with Madison

Madison has been so excited about school. Recently while doing homework with her she stated, "I can count really good. I can even count to the very last number."
Me: "Really? And which number is that?"
Madison: "Two billion and 52."
Me: "Madison, do you know that there actually isn't a last number? They go on forever."
Madison: "Really?" She smiled and then I realized I would then have a chance to explain the concept of infinity to a 5 year old. Not easy...well, not even possible. I should have just stuck with two Billion and 52. Most numbers above that amount aren't used much anyway. Nobody really has two billion and 52 of anything, except when you're talking about the US Budget deficit for something.