Fun With Dad

Dad is home and we are having so much fun together! The first day I came downstairs and he had cereal laid out and a cup of hot tea waiting. No one makes tea quite as wonderful or sweet as he does! It was a relief to not have to carpool to the embassy since dad took me. He even managed to swing by my office and get me out of work early. We drove home and relaxed for a little bit, then dad took me out to eat. He took me to Applebees and it was wonderful to have someone to talk to! I mean, I could talk to my cat Pebuh, I could chat with family on the phone if I could catch them, but my best friends are in the states and most everyone has left by now. It was a little bit of a lonely existence this past week. I’d been okay before because there had been plenty of people around, but as the summer continues the heat rises and Kuwait empties.

We talked over our salads and then went home to start Desperate Housewives. So it may sound a little weird, but yes dad and I watched Desperate Housewives. It became our “thing” for the summer. Every night after work we would watch two episodes together and sometimes share a bottle of wine. Desperate Housewives was fantastic, but I must admit that watching dad watch Desperate Housewives was funnier than the show. We loved the quick wit and banter and talked and laughed through each show.

So even though we could have ordered our dinner online dad and I enjoyed cooking together. Our favorite meal was sautéed vegetables. Dad would chop an onion, I’d slice some peppers, add some tomato, cheese, garlic and whatever else was in our fridge and we had a wonderful dinner. Of course we also enjoyed the range of desserts in the freezer, but a favorite was the peanut butter ice cream sandwich.

Dad and I had about 4 days to ourselves before Venge and Ana, our next door neighbor’s maids came to stay with us. They were cozy in the living room with a selection of dvds and cable and found ways to busy themselves around the house. All I know is that dad and I would leave for work at 7, come home around 5, find the house spotless, and go to the gym. I loved having transportation and not having to rely on a taxi, so going to the gym was fun. And of course it wasn’t just the gym, it was the Raddison SAS. Nothing quite compares to waltzing into a health club on the beach and being handed towels and utterly pampered as you exercise with the fancy equipment and tvs overlooking the ocean. By the time we came home from the gym the house would be smelling fantastic and dinner would be on the table.

Venge is an amazing cook, and knew exactly what we loved. She’d make lentil soup, a creamed fish, perfect rice, chicken curry, fried chicken, salads, a creamy spinach and rice dish, and a thousand other fabulous dishes.

So maybe dad and I were a little pampered, but they were happy to do it. We gave them freedom, took them to church, made them eat at our table as equals, and listened to them. Ana called the neighbors place “a jail,” but our house was their vacation and a little piece of heaven. The sweet women were a delight to have around and it was great to make a little impact on their lives.

As soon as dad and I had a free night we had our driver take us to some of the local tailor’s shops. The driver interpreted and requested scraps of fabric for Operation HOPE so that the women could make rugs. Most of the tailors knew us or mom already, but the others were happy to donate. We went home with huge bundles of fabric to a delighted Ana and Venge. They washed and sorted the fabric and quickly began making rugs. After they each made a brightly colored random color collage of a rug I commissioned them to make one for me and my best friend. We chose colors that would match our bedspreads for college and slowly watched them form over the weeks.

When Venge ran low on complimentary colors dad decided to take us to the Friday Market. As always there were tons of people, it was very hot, and the variety was overwhelming. Ana and Venge bartered for us and refused to let us purchase anything unless it was a bargain. Our bag was soon overflowing with meters of fabric to finish my rug and make several others.

Over the time they stayed with us Ana and Venge made rugs for: my college dorm room, my roommate, Emily’s room, a gift for mom’s friend in Tucson, and my friend Julie’s dorm room. They couldn’t believe their rugs were going to college and were overwhelmed when I paid them. Ana and Venge cried and hugged me, and tried to give them as a gift, but I felt blessed to help them. The women are saving up for when they return to the Philippines. They want to start a business together and buy a truck so that they can transport fish from the local town to the market. I can’t wait to watch their dream grow!

Alone No More

I am so excited! I was at work today and got a “surprise” message from dad that says he is coming home early! He said he had to come home to help out with spider duty and so I wouldn’t be alone. I guess my “I am going crazy” text yesterday had an impact. Oh well, all I know is dad is coming home a week early and I can’t wait!

Molly's Terrible No Good Very Bad Day

So it’s been fun being alone this month and being able to roam free, but it can get kinda lonely and a little stressful taking care of a huge villa all by yourself. I sent a I'm going insane text to dad yesterday, I hope I didn’t freak him out, but it was a crazy day.

It all started when I woke up and went to get myself some breakfast and discovered that there were ants in the cereal and all over the counters. So I walked around and followed them out the kitchen door to their hiding place. The crevice was nasty, soo many ants. Sadly while I was outside I discovered hundreds of spider nests and spiders eggs along the walls of the house, and I went insane. All I knew was that I did not want them hatching with me home alone. I did the only logical thing to do, hauled the hose around the side of the house, and started spraying the walls down. The water instantly turned to the mud thanks to the sand coating the house, and the several centimeters worth on the floor, I kept sweeping the water out and down the street, hosing off the house, filling up buckets and splashing the walls past the hose’s reach, and finally trying to drown the ants out of their home. I looked like a maniac. A crazy western girl running around outside in shorts and dripping wet, where is her maid?

Well I really aggravated the ants and they wouldn’t all die, so I sprayed the hole with nasty deodorant spray, it killed some, but made a mess. So one more time I hauled water to the top of the steps, dumped it down the alley way and swept the mud, ants and spider eggs out into the street.

At this point I was emotionally and physically a mess. I did the only thing I know how to do in a situation like that, shower, then bake. I came downstairs to bake and discovered ants in the flour and oatmeal I needed to cook with. After emptying my cabinets and making a grocery list I called up my faithful Hamid and requested a taxi.

I changed out of my shorts into a long skirt and loose blouse and climbed into the taxi. Calais “Where do you want to go madam?” Molly “I dunno… I just need a good variety of fresh vegetables, and well, lots of American food.” Calais “Okay, no problem, I take you.”

And twenty minutes later I found myself at a Sultan Center on Gulf Road surrounded with American ingredients. I wasn’t willing to pay $9 for coffee creamer to spice up my oatmeal, but I did find chocolate chips, butterscotch chocolate chips, fake vanilla, corn syrup, flour, sugar, brown sugar, and several other American ingredients. The produce selection was huge and I decided to satisfy my craving for guacamole and ignored the price on the avocadoes. I paid an outrageous amount for my groceries, but was a little more sane when I climbed back into my taxi. It was over 120 degrees outside, so I passed Calais a cool coke and sipped my drink in peace.

I returned home, Calais unloaded the groceries for me, and then I cranked up my music and went to work. I think I went a little insane with the baking. I did little but bake for two days and made a couple hundred chocolate chip cookies, a double batch of no bake fudge cookies, butterscotch cookies, butterscotch and chocolate cookies, oatmeal cookies, oatmeal chocolate cookies, peanut butter cookies, snicker doodle cookies, 5 loaves of chocolate chip banana bread, my own version of key lime pie but with fresh lemons, a berry cobbler coffee cake, toffee topping… I baked my stress away and filled the freezer. I wanted not only dad to enjoy the goodies when he came home, but I wanted to be part of events in the fall when I was at college. I might not be on the same continent, but that doesn’t mean I can’t make dessert for a dinner party.

Honorable Mention, Foreign Service Youth Foundation

This article was in the Foreign Service Youth Foundation newsletter and sent to all State Department Employees.

Molly Spessert, age 18, was awarded an honorable mention for her work in community service. She is the daughter of Robert and Cheryl Spessert, currently posted to Kuwait. Molly graduated from ACS Hillingdon International School, London, UK, one year early in order to pursue her community service work in the Middle East. Since November 2009, Molly has worked for Operation Hope Kuwait (an organization providing humanitarian relief primarily to expatriate laborers in Kuwait). In her role as the Student Ambassador, Molly coordinates with local schools to organize clothing and supply drives for the needy third country nationals. Molly leads approximately 20 other teenagers in managing a weekly clothing locker. This service provides critical clothing protection to 5,000-plus workers who face grueling work hours, in heat, cold, wind and sand. She has also designed the new website for Operation Hope. Orphans are at the center of Molly's heart and she has worked with them in Bulgaria, Macedonia and South Africa. When she is not helping others, Molly's hobbies include photography and traveling. This fall she will be attending the University of Elon and will continue to pursue opportunities to serve.

Everyone associated with the Foreign Service Youth Foundation, the Family Liaison Office and the Department of State congratulates the 2010 community service award winners and nominees. These outstanding U.S. Foreign Service youth demonstrate the generosity of spirit that is truly American.

Dr Seuss Oh The Place's You'll Go, Molly Style

Hooray!

Today is my day.

I’m off to Great Places!

I’m off and away!

I have dreams in my head,

I have fuel in my shoes.

I will teach and help teens,

In the countries I chose.

My current home is a speck called Kuwait.

I dance with princes, and with Arabs relate.

With the grit in the air, and heat so intense,

I shop at the souks, and inhale the incense.

I’ve lived in Deutschland, UK, and the States,

Traveled through Europe with all of my mates.

In Bulgaria orphan kids captured my heart,

While love and good values I tried to impart.

On these adventures I’ve made many a friend,

Dressed up with tribesmen, and attempted to blend.

I’ve politely declined a regale of worm,

To each wacky custom I smile and affirm.

I’m lucky, I’m gifted, there must be a reason,

Perhaps I was picked, trained for this season.

Since I’ve been blessed, I must bless others too,

Share my experiences with him, her and you.

The next step of my journey will be in a dorm,

To a standard of excellence I will conform.

Professors will fuel a passion to learn;

Study Shakespeare, the classics, and a Master’s I’ll earn.

Once taught how to teach, how to impact a child;

I’ll pack up my things and move to the wild.

Oh, English and literature my students will relish,

Things of global importance, I will embellish.

A divided classroom can be united as one,

The values they’ll learn will not be undone.

I’ll show how to preserve the Lorax’s friends,

Inspire others to serve is what I intend.

Life is not served on a fine silver platter,

And sometimes we’re hit with a splash of life’s splatter.

What to do with the splatter? Why paint!

Learn from troubles and trials, don’t allow them to taint.

The mountain of challenges I’ll gladly climb,

Through the Truffula trees I’ll emerge sublime.

Come what may I’ll lock eyes on my goal,

Once at the top I’ll erect a flagpole.

The flag will wave, a symbol of change,

Of kids who have intellectual exchange.

Ideas together they’ll create and they’ll start,

With a passion for change they’ll be doing their part.

I am off to great places,

Today is my day,

My students are waiting,

I’ll be on my way.

Prom 2010: Princes, Police,& Ministry of the Interior

Our group in front of the fantastic limo

My date struggling to put on my HUGE Arab/Indian corsage (notice the 3 white roses and bright blue traditional Indian flowers)

At the salon getting all dolled up. I decided to try the Arab look, heavy make-up and crazy eyes.

Prom 2010. Number 5. Yes, that’s prom number 5. I think it’s a pretty impressive record don’t you? Five proms and only in high school for 3 years. Yes, I’m proud of myself.

The day of prom I decided to go all out and pamper myself. Joha, Tamara, Erika and I booked appointments at a lovely hair salon where they got updos and I got my hair curled. We had fun posing in the fancy chairs while the ladies fussed over us. After hair we got our make up done. It was my first time to ever have anyone else do my make up, and I was a bit worried at first! The lady seemed to understand what I was wearing and what I needed, so the sweet Indian lady just went all out! It was MAC make-up, and boy did she cake it on! The lady applied it the traditional Arab way, thick, lots of it, and very heavy on the eyes. Besides the fact that I was wearing an absurd amount of make up it wasn’t too bad! I called my driver and had him take me from the salon back home where I touched up a few things and soon was quite happy with it.

I slipped on my elegant dress, buttoned my silver dancing shoes, put on the borrowed earrings and matching necklace my boss loaned me, and walked down our staircase feeling like a princess. Daddy drove me back to Joha’s where people were starting to gather. The girls posed for endless photos until our men finally arrived. My date was Louae, his mom is a Southern belle from Tennesse, and his dad is Palestinian. Louae wore a white suit and a tie that matched my blue dress.

Erika brought out the boutonnieres and corsages that were absolutely lovely! Louae and I were proud of ourselves for being the first to put them on without any trouble. The corsage was traditional Arab, over the top white roses with blue flowers surrounding them. It was not the traditional American one, but I liked mine even more. I carefully pinned Louae’s boutonniere and tried not to poke him. I was having so much fun already!

The white limo arrived shortly and the guys played their music through the limo. Very soon the helium balloons were punctured and being inhaled for laughs, I just observed the insanity.

We finally arrived at the Movenpick in the Free Zone and walked across the red carpet that had all the seniors names in stars on it. The place was beautifully decorated , Tamara truly did a fabulous job. Okay, to understand the rest of my story you gotta know that proms are illegal. Mixed gatherings are illegal. Dancing is illegal. So technically we shouldn’t have even attempted to hold the prom. BUT, we have embassy kids, princes, and people with plenty of wasta from the most elite school in Kuwait at the prom, so we went for it. Tamara ensured we had documents from the Ministry that said we were legal for one night only and that they would not disturb us. Oh, if only it were true…

We found our candlelit table, greeted friends, and started dancing on the dance floor. After only a couple of dances the lights were on, the DJ vanished, and we were told to eat dinner. This was around 10:00, and we had only arrived at about 9:15. So we started eating dinner, and enjoyed the “dinner party.” Information from outside slowly began to leak out as questions were asked while the police wandered around the hall and conducted random searches. Supposedly someone called the police and claimed we had alcohol and drugs. There were no alcohol or drugs. We believe rather than some spiteful kid, this was a lie by the Ministry to exert their power and shut us down. The police left for a little bit and we were told the party should be back on soon. Well, that didn’t exactly happen. Tamara came in and yelled at everyone to cover up, and enjoy the birthday dinner party because the Ministry was coming in. The DJ was far out of sight, and soon girls shoulders and chests were covered up by wraps and shawls that were produced from purses, and those we had none were covered in the guy’s jackets. The most impressive party was how all the men turned into gentleman to protect their ladies. As the Ministry walked in and surveyed the area we all began to sing Happy Birthday for a random person, trying to complete our act. The Arab Al-Sabah’s excused themselves and slipped to the bathroom to make phone calls and pull wasta. Louae and I enjoyed our dinner, talked, and enjoyed the entertainment. Dad figured this might happen, so he had been sitting in the park lot the whole time, ready for a quick escape. I texted him and went out to the parking lot to talk to him at 10:45. All dolled up, with a sheer wrap around my chest and me attempting to be a lady and hoist up my skirts through the sand and dust was apparently quite a site. I wanted to scream at the cars who slowed to follow me, and the men whose eyes were fixated on me. Finding dad was quite the relief and I quickly slipped into his car to pour out the details. Dad walked me back inside and he sat in the lobby trying to make sense of the chaos and he even tried to call in a few favors. By 11:00 things were continuing to look sketchy and those who didn’t have enough wasta or social status to save them slipped out the back. Americans gathered around me and some of the other Embassy kids with our “you cannot arrest or detain this person” cards. At 11:15 we were told the party was back on! The music turned on for about 10 seconds before the ministry came in yelling, they weren’t finished with us yet! At 11:30 we knew it was hopeless. As soon as the drug call was made and the police arrived we were no longer legal. Because we weren’t legal the ministry took our papers, and because we had no papers the hotel wouldn’t back us up. Tamara was in tears as she and her mom tried to desperately contact the owner of the hotel, if he could have been bothered to show his support, we would have been fine. Sadly though, the manager of the hotel has been known to pull things like this on American proms. Dad came in and I said goodbye to my friends at 11:30. He wanted me out of there, and he wanted me out fast. About half the people had already trickled out, and the rest were calling taxis and trying to plan quick after prom parties.

Dad and I got stuck in an epic traffic jam right outside the hotel, when we finally neared the explanation dad had me cover up once more and he pulled out his embassy id for the roadblock. We were waved right through because we’re embassy, but there were several cars detained on the side of the road. I texted the guys and warned them of the roadblock, their response was that the police were searching everyone exiting the hotel for drugs or alcohol. Several people who were neither Western or Arab were detained due to their nationality. All of my friends made it out safely, they were just jostled around and a little frightened. As I texted people on my way home Louae apologized for the insane prom that hardly even had the chance to begin. I told him it was no worries, it takes a lot to top a prom at Windsor Palace or an elegant country mansion, but this one succeeded. To have my prom busted my cops and shut down by the Ministry of Interior tops absolutely everything!

Graduation Poem

Today unlatched are all your gates

Congratulations 2010 graduates

Now you’ll pursue all of your dreams

To shine like stars with brilliant beams

So soar up and above each and every cloud

With knowledge you’re making people proud

For once it’s you behind the wheel

Your new independence let no one steal

Don’t lose your integrity, don’t be shameless

But reach for the stars and you’ll be famous

Sure, pressure will come, but you won’t crack

Through trials you’ll stay, not up and pack

You’re supported by an incredible team

They’ll polish your dream and make it gleam

Your pillars of strength will always be there

They’ll give you wings and be your air

So pick a dream, choose a goal

And soon you’ll erect your own flagpole

You’ve so much potential, so much to give

So run, soar, love and live

I wrote this song for all my friends who are graduating, remember these words!

Camel, DJ, Caterer, Shisha, Beach House = Graduation Party Kuwaiti Style

Yesterday was the much anticipated Chevron Graduation Party. All the moms of graduation kids worked together to throw an amazing party at the President's house on the beach. Whenever we go to Chevron everyone pulls out their tank tops and shorts because it's the one place we can do and wear whatever we want. Julie and I drove to ASK where buses were waiting to take us down to the Chevron camp. Taylor and Sela Okamura were ever the gentlemen and ensured that all the American girls made it onto a separate bus than the Kuwaiti males. Soon everyone was aboard and we spent the hour drive talking and laughing and singing to a thousand different cell phone selections at once.

Upon debarking from the bus we were greeted with photographers and Ms Beeler with a camel! All of us took turns riding the crazy easily distracted camel along the beach. It was perfect! There was a dj, a schwarma man, caterers, and 15 dozen 2010 cupcakes! The food was fantastic, and the selection entirely overwhelming. And whose idea was it to leave buckets of ice around? Of course I put some down Ariel’s back while Jayle distracted her, I mean, what exactly was I supposed to do? I danced, and ate, arranged corsages and boutineers with Erika and Joha, sang and leapt around, snaped photos, rode a camel and eventually settled down with friends on the diwaniya couches overlooking the ocean. Shisa pipes were brought out and everyone smoked the pipes under the stars. The stars were so bright and beautiful and the evening entirely perfect. At that moment I realized how blessed I was to be with such amazing friends at a party on a beach in Kuwait. My life still surprises even me. The evening was so muggy and at times it was hard to breathe, but the night was so amazing and everyone's faces were beaming that no one appeared sweaty or gross.

We walked along the beach for a while, but soon had to run back to the DJ as our favorite songs began. The class of 2010 chose Waving Flag as their Senior Song, so everyone sang at the top of their voices and danced and went utterly crazy.

I could rant and rave forever about the lights, the food, the entertainment and the magic, but I think simply calling it the perfect party should suffice.

At midnight the spell was broken and most everyone boarded the buses back to the city. We cleaned up the party, and packaged leftover food for the moms to take to the guards. We set up camp downstairs and talked and giggled till around 3:00 am and woke up around 8. Far too little sleep!

I was greeted in the morning by the smells of breakfast and enjoyed the food Jayle’s dad made. Soon Ariel and Julie were gone and Jayle Bekah and I were left to enjoy the afternoon. Jayle drove over to the shop, we bought batteries and coke and soon met the boys by the pool. The afternoon was spent tanning and playing with Jonny’s little siblings in the pool. By 3:00 we were home eating leftovers and cleaning up for soap soccer!

Jonny, John, Bekah, Jayle and I took a car down into the city. Jonny played country music and I sat there just so happy to be alive. I was appreciative of my friends, my life, everything! Soap soccer was set up in an arena on the Gulf. It was another fantastic evening. Joha and I tumbled around trying to get each other wet, Taylor made the mistake of soaking me with the hose, and I just tackled him down. Everyone was sliding around going crazy! There were about 5 girls and 20 guys. Jayle Bekah and I were the most adventurous. We ventured into the boys game of tackle football. Everyone was against the person running towards the opposite end with the ball. Jayle Bekah and I tackled each other for a while, but soon the guys were tackling us too. Faisal slided across the field to try and make me slip, I just jumped over him, Taylor ran towards me and I tripped him, but Fareed, this HUGE guy came hurling towards me and I went down. I kinda lay there for a minute unable to move. I had to be carried off the field and though I was in pain I just sat there laughing it off. I refused to give up so joined back in the game with a slight limp. The rest of soap soccer was fun and crazy. A fantastic evening!

The most amazing part of the weekend? The fact that it happened. It was a weekend of utter perfection. Friends, parties, a camel, a dj, enjoying the beach, dancing under the stars, what more could a girl ever want or dream of cramming into one single weekend?

My Watercolors of Kuwait

This is the view from my rooftop

Kuwait Funnies

My Kiddos!

This is a group of CDC kids I teach, they are 3 and stay for only a half day

This is one of my favorite little boys in KG1

Me and another Minnie from KG2

Last week was a very crazy week for us in the library. Besides teaching the regular classes we had to prepare for the book fair. That involved collecting books from the children, and adding them to our huge collection of books we had previously pulled from our shelves when weeding. All of the books had to be sorted into groups for KG-5th grade. It took FOREVER to sort through thousands of books and decide which grade level they fit. Eventually the books were sorted into groups, the library was divided into sections, books were spread on the shelves, tables, and across the floor, and the kids came in to pick 1-2 books they could take home. It was a very successful day, but also very long and crazy!

The day after the book fair we decided not to teach any classes, but let kids come in all day to check out books as we continued to clean up and prepare for spring break. One of the Kindergarten teachers emailed Kerri with a request from her kids that Miss Molly come and do storytime in their classroom. So I happily went to her classroom to read "Swimmy" and "The Gingerbread Man." The kids loved it, and begged me to please join them outside for their "Letter P Picnic." I marched in line with the kids outside to join about 100 kindergarteners all piling their plates with popcorn, pizza, pears, pies, pretzels... it was adorable! I sat on the grass with the kids as they told me all about their upcoming spring break, and shooed the flies away from the little boys. The boys were very grossed out by all the critters and continuously ran to me for protection from flies and spiders. After spending the entire time shoeing flies away from little Chris he called me "Queen of the Bugs." I love that kid! Eventually I excused myself and went back to the library to add new books to our system, shelf books, and explain to parents that no matter their pleading, our circulation desk was down for maintenance and I could not allow them to check out any books.

Library Times

I love my job. I love my job. I love my job. I love my job...

I guess you get the point now right? :) Working in the Elementary Library has been such an incredible experience. Every single day I learn new things from the kids and never cease to be amazed at who the child's father is, what company he owns, and the simple fact that I am teaching in an International School in the Middle East.

I have a thousand and one jobs in the library that differ from day to day. I check books in and out, shelf the books, yell at the funky computer system that is in dire need of an update, weed the shelves (hasn't been done in 15+ years,) delete books, add and barcode new books, convince parents that believe themselves to be so entitled that 1. You must create an account to check out books. 2. Your child in not more special than the next and needs to return his book or pay the fine. 3. No matter how much money you pull from your wallet you may not purchase books from the library. I also get to pull my favorite picture books for the Kindergarten display shelf. On it you may find: "Blueberries for Sal," "Angelina Ballerina," "Bedtime for Frances," books by Babbette Cole, Steven Kellog, James Marshall... my list goes on. It is basically Miss Molly's shelf and though technically they are the designated shelves for the Kingergarteners to choose their books from, kids from all grades and parents pull from the shelf too. No matter how many surplus stacks I create I find myself always running around to find more books.

My favorite part of the day is when I get to teach my kids. Daily I teach CDC (3 year olds) and two levels of Kindergarten. Thats about 12 classes every week. We walk into the library as a random animal, sit down and do the wiggles, and then I get to do storytime. We've done alphabet and animal books, and I am now working my way through classic tales, ie: Cinderella. The kids tell me the original story, and I will read the Middle Eastern, Chinese, African... version. With the younger kids we just discuss the differences, but recently I have also been teaching the first and second grade classes, and we do bubble maps. Their comparison and contrast of the two stories are always such a hoot to listen to, but I know it hits home when they start to understand the map and show me how to use it to compare animals.

The kids never cease to make me smile. Today one of the little boys asked me (very seriously) "Miss Molly, I don't understand how the woodsman could hit the wolf over the head and then somehow just shake Little Red Riding Hood and her grandma out of his belly. Wouldn't they come out in pieces or something?" (Smile) I love my job. It may be crazily hectic, but the kids keep me going.

The kindergarteners are always fun to teach because I get to do insane crafts with them after we read the story. When I first started they were simply doing coloring sheets, but now I've got them making crocodiles out of paper bags, pop up birdies, bunny ears, puppets, all sorts of cute crafts that correspond to our story.

This week has been crazy because we have been preparing for the Recycle Book Fair. All our ancient books have been deleted from our system, piled up in the back room, and added to stacks of books the kids have brought in. On Wednesday the kids will get to choose a couple books to take home, and the leftovers will be donated to an orphanage. Till then, I have MUCH work to do. All of the shelves, carts, boxes and bags of books have to be sorted by grade level. That means flipping through each individual book to determine who can read it. And of course you have to mentally compensate for the higher and lower readers in the class and add those to the grade level stacks. Complicated and confusing, but I enjoy seeing all the titles that come through and reminiscing of being little and listening to my dad read them on "the Daddy Tapes," stories he taped while on a tour overseas.

Every afternoon I have to take a nap because I am exhausted by the time the day is over. I work from 7 till 2, and don't technically have a lunch break. During every single one of the students and teachers scheduled breaks the kids are in the library. So morning break, recess, afternoon break, class passes, and their lunch, we sit in the library to help them find and check out books. A lot of days that means I am walking around trying to snarf down a sandwich while hunting for a book on paper airplanes, but the kids understand. The kids are pretty sweet, they constantly bring us donuts, cookies and cakes. It's nice to be appreciated.

Well, I must crash. Tomorrow I have to prepare for the recycled book fair, take care of normal library duties (shelving "Magic Treehouse" books before the kids hunt me down) and since Keri isn't coming in I get to teach ALL the classes. This might be interesting... Fifth graders, here I come!

Armed Forces Ball

For weeks I’ve been rounding up teachers, collecting their civil ids and helping to get them prepared for the ball. I even managed to get a ticket for my girlfriend so we could enjoy the evening together. After all of the drama regarding passports, weather, the band, everything went perfectly. At one point the General told his army of party planners that they were “pissing in my cheerios.” Okay, bad luck leading up to the event, but during and afterwards dad was congratulated for making it “the best Armed Forces Ball Kuwait has ever seen.” Of course, how could you expect less from my dad?

Originally Jalye and I were supposed to sit at Head Table Number Two. Woohoo! Yes, that’s as in the one next to the Ambassador and the Emir. But a Kuwaiti General kicked us outta our spots! Heaven forbid. So Jayle and I were moved right up to the front at an itty bitty table that barely squeezed four. We joined the Chaplain, and the Admiral’s Aid. The intro involved bringing the flags in, speeches from the General, The Admiral… and a very touching display of the empty table set for one that was symbolic of all the men lost in action. Everything was very well done. Luckily the speeches didn’t last too long and soon it was time for dinner. We got skipped over a couple times, so my mom passed the salads down to us so we could enjoy the food too. Eventually we were called to the buffet and enjoyed the vast range of dishes the Crowne Plaza provided.

The Chaplain and Admiral’s aid were enjoyable to talk to. They talked about their range of experiences around the Middle East. Jayle and I acted very prim and proper since we were RIGHT at the front and we were certain there were quite a few eyes pinned on us. After dinner we excused ourselves to the ladies room and made a stopover at the teachers table later. The desserts had just arrived, so we found some unused utensils and dove in. Chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate mousse, yum yum yum. We had a lot of fun chatting with teachers. The soldiers appeared a bit shy, but Maj Kelly sent some our way. Deanna and I talked to a couple for quite a while. Was a little awkward though since most of the teachers were just sitting there and watching us. They were nice guys though, one couldn't stop talking about his amazing group of Marines. He mentioned they were all shy and uptight because they were in their uniform and representatives of the US Marines. He talked about hanging out with his guys, the way they worked together, and about some of the events that they had been through together as a team as they’d traveled around the Middle East, and their encounters with IEDs. I don’t think I could ever take conversations like these for granted because they will never cease to blow me away. Just as the conversation was warming up dad came over and promptly stated “either you dance with her or I will.” The guy was a little too shocked and kinda stood there, so dad dragged me off and we danced. Dad is a REALLY good dancer. He even had the Ambassador spinning, and let me tell you, that was quite a site. Dad introduced me to a lot of men, but then again I met so many guys last night I have no earthly idea who all I met now. But… I do know that I saw the Emir, took photos of dad and the Ambassador, posed with a Marine, talked with a gunny sergeant, ate with the Admiral’s aid from Bah Rain, danced with more marines, air force and navy guys, and frankly had the time of my life.

The Marines were sooo much fun. One of them came up to our table of 12 ladies, sat down and said “oh, I’m sorry, this isn’t my table.” How convenient for him. He was fun, visiting with all the teachers, but constantly returning to pose and laugh with Jayle and I. He kept dragging us back to the dance floor and even got some of his buddies to join us. FUN! The dance floor was packed, so I dunno how many soldiers I accidentally bumped into and then started dancing with. It was all a whirl. . The teachers were so much fun to dance with as well, they are crazy out there on the dance floor!

I want to remember every little detail of the ball, and of course I can’t remember every compliment I received or crazy dance move Taylor, Jayle and I attempted. But I do remember being respected, and having the time of my life.

Censorship in an Elementary Library

“Run run run as fast as you can, you can’t catch me I’m the Gingerbread Man…” So goes the classic tale of the little Gingerbread Man running from everyone who desires to eat him. Though this little cookie escapes an old woman, a cow, and a cat, he is outsmarted by the fox and is eventually eaten. The same scenario occurs in the elementary library at the American School of Kuwait. Our Gingerbread Man is devoured by a cunning fox that is formally known as the Ministry of Education. Why? Because we cannot have our little children looking at a picture book that shows the backside of a cookie. Yes, one page shows the Gingerbread Man running off into the distance and you can see his backside. This is not allowed in our library. The Ministry has spoken, and so it must be done.

Curious about what other books are banned? At the US Embassy the novels Green Eggs and Ham and Charlotte’s Web are banned because they discuss swine. In the library at ASK we have kept Green Eggs and Ham on the shelf, but only because we have changed every mention of ham to lamb. Having a Dr Seuss party and eating green eggs and lamb just isn’t quite the same.

Though there is a long list of books that are supposed to be banned in our library, it is hard to remove old favorites and deprive children of the books. Some books we simply delete from the system and keep for teachers in the back room. Others we temporarily remove when the Ministry comes to inspect our shelves. The tale The Giver was supposed to be cleaned off our shelf. We deleted all but one copy, left to be found only be the curious child. Though it is a favorite, we are not permitted to recommend it to the children, only to smile when a student’s parent suggests them to check it out.

When planning our story time schedule we compare it with the dates the Ministry has booked to inspect our library. Once a month someone is sent from the Ministry to observe and peruse the shelves. The story Ain’t Gonna Paint No More is one of the children’s favorites but we had to wait a week to read it because we did not want to be telling the story of a little boy who runs around painting his naked body in front of the Ministry of Education. On the last page of the book the children following the rhyme scheme know that he is going to paint his bottom next and will shout out “butt!” Having someone from the Ministry watching while we read this book would not be a good scenario.

Before someone from the Ministry comes we are supposed to assist them and pull books from the shelves that we think should be banned. After only three weeks of working in the library I was tasked with finding fifteen books that we could do without. The grueling process killed me as I walked the shelves knowing which picture books I should pull because they mention a bodily function, or show a child’s bottom. Instead, I sat in the Dewey’s, pulling book after book on the Middle East. The one thing the Ministry hates the most is when the Arabian Gulf is labeled the Persian Gulf. Several of our older books have this grievous mistake, and I managed to pull them on account of that. When I found that I still needed more books to ban I flipped through textbooks on Egyptian gods and goddesses, Native Americans, African tribes, anything that might show someone naked. Out of curiosity I looked to see if we had any texts on “Where Babies Come From” or on the human body. Alas, these were nowhere to be found. The human reproductive system is also skipped in High School science, leaving children to discover for themselves. The children are raised by their nannies, and I doubt they are taught about the human body by their nannies who can sometimes barely speak English. If parents don’t teach their children, if the schools aren’t allowed to, and if educational books are banned, how do we expect the children to learn?

When the lady sent by the Ministry of Education began to flip through the books we had set aside for her to inspect she questioned the librarian as to why some of these books were old? She wanted to inspect the new books that had been added to our collection. Miss Weathers replied that because there had been a transition of librarians and she had been re-sorting the shelves some of the old books must have been missed in being censored. The lady allowed us to keep our textbooks on Egyptian gods and goddesses, and the Native Americans so long as I agreed to draw clothing onto all of the naked people. Not a bad comprise in my opinion. She also banned some books on ghosts and Dr Dog by Babette Cole because the children scratch their bums, and the house explodes due to the grandfather’s farts. We knew that she wasn’t pleased by our selection, but each text was justified and reported to the Ministry of Education. But our troubles are never ending, as soon as we solve one case we must prepare for the next check within a couple weeks, and you never know who they will send and if they will use our books, or peruse the shelves themselves.

Working at the American School of Kuwait has been interesting. I learned that universally children are still appealed by Captain Underpants, Diaper Baby, and Dear Dumb Diary. My current challenge is to go beyond scanning the barcodes of books as children pass through and guide them towards Little House on the Prarie, Harry Potter, The Boxcar Children, Ella Enchanted, and My Side of the Mountain. The children appear to be enjoying my recommendations and are coming back telling me of the adventures they had. One girl wanted to buy the rest of a series, and it took a while to explain that the novels were not sold anywhere in Kuwait. Bookstores are few and far between with a very limited selection of novels. Our library is a great achievement for ASK, as it is often the only place children will ever find these books. I personally am an avid reader and miss the enormous bookstores in Western Countries. My library is Amazon.com, without it I could hardly survive.

Teaching at ASK has been a challenge and a learning experience. I love every single day of work, because not only do I get to teach and help hundreds of children, I also get to learn from them. When reading Knuffle Bunny to my kindergarteners it was a bit of a challenge to get them to relate to the child in the novel. In the story a little girl has one precious stuffed animal and becomes terribly upset when she leaves it at the Laundromat. Before reading the novel I asked the children if they had a favorite stuffed animal. Well, how can they pick a favorite when they have “every single stuffed animal.” These privileged children have everything they wanted, and couldn’t understand the idea of one toy being so important to this little girl. As we read the book, I had to stop myself from asking questions that corresponded with the pictures, like “do you help your parent’s with the laundry?” Of course these children didn’t help their parents with the laundry! These children’s parents have probably never even done a load of laundry. They have maids, nannies, cooks and drivers, the children hardly knew what a laundry machine was.

It is hard for teachers to keep their children in school due to the frequent and random trips that families take through Europe. Families will frequently take their young children out of school for months to go on a cruise. This is a challenge in keeping track of library books, and of course is a detriment to the child’s education. One day we saw a girl who hasn’t been in school for months. I asked her where she had been, had she been sick, gone on vacation? “No Miss Molly. My daddy’s been staying with his other wives. Tonight he’s coming home to my mamma, so she sent me to school to make him happy.”Of course, why didn’t I think of that option?

A difficulty we encounter is the fact that some Kuwaitis feel entitled. I have had parents come in to check out books and attempt to waltz out without checking any books out. We have to force them to create an account, and apologize that they can only check out 10 books. Now, parents taking an interest in their child’s education are often rare, but it does happen. One little boy desperately needs tutoring to bring his first grade reading level up the equivalent of his third grade peers. Each week I spent a grueling fifteen minutes hunting with him for a good book that he can read. I asked him if he reads with his parents or his nanny at home, “No Miss Molly. They are busy. My nanny, she sits with me when I try, but she can’t read.” My heart breaks with stories like these, but what can we do? Luckily teachers can tell the principal who needs tutoring, and he frequently contacts parents who are willing to fork over any amount of cash for their child’s education. It is hard to understand, they will pay over $50 per hour for someone to tutor their child when they could simply skip a couple hours of sitting at Starbucks with friends and devote it to their child.

Living in the Middle East has been an experience I will never forget. Working overseas has made me so appreciative of all of the freedoms I have in the States. Fond memories of having green eggs and ham with my first grade class become more valuable; reading Charlotte’s Web with my third grade class is now regarded as a right and freedom. So what will I do next? I will keep putting my favorite children’s books on the display shelf for them to be quickly consumed by parents and children, and I will continue hiding classics that have no justifiable reason to be banned from my library.

Kuwait Funnies

Egypt

If you want to view a slideshow of a selection of my photos from Egypt go to this link: http://s884.photobucket.com/albums/ac41/Londongurl92/Christmas%2009%20in%20Egypt/?albumview=slideshow

My blog on Egypt is slowly forming. Here are days one and two, check back soon and I will edit this post and attach the next couple of days.

December 16th, 2009

The day I had dreamed about since fourth grade had finally come. After studying about Egypt with Mrs Rhodes I begged my dad to pleeeaase take me to Egypt one day to see the pyramids and mummies. And guess what? My dad was ACTUALLY taking me! After months of research and planning we finally had the trip all put together. We were traveling with the Hoffmans, some good family friends with kids Emily and Ethan’s age. Everyone was very excited, our suitcases were filled to the brim with swimsuits, shorts, sunscreen, and endless memory cards. We jittered all the way to the airport and anxiously watched movies on our ipods as we waited in Starbucks for our delayed plane.

Finally, the moment we had all been waiting for… we boarded the plane! Emily and I shared music and ate the last salad we planned on having till we set foot back on Kuwaiti soil. When we arrived in Cairo, Ethan raced off the plane and dashed ahead of us so that he could be the very first to cross into Egypt.

Once we collected our baggage we found Mohammed, our travel agent waiting for us with a lovely mini bus all to ourselves. He explained our schedule, and pointed out landmarks as we whizzed through Cairo to the West Bank. Though it was dark and hard to see much, the poverty was immediately present. We saw many shacks under the overpass, and lots of buildings with paint peeling and laundry fluttering in the evening dust storm.

We pulled up to our hotel in Giza and immediately felt pampered. Our friends had insisted on a 5 star hotel outside of the city, so we were staying at Le Meridean. The lobby was beautifully decorated for Christmas with an enormous Christmas tree, and there was a little band playing in the corner next to the magnificent staircase.

Our friends met us in the lobby and introduced us to Abdul, our tour guide. Abdul is not only a tour guide, but also an Egyptologist who can read hieroglyphics. Abdul is also the overseer of Kom Ombo temple that we would be touring later. He was very warm and friendly and wanted to ensure we had a fabulous stay in Egypt. He promised to be very flexible with us and make it interesting for everyone.

The hotel was so huge we first went to the wrong side in attempts to find our room. Finally a concierge helped us find our way. He was very friendly and chatty and helped us settle in. As soon as our suitcases were in the room he immediately waved us out into the hall and said “come come, follow me, I will show you the pyramids!” We chased after him down the hall as he threw open the doors to the balcony. And indeed, there they were in the dim evening light we could just make out the outline of the magnificent pyramids. They were HUGE! We quickly ran back to show mom and dad, but when we returned it was as if they had vanished because they were completely blacked out by the dust storm. I covered my face with my pashmina and tried to point out the outline of where they should be as mom started jumping up and down, in utter awe that we were at the base of the pyramids!

After we gave up trying to see the pyramids through the dust we met our friends downstairs for dinner. Sadly it was not an Egyptian restaurant, but the TexMex. It felt wrong to be sitting in a Texan restaurant eating fajitas in Egypt, but we knew we shouldn’t leave the hotel and venture out on our own. It was a fun dinner with the waiter constantly coming over and showing us magic tricks and science experiments. Our waiter was deemed the mad scientist, but Emily sure enjoyed him as he taught her how to make a dead chicken out of her napkin.

By 10pm we settled into our rooms, set the alarm for 6:30 and fell asleep anticipating our tour of the Pyramids in the morning.

December 17, 2009

At 6:30am we began to file into the shower and went downstairs for an amazing breakfast spread. There was every food you could possible want for breakfast. And it was good. We were told to eat eat eat and fill up ‘cuz who knew when we would stop for a bite again.

At 8:00 we met Abdul downstairs and loaded our bus for the short drive up the Pyramids. We were surprised when a guard joined us on the bus. The man was from the police, for some reason he was supposed to follow us all day. Ethan noticed immediately that he had a gun, but we were promised that the guard was simply there as decoration. As we pulled up Abdul hopped off the bus to run talk to somehow, and somehow he managed to get us VIP access. We were very impressed by this. Apparently his brother is the overseer of the Pyramids. We drove right up and laughed at the other tourists walking. It felt surreal as we stood at the base of the Pyramids gazing up at such magnificence. Even as he began to explain the theory as to how the pyramids were constructed, they were so wondrous it is hard to fathom. It was just mind blowing to be standing in front of something so amazing, that was constructed in 2551 BC! Now they were some pretty smart people! Dolores kept repeating how insane it was that the difference on the sides was less than 58mm. We climbed the base of it and struggled up over the huge blocks. Emily and Ethan even decided to venture up a little higher even though the sign specifically said “No Climbing.” But you don’t ask for permission, just forgiveness right?

After Khufu’s Pyramid we wandered around to the side to some of the Noble’s tombs. These are not open to the public, but our VIP status got us in. It was wonderful to be the only ones in the small tomb. We had more time to explore, and Abdul said that even though you weren’t “supposed” to take photos in the tombs, he would let us slip. He even positioned us for a family photo. I was very impressed when I saw my first hieroglyphics carved into the stone. They were just so perfect! Somehow the paint inside the tomb was original and had been preserved through time. Everything just left me in utter awe.

We continued walking around the pyramids and viewed the Queen’s Pyramids. As we peered into the pit where Khufu’s mothers burial provisions were moved we could see the Pyramids of Dendara in the distance. I have never before felt surrounded by so much history!

Though this was the first stop on our long list of historical sites I was already getting irked by the vendors set up everywhere. Women were selling headdress on the ruins, and men were running around trying to sell cheesy stuffed camels. Boys circled the pyramids with their camels and horses offering tourists rides for marked up prices. Because we were Western we were seen as very rich and everyone tried to milk us for our money the rest of the trip.

We refused to give into the temptation to of a camel ride around the pyramids until the bus drove us a bit away from them for a panoramic view. Abdul had a friend who took pictures of all of us, and then took us to his fleet of camels. We piled on to the beasts and clung excitedly as they quickly shot up into the air. Paul and I rode on separate camels that were tied together and had one boy guiding them at the front. Paul was absolutely scared to death on his camel and talked the entire ride. He named the camels, called out the security guards on their camels, and went absolutely crazy. Ethan was loving it, and trying to straddle the camel in different poses, eventually finding a way to recline. I rode with no hands (not that hard) so I could take endless snapshots of everyone and everything. It was just absolutely incredible, riding a camel with family and friends and heading towards the Great Pyramid! Nothing can compare to the way I felt at that moment. Big smile, hair whipping in the wind, and endless photographs to prove it all!

The ride was about 20 minutes to the base of the pyramids where we disembarked. While Ethan made faces and tried to scare the camels, resulting in scaring himself, Emily and JC pleaded with their camel herder to please take them faster. The boy climbed up onto another camel, and made the camels canter around the pyramids. Their shrieks of delight were hilarious.

After the camels we piled back into the bus and drove to the opposite side of the Pyramids to view the Great Sphinx. It was indeed magnificent. I finally got to behold the Sphinx. THE Sphinx. Staring at him in wonder I was curious as to who all had passed under its gaze. Certainly many famous historical figures had, and now Molly Spessert can claim that she gazed into the eyes of the Sphinx.

Once we had toured the rest of the Giza Plateau we walked back to the bus. Abdul was laughing at us, claiming most tourists he brings spend about an hour, and we had spent over three! However, Abdul seemed to enjoy our company as much as we enjoyed his, and we were very appreciative of all the history he was sharing with us.

Before leaving Cairo we went to the Papyrus Factory. We laughed at the little man who showed us how papyrus was made. I must say, the ancient Egyptians certainly were very clever. The papyrus in the shop was a combination of beautiful artwork of ancient scenes in burial chambers, and of course the kitchy tourist ones with scarab beetles and your name in hieroglyphics next to it. We were given “Egyptian hospitality” and enjoyed sipping the mint tea while avoiding the thick tea leaves at the bottom.

Along the way to Memphis and Saqqara we stopped for some Egyptian bread and cheese. We dipped into the cooler of drinks provided for us, and had a picnic in the back of the bus. Our first stop was the museum at Memphis. The statue of Ramses was astounding. It’s sheer magnitude combined with the lack of damage over time made it very impressive. You had to climb up a balcony just to walk around and be able to see him. We saw many other statues in Memphis, and enjoyed posing next to a Sphinx and admiring the Hathorian columns.

The Step Pyramid of King Zoser at Saqqara was just as I had imagined it; enormous and impressive steps creating the burial place of a king. Egyptologists are still trying to find their way through the maze of chambers and have yet to work their way to the bottom and the burial chamber. As we were in Egypt, there was sand everywhere. In the ruins of the temple at Saqqara the sand made beautiful patterns alongside the columns.

Before heading back to our hotel to rest for dinner we went to an Egyptian Carpet School. We watched the students weave rugs from silk and wool. Emily even got to attempt to knot the wool rug into the design of King Tutankhamen’s funerary mask. Again we received the Egyptian hospitality and sipped hibiscus juice while we were shown upstairs to view the finished products. The instructors tossed the silk rugs in the air to show us how they shimmer and the colors change in the light. Dad found his favorite pattern, the Garden of Eden, which he has seen in Kuwait. It may be beautiful, but we are not quite ready to invest in it yet.

On the way back I got my first taste of Pharaoh’s Curse and collapsed exhausted and sick back at the hotel. I dosed up on a selection of meds from the little pharmacy we had brought, and rested until dinner time. I still didn’t feel very well, but wouldn’t miss anything.

We requested an Egyptian restaurant rather than more TexMex, so Abdul had the bus wind through little streets in the heart of Giza towards the restaurant. The people were out and about, sitting on the sidewalk, driving their donkey carts, doing laundry, and going about their evening duties. It was cute to observe the life in this district rather than take a direct larger and quicker road. The restaurant was cute and we were well served. I still can’t forget the taste of the best lentil soup I have ever had. The soup itself nearly revived me. We also enjoyed chicken, beef, lamb, rice, zaziki on our bread, traditional tea, and many other little dishes and ordure’s.
The streets were alive and the kids ventured outside to watch the musicians on the streets until the moms brought them back in upon realization that our security guards had followed them outside. We wolfed down the rest of our meal in time to run over to the Pyramids to watch the sound and light show.

The show may have been a bit cheesy, but it was worthwhile. We enjoyed the laser lights on the Pyramids, and the narration by the Sphinx. The Sphinx told tales of all who had ventured past his paws, and the archaeologists who finally brought him once more out of the sand.

The kids grew a bit restless, but I enjoyed the show and spent forever working the settings on my camera to get a decent shot of the Pyramid as it shone blue. Once it was over we all went back to the hotel, charged our cameras, and set our alarms for another full day.