Year Three: Staring Bravely Into the Future

At the end of last school year, I was exhausted and needed to recharge my batteries and rejuvenate for the coming days.  Spending precious time with my girls, my Mom, and my friends this Summer have helped me do so. I feel so blessed to have you all in my life. Thanks for all the great meals, laughter, trips down memory lane, and words of wisdom shared this summer.  I truly couldn't have made it without you. Leaving home was extra hard this year...saying goodbye was difficult.

One of the hardest parts of working abroad is not having your family here.  I am fortunate to say that God has placed some good friends in my life here that act as my family.  We all look out for each like sisters and mothers.  As I look forward to the beginning of my third year here in the UAE, some of my family members have not returned this year.  Jenny O, I will so miss our deep conversations over pad Thai and Shake Shack :).  Even though you are far away, you will always be in my heart.

Today marks the end of my Summer vacation...sad to see my days as a woman of leisure ending.  The alarm will ring at 4:30 am and it's officially over.  I'm sad to see my Summer ending, but am excited to get back on a schedule and see what God has planned for my life this year.  Can't wait to see all my friends from school and catch up with them before the real work starts.  Laughter, hugs, and kisses will fill the entrance of my school tomorrow :)  

As you may recall from last year, I will be moving into a new role at Al Wagan...Cycle 1 Head of Faculty     (Grades 1-5) , which means I won't be in the classroom . Helping new teachers assimilate to the culture, curriculum, and teaching strategies will be my main job.  I look forward to working to help make my school the best it can be. I will miss the day to day interaction with the children, but know where to find my babies if I need a fix :)

There will be new administration staff this year since my previous principal went back to Ireland after completing her two year contract.  Since we are so far out in the desert, it is hard to find people who want to work here.  Hoping tomorrow to meet my new principal, but if not there, the Assistant Vice Principals (one Arabic and one English) and Heads of Faculty (KG and me) will have added responsibilities.

Change can be scary but is necessary to move forward.  Many challenges lie ahead for me professionally and personally . As the year begins, I'm asking that all my prayer warriors lift me and my school up.  God has a reason for me being here...I'm not sure why, but he does.  I just pray each day that his will be done through me.  I may be the only God others see so try my best every day to be a caring, compassionate friend and teacher.  Some days are harder than others and the road gets tough. I always remember that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I promise to take this journey with you and continue my blog for the third year. Until we meet again :)