The End is Near

That's right. The end is near. The end of the school year, that is.

The students stopped coming about 3 weeks ago, but teachers have to stay til July 12th. Many teachers have spent these last few weeks doing absolutely nothing. Some have been sitting around talking to their coworkers. Others filled their days with dancing, working out, eating, etc. My school? We've been spending these last few weeks WORKING.

I know. Lucky us, right?

Our principal has been working us pretty hard, getting ready for the next school year. We've been in PDs (professional development) since forever. I envy the teachers who've chilled. But, when September comes, we'll be the ones relaxing and not stressing while everyone else is working extra hard.

I hope.

We have one more week left. Honestly, my mind went on vacation mode about a week ago. Physically, I'm at the PDs, but mentally, I've already started my summer break. I don't have anymore left to give for this school year. My energy is gone. I'm done. I don't think I'm the only one at work who feels this way. And I think my principal notices. Or at least I hope she does. Thankfully, this last week is supposed to be an easy week.

Speaking of vacation, this may turn out to be the best summer so far. I'm going to Thailand for a week, then to the States to be with my family, whom I miss soooo much, and later, my sis and I will be in San Juan, Puerto Rico for a week. See why I can't wait to get this party started?

Last week in Dubai, I went to my 3rd concert since moving to AD. In October, it was Janet; December, it was Sade; June, it was Pitbull. This was my first (definitely not my last) Pitbull concert. I am a big Pitbull fan, especially his voice. I LOVE Pitbull's voice. *swoon*

Anyway, while waiting (forever, it seemed) they had a winner of some reality competition come perform. I don't remember her name, but then, she wasn't memorable. I don't understand why they had her, but whatever.

Karl Wolf, who was born in Lebanon, raised in Dubai, and resides in Canada, opened up for Pitbull. I'd heard of Karl Wolf before but this was my first time seeing him live. I loved his performance. I'm definitely a fan now.

Pitbull was an hour and a half late. So not cool. To be honest, I would've left had I not purchased fan pit tickets (where we got to stand close to the stage). But I wanted to get my money's worth, so I stayed. I am so glad I did. Pitbull made up for his tardiness. His performance was AWESOME! And boy oh boy that man is HOT. I've always thought he was cute and his voice was sexy, but seeing - and hearing - him in person has cemented it...Pitbull is one sexy man. The fact that I was right there by the stage made the concert even better! I'll definitely be going to another Pitbull concert in the future. Next up...Jennifer Lopez in November. Can't wait!

I've been to more concerts in less than one year than I've been in the last 15 years! Thank you, UAE!

KARL WOLF



PITBULL



 

Wanted him to take off those darn glasses so we could see his pretty eyes, but alas it wasn't meant to be.

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Friday Fragments: Episode 5 or "10 Things I Learned While in Morocco"

To learn more about Friday Fragments, visit Mrs. 4444's blog.

This edition of Friday Fragments (posted on Saturday) is bought to you by my trip to Morocco this past week. Before I get into it, I must say this: I've been on Spring Break. We get two weeks off, a much needed and well deserved break! The first week - this past week - a friend and I went to Marrakech, Morocco (LOVED it...details & pics later). The second week, my mom is here visiting. So yeah. Best. Spring Break. Ever.

And now, without further ado...

10 THINGS I LEARNED WHILE IN MOROCCO

* The Arabic accent sprinkled with French accent = Très cool! And when a gorgeous Morcoccan man speaks with said accent...sexy!

* Moroccans are beautiful people. Especially the men. GORGEOUS men. Lots of candy for my eyes to behold. Beautiful brown skin...sexy accents...some with gorgeous eyes...yeah, I was in heaven. :D

* Berber scotch = YUM! I had MANY cups of this tasty drink and didn't even get drunk. I mean, it could be cos Berber scotch is really mint tea, but whatev. Semantics, right?

* Locals love it when you express in interest in their language. When we tried words in both Arabic & French, they got excited. And they were so helpful when we asked about words we didn't know. They liked that we at least tried.

* Just cos Morocco is an Arabic country doesn't mean all Moroccans are Muslims. They are diverse in their religions from Muslim, to Christians, to Jewish.

* English is like the 4th language of Morocco. They speak Berber, Arabic, and French. And, if they really wanna venture out, then they learn English.

* Must. Learn. French. Enough said.

* Brown skin is beautiful. I've always known this. I mean, I love my own skin color. But being in a country full of brown skin people who love their skin and don't try to change it...priceless. Different shades of brown. Loved it!

* Climbing a mountain in white pants may not exactly be the smartest thing to do. In my defense, when I woke up that morning and dressed, I didn't know that's what we were going to do. By the time we'd decided and paid for the trip, I didn't have time to change. So I hiked in white pants. They didn't get too dirty, surprisingly.

* I WILL visit Morocco again. I am in love with that country.

That's it, folks. A more detailed post will follow during the A to Z Blog challenge!

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Today Is My 6-Month Anniversary!

Yep, that's right! Six months ago, I set foot on Middle Eastern soil for the first time in my life. I felt so many emotions at that time: fear, excitement, disbelief, and homesickness were most prevalent. I had absolutely no idea what God had in store for me. I just knew He led me here and I had to follow.

I've experienced many ups and downs in my first six months, but I must say, I do not regret following God. Honestly, my ups outweigh my downs. Or maybe it's just the outlook I chose to take. I'd decided to focus on the positives and not dwell on the negatives. I won't whine or stress when I experience rough patches cos I know it's the patches that will mold me into a powerfully victorious woman of God.

God has truly brought me a looooong way since this time last year. I'm so grateful He chose me to go on this journey. I've swam in the gorgeous waters, stayed in 5-star hotels, gone to awesome concerts, moved to a high-rise apartment (rent-free), bought things I'd originally couldn't afford, gone to Dubai several times, visited the tallest building in the world, rode on a camel, made some wonderful new friends, learned a little Arabic...and that's only in my first six months! There's no telling what God has in store for me the next six months. Whatever it is, I'm right there with Him, letting Him guide me, going wherever He tells me to go!

Here's to six more months (and more) full of awesomeness!

 

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Looking Back...Moving Forward

Happy New Year!

Can't believe 2012 is already here. 2011 passed by so quickly to me.

Looking Back

This time last year, I was struggling financially, trying to figure out if I should keep subbing or not, and having to move out of my beloved town home after the lease was up. I remember asking God what the theme for 2011 should be and Him telling me "Change." He told me I'd be going through some changes in 2011; some I'd like and some I wouldn't, but He promised He'd be with me along the way. Boy have I gone through changes - the biggest change being my move to Abu Dhabi.

I would have NEVER thought I'd be living on the other side of the world, away from family, friends, and everything I know. NEVER. And yet, here I am, a resident of the UAE. This move was obviously a God thing cos I wouldn't have done it on my own. It's definitely a HUGE step out of my comfort zone. Waaayy out of my zone. Like I'm not even in the same vicinity of my comfort zone. It's quite scary, actually, which is why I'm so glad I'm not doing it alone. God is right here with me, just like He promised.

By moving to Abu Dhabi, I took a giant leap of faith. I chose to go where God led me to go and I do NOT regret my decision. I'm loving it. Abu Dhabi is a beautiful place. And I've met some wonderful new friends. And I'm in a position where I have to lean on God and not my family. I've gone on a desert safari, rode a camel,tried new food, stayed in a few 5-star hotels, gone to 2 awesome concerts, visited Dubai several times, went into the tallest building in the world, lost 20 pounds, etc. I'm learning Arabic, teaching active, yet precious 3-4 year olds, living in a high-rise apartment (rent free), making tax-free salary, etc.

This time last year, I was broke, no money in the bank. Now, I have money in, not one bank, but TWO.

2011 was a monumental year in my life. 2012...2012 is gonna be even more awesome.

Moving Forward

I have goals for 2012. Some have to do with my health; some have to do with my writing; some have to do with my relationship with Jesus. I won't list all my goals, but here are a few:

• Lose 50 more lbs
• FINALLY finish novel #2
• Revise novel #1; start search for agents
• Use my spiritual gifts to glorify God
• Finish business plan
• Blog consistently

I also plan to do something "big" each trimester of my 1st year in AD. Last trimester, I went to see both Janet Jackson & Sade in concert. This trimester, I'm going to Morocco (in March). I haven't figured out what I'm going to do the last trimester of this school year, yet.

I can't wait to see what God has planned for me in 2012. Whatever He has planned, as long as He's with me, I'm good.

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I SURVIVED!

So, the first trimester is over. I'm back in Houston, relaxing and spending time with my family and friends who I've missed SO much!

All in all, I've enjoyed my first trimester as an AD LT (Licensed Teacher). There were challenges - and at one point I did think about moving back to the States - but overall, I'm glad I made the decision to move. I've been on a desert safari, to Dubai (several times), saw both Janet Jackson AND Sade in concert, not to mention I'm in a high rise apartment (rent-free), and making a tax-free salary. And my students are awesome. And I've met some wonderful people (both Westerners & Arabic).

I wonder what will next trimester bring? I know two things definite: I'm going to Morocco (March) & my mother's coming to visit me (April). I can't wait to see what else!

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Update

What's up, good people! Or should I say assalamu alikum! Long time, no blog right? I'm sorry. I've been here for almost 3 months. I thought I'd be writing and blogging consistently by now, but clearly not. Honestly, I haven't had much energy to do a lot of things, reading and writing included. Who knew teaching 25 three/four year olds could be so draining! The fact that English is not their 1st language (Arabic is) also makes things...interesting. I have an Arabic co-teacher but  she's pregnant and sometimes in and out.

I'm enjoying this experience, but the challenges we (the LTs...Licensed Teachers) face... Teaching here is definitely NOT for the faint of heart. If you're considering a move overseas to teach, think long and hard before you make your final decision. This emirate (Abu Dhabi) is in the midst of an educational reform, so of course things are gonna be challenging. Some like the reform...some do not. It's been met with enthusiasm as well as resistance. I can only speak from my experience, it's NOT easy. At all. It can be stressful. And draining. And sometimes, it leaves you wondering why in the hell did you do this. 

I have to be honest. Some of my students have very challenging behavior. I mean, what can I expect when they're allowed to do whatever they want at home and have no boundaries. Then add to that the fact that I have KG1 (like preschool), so they've never been in school. Rules and routines are new to them. AND, I don't even speak their language. So yeah, it's been draining. And we're only in school til 12:30. I feel more drained in the four hours here than I've ever had in 7.5 hours of school back home. 

Despite the challenging behavior, I absolutely adore my kids. They're my babies. And they're getting used to me. They see me as their teacher...not some random woman in their class who speaks an alien language. I'm either "Miss Raenice" "Abla Raenice" "Abla" or "Mualima". And I have a few who've grown attached to me. Like literally. They hold on to my dress or leg - or whatever they can grab - for dear life. And boy do they tug on my heartstrings. Just this week, I got a great big hug from one of mine who, at first, didn't want to come to school. And today, one of my boys gave me a flower he made during the celebration we had at school.

Flower from one of my babies

And I can't forget about the things I'm doing here that I haven't been able to afford to do back home. I mean, I was up front, clos and personal at the Janet Jackson concert - which was awesome, by the way. JANET JACKSON! And I'm going to Dubai this weekend. I live in a high-rise apartment for free. I'm not living paycheck to paycheck any more. And in March, I'm going to Morocco. And that's just a few things.

So I'm enjoying myself, challenges and all. I look at any challenge I face and remind myself that God is molding me for something big. I don't know what it is. I can't see it. I don't even know when it's coming. But I know He's preparing me. So I'm taking it all in stride. And my kids make it all worth it. Especially when I see the growth in them when it comes to their English vocabulary.

Do I recommend moving to Abu Dhabi to teach? If you can't handle constant change, not knowing things, a totally different culture, kids with challenging behavior, being far away from family, etc, then my answer is no. This move is not for you. BUT, if you're strong enough to handle these challenges, then my answer is a resounding YES. This can be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have!

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We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Program...

...ONE MORE DAY TIL I SEE JANET JACKSON PERFORM!!!!! PLEASE EXCUSE MY ALL CAPS WRITING, BUT I'M JUST SO DOGGONE EXCITED! That is all. Carry on... :)

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Busy Busy Busy - Part Uno

So, it's been almost 2 weeks since my last post. Boy, have I been busy! So busy, in fact, that I'm splitting this post into two.

First things first...the desert safari. Two words: So. Fun. I definitely recommend it when and if you ever come to this side of the world. Before we got started on our adventure, the drivers had to let some of the air out of the tires and the engines had to cool off.

After about 10 minutes, we got back in our vehicles and went dune bashing, which is when you drive up and down the sand dunes. It may not sound like much fun, but you'd have to see the dunes...like tall hills made of sand. Our driver, Yusef, was pretty cool. The ride was like a roller coaster: up, down, big drops, twists and turns. There were even times when it felt like the car was going to flip on its side. And since I was in the very back of the truck, I felt every bump. Here's a video of our experience. It can get quite bumpy.

We stopped to take pics of camels. On the ground, we saw what looked like black rocks all over the ground. It took someone (not me, thank God) to step on them to find out that those pebble-like things on the ground were actually camel poop.

Yes, this is camel poop...not rocks.

Three camels sharing a meal of yummylicious sand and poop.

The gorgeous sun set.

We had to take a break cos one of the trucks ended up with a flat tire (guess he let out too much air). Yusef was nice enough to stop and help the other driver out.

About 10 minutes later, we continued dune bashing. I admit, my stomach got a little queasy toward the end, but nothing happened. After dune bashing, we arrived at the area we were to spend the next few hours. There was camel rides, sand surfing, riding on ATV vehicles and, later, a yummy dinner under the stars. And the stars definitely shone that night. Because of Ramadan (Muslim month of fasting), they didn't have belly dancing, which I SO want to learn. Anyway, the desert safari was by far the best part of my move so far.

The rest of the week was filled with orientation and preparing the teachers for school (the vision, what we should expect as new teachers, do's and dont's, etc) They showed us a video of what Abu Dhabi should look and be like by 2030. My mind is blown away by their vision and the fact that God has chosen ME to be a small, yet significant part of it.

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