Year of Indecision

Entering a new culture means a passing through a time of disorientation. You think you know what you're doing but do not accurately perceive things as they are. Communication clues are missed - even in your native tongue. So I made a commitment not to make any important decisions for at least one year. Making up my mind to come here, teach sixth grade and learn Dari was enough decisiveness for the whole year. In the summer of 2006 a re-evaluation can occur. That leaves freedom to make mistakes; almost like a year of return to childhood. That is what entry into a new country should be like; not halfway through the year the commitment seems to bring life, not death.
Within 48 hours of arrival there was a temptation to start a romantic relationship. But I did not act on nor even dwell on that, just figured since I've waited this long, I can wait another year (never even gave her the idea). The overseas m field is a great place for a man to marry some one out of his league (when you consider westerners). There are so many sincere and strong western women (they come across as 'Oh, so sweet', and can also fight their way out of dark corners with overwhelming ferocity) who come but so few men. Hence, the immediate temptation (wisely put off). Then, there is also the Persian possibility. It would be an insult worthy of death for me, a Ch. male to wed an Af. woman. Yet an Iranian or a Tajik woman would not provoke the same local ire. I do not have this figured out and will not even try too hard (at least not until June approaches).
Because of my year of indecision, today, our Friday meeting was relaxing freedom for me. In the USA there were so many well defined responsibilities - Sunday was another work day. Here, we sometimes meet in the "big building" as one group. (it's Christy Wilson's old place. I'll get that story out at Christmas time if I'm able. Its a sad story that explains how we got from the Shahs to anarchy in Persia.) Other weeks we break into several small groups around Karte Seh/Karte Char. One time I spoke at a group, and there was a call for me to repeat, but I had not tried my hand any of the other jobs that make things go smoothly. So, today I taught my small group's older kids (not having made a commitment to any of the groups, but having drifted into one). This group is more European in flavor, and our oldest kids are first and second graders, so that was a slight reach for me, but things went pretty well. Afterwards, I offered to do every job once, than thought for a second and added, "except singing". Will you do the toddlers?..... "Well, I'd rather do the older kids again sometime"..... How about refreshments? ...... "Hospitality isn't really my gifting".... I'm signed up to speak again (they were being so polite - we need another speaker like Massachusetts needs another liberal Senator) and also for refreshments. Glad Dad has more patience than me. If our roles were reversed, I'd be singing.