When I first came to Shababeek I was very nervous about language learning.  I figured the process would be discouraging and difficult.  By the first orientation I realized that Shababeek and the GPA process was going to be quite different.  These past 8 months of learning Arabic have been encouraging, fun, empowering and have opened doors to a new world.  I could not have asked for a better language learning experience.  On top of the incredible fact that I already can have basic conversations in Arabic, I feel Shababeek has also given me amazing friendships.  The nurturers have been my brothers & sisters who continue gently bringing me further into their culture.  I can say I love Arabic and never thought I would.