Dust storms

Saturday morning we (not a STRONG we) decided to clean the front porch area in order to use it as part of our living space. It was a "sun of a gun" trying to get all the grit and sand and dust out of the window areas without a vacuum and to clean the screens without a hose. We opened some windows and shook dust rags out and even opened the window in our bedroom for the first time since we came here. There was a cool breeze since it was a bit stuffy in our apt. So, the porch is now in reasonably good shape but not up to "real" living space like some of the others who live here use it as. We just need a little table and some chairs and we can soon eat and sun on our "deck". I had also after some strife about all the dirt (as I told you, Janet) realized and came to an acceptance that I am not here to live as I did in MO but to have different priorities. There are much more rewarding things to do here than be concerned about how dusty our apt is and that I don't have the right clothes for the right occasion. It feels good to know that so I will not look back in 2 years and think that I wasted the gift I had been given with fretting .
Well....it is good I got comfortable with the dust and sand because the next morning a friend that we walked to the English corner with informed us that there was a sand storm in the area from the Gobi Dessert the day before. There hadn't been one for a quite awhile. That is why we couldn't see the TV tower out our window very well and there was a halo around the sun. We waited to open our windows until the sand was blowing! I wondered what the dirt taste in my mouth was! It makes a good story, right? I was so grateful that I was able to laugh about it instead of cry and get the mop out. (James was also grateful.)
Our second week of school is starting tomorrow. I sure do respect all you teachers out there. It is such a learning process. Monkey who is a friend and also one of my students visited on Sunday afternoon and gave me more pointers for class. She told me if the students start looking sleepy and laying their heads on their desks to promise them a movie next time. It will perk them right up. Do you think she may like movies? =) I wish now that I would have spent more time with Dilsa learning how to teach a language.
We loved the chance to talk to you all at the Holy Day Celebration. It was a great way to start the FAST. Thanks also for all the prayers and updates on the community. It sounds like things have been happening there lately. You are such a loving, giving group. That is what we miss the most. Love to you all!