Thank you everyone

i would like to thank all of you who responded the other day to my journal entry. Your kind thoughts have overwhelmed me. Master and i are fine, we are in one of the safest areas of Kuwait; farthest from the northern border Kuwait shares with Iraq and closest to the southern border of Saudi Arabia. We will be fine. i have told my family it will be over so quickly we won't even have any stories to tell. i was asked a while back to let one of you know if Master and i leave so you don't worry needlessly. i will write everyday but don't worry if i miss a day or two. We have lousey Internet service.

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The university has really fallen down on this. We have no idea what is going to happen in the event of war this weekend. The latest memo i recieved said that if there was a war, and if the university felt it necessary to close, it would close for two weeks initially. But, if the university officials felt the danger was passed in less than two weeks we will be called back. On the other hand, if there is the need, the closure will be extended for two more weeks, but if the danger passes we will be called back. Does that make any sense to you?

The memo also said that if the school closes the semester will be extended. That time would be taken off the summer school session. Then i spoke with the Vice Dean of Student Affairs, and he told me that if the university is closed for only two weeks, there would be no extension of the semester. Does this sound like anybody with authority knows what is going on?

We are now in the beginning of the weekend. It is virtual Friday night. (Wednesday) All of the teachers have given their students extra work, just in case, but no one knows what is going to happen. The only thing we know for sure is the midsemester exams have been postponed until a later time. i am already worried about Friday night. Should i iron my clothes for work or not?

My students are concerned, their minds were not on class today. Actually mine was not either. My head said i know i would be safe driving home at 5 this afternoon after class, but my heart said hurry up and get home where you are safe. Rumors are flying around fast and furious. No one knows anything for sure. And those few who do, aren't telling.

i spent about 30 minutes calming D trying to reassure him that what he did is the best he could do for his students. He is new to Kuwait and is having a frustrating time trying to accustom himself to the fact that the Arab mind does not think like the European mind. Both are logical, but not in the same way. If he doesn't reconcile himself to that, he won't be long in Kuwait.

And then there is the sand storm.

I woke up this morning with new neighbors. The beach across the street now is the home of soldiers. It seems they are there for the duration. They have a tent, an armored personnel carrier, guns set up and a potty tent. I don't know if I should feel safe or nervous.