Hannah and Colleen bring along the amazing and talented Steve, who has been learning and speaking Kurdish for many many years. He shares with us about the history of Kurdish, the various dialects/languages that are part of Kurdish, and some of his own experiences speaking the language.

To learn more go to: www.ServantGroup.org

We all know that some words are not easy to translate into other languages. People collect these words and make lists of them (see here and here). But most of the time these words are used quite rarely, like Gokotta -- to wake up early in the morning with the purpose of going outside to hear the first birds sing. It's a beautiful thought, but not terribly practical. 

The word we discuss in this podcast is a term that describes something that affects nearly all of Kurdish culture and behavior. Hannah and Colleen give a try at explaining "wasta". There are many more layers to it than this, we promise. There are even some we've never discovered we're sure! But this is enough to get you started. 

When your friend says, "Oh, he has wasta," you'll know, rather than staring blankly or doing that thing where you nod and smile but don't know if you should.  

Remember to send Hannah your Kurdish language questions or any other questions you might have at hannah@servantgroup.org!

You can learn more about SGI at www.ServantGroup.org or on our FB page https://www.facebook.com/servantgroupinternational/?ref=bookmarks

Hannah and Colleen tell stories about their many sporting experiences (playing and coaching) in Iraq and how they are both in love with the World Cup, because it is the best.

Topics mentioned are Messi, the World Cup, Volleyball, Messi, Michael Jordan, Basketball, Messi, soccer, and, of course, Messi. =D

If you'd like to learn more about living and teaching in Iraq, head over to www.ServantGroup.org

What do frogs, fire, and the Odyssey have in common?

Hannah and Colleen remember the adventures of each of their first years teaching in Iraq. Thanks to Julia for suggesting this topic. It had us wandering down the road of memories and how both of us had unusually strange first days of school. But moving on from there we talk about some of the biggest differences from American school culture.

Please write and send us more questions! hannah@servantgroup.org
Or learn more at servantgroup.org!

Hannah and Colleen hesitantly bring you their small understanding of Islamic holidays and how these holidays affected their lives while living in Iraq. We did some research for this one, and there are many interpretations of how and why and when for these holidays and we can't promise that we got it right. But we did experience these celebrations and festivals. And if you go to Iraq, you'll run into them as well.

Let us know if you have questions! Email us at hannah@servantgroup.org or check out the Servant Group International Website at www.ServantGroup.org.

When you think about weather in Iraq you probably imagine a hot desert and sand dunes. Is that accurate?

Hannah and Colleen take you through their favorite and least favorite seasons of the year (yes, there are seasons!) as well as the political implications of the weather.

To learn more or get involved head to ServantGroup.org.
Send questions to Hannah@ServantGroup.org.

Hannah and Colleen have guest star and fellow SGI alumnus, Katrina, on to talk about one her favorite things, the bazaar. A place of wonder and mystery, goat heads and amazing bargains, there's no one better to navigate the maze than Katrina. We only wish we could somehow transmit the smells for a more three-dimensional experience.

Learn more at www.ServantGroup.org.

Hannah and Colleen take you on a trip to Kurdistan for the biggest and most popular Kurdish holiday. History, clothing, food, dancing, and most importantly... FIRE!

To learn more head over to Servant Group.org.

We bring on a guest, our friend and co-conspirator, to talk about friendships and relationships while living in Iraq. This applies not only to friendships with other people in Iraq, but also how we deal with relationships with those back in our home country.

Want to learn more? Check out servantgroup.org/iraq/!

Hannah and Colleen start with Valentines Day and move through the year to touch on combined Halloween/Thanksgiving parties and finally the great Christmas massacre!

Learn how you can get involved at www.ServantGroup.org!