Final Blog

Final Day in Damascus. We can’t believe that two weeks have gone by so quickly. We leave tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. to Paris then on to Atlanta. It will take a while to comprehend all we have experienced here, but the most profound impression is how warm and generous the Syrians are. We assumed the folks we would be working with would be friendly, but everyone we’ve met from cab drivers to our hosts at the hotel to the guy who runs the fast food restaurant around the corner has been so warm and generous. Although Syria doesn’t have the same level of wealth as the U.S., it is obvious the Syrians enjoy life.
Language has not been a problem. Many Syrians have a bit of English and are more than happy to practice. What can’t be said is usually be worked out in other ways. We have seen many foreign visitors, but few Americans, which is a real shame. This place offers everything from 2000 year old Roman ruins to a mall that would fit nicely in Buckhead. Moving around the city is a breeze, unless you actually watch the cab driver weaving through traffic bumper to bumper—and horn to horn—with hundreds of other cabs. Even Jill was able to sit back and relax—well, maybe not relax, but not screaming hysterically.

Jill had her final session with the administrators who had come from around Syria to learn about inclusion. They worked hard trying to integrate the concepts of inclusion into an education system that until now has not provided disabled children with access. These people realize the difficult task ahead of them, but most seem ready to take on the challenge. After the session, there were gifts, photos and hugs. They all seem to appreciate the effort Jill has made to explain inclusion and provided a process.

We have met so many wonderful people it is sad to realize we will not see them on a regular basis. But there is always email and AAMAL, the organization that brought us here, is already working on ways to bring us back. This was a trip of a lifetime for us. To be in Syria, to work with some outstanding teachers and media people, to make what we hope will be lasting friendships and to realize, yet again, what a small world we live in.

P.S. Jill is on her way out to go shopping with the vice-president's (not Biden) daughter-in-law. Her husband, Ali, the vice-president's son is the man for whom we have been working the last two weeks.