Pilots in Training

I just got back from having dinner at a families house in my village. At first, I was apprehensive about going. Mostly because the invitation, through extension, was given by my village mate. This is a family he knows, and they asked him to bring me along. Well, with gender relations here, we as peace corps volunteers have a saying “its Ok, Its Ok, its NOT ok”… which basically means… villagers, in true arab hospitality, will tell you it is FINE to wear short sleeves, it is FINE to talk to a member of the opposite sex, it is FINE to not fast during Ramadan… but really, none of it is fine. They want you to feel comfortable, and know that you are a foreigner, so are trying to accomidate the differences in lifestyle… but by acting in accordance with village standards, you are showing respect for them and thus earn respect in return. It is a tightwalk we walk daily here. So, I thought that by going, I would be seen as “fraternizing” with the male in our village (the american male) and that might bring a bad name to myself. Well, I was reassured and so glad that I went!This family is SOOO nice! They have three sons and a daughter. Their youngest son is the 4th grade, has excellent english and is motivated to learn… and (get this) wants to be a pilot! Actually, if he keeps studying his english, I don’t see why he couldn’t. I have been thinking (finances permitted) that before I go I would love to contact the royal jordanian air society that does small charter flights and charter an hour flight in a cessna or something above my village. If so, I am definitely taking this kid along. So, plea to all my friends back home! If you have any old pilot gear, magazines, etc, please save it till I come home… this kid would be thrilled by any old thing.And, the family is just so relaxed… everyone sat in a co-ed setting… the mother let me help her in the kitchen (which is a big rareity in formal families… you never let the guest help… but I actually felt more included by being able to help) and we all made pizza together! It was a great evening!