Arabic makes my brain tired

I finally got to start studying Arabic today.  I have a local woman coming twice a week for a month-until I can start classes at the institute where I teach.  One hour in, and I now know my alphabet-written and spoken.  Is is sad that I found this to be a quite difficult?  My brain is already tired!  However, I was quite proud of myself.  Now, lets see if it sticks between now and Tuesday (my next lesson). 

I also have picked up most of the greetings, can tell the dabab (local transportation) to stop, and can buy fruits/veggies at the nearby street market.  At this rate, I should be able to have a conversation, fully in Arabic, just in time for me to come home!

I'm so excited to learn this beautiful language and look forward to the day that I can communicate with people on the streets.  Until then, there's always, hello, goodbye, and God bless!