Life here has been very busy for the last month. In my new role as Head of Faculty, I've been assisting with lots and lots of teacher evaluations. All staff must have at least one prior to the end of the first trimester. My heart always fills with joy when I visit classrooms, whether here or at home. I see the workmanship and love teachers put into their students. Teaching is a hard job that often goes unappreciated by some other professions. If you ever want to smile or are having a hard day, just go visit a kindergarten classroom. Smiles and joy are everywhere!
 |
| Here is a second grade classroom that I visited that was putting on a play |
Each day is always a challenge...especially here with the language barrier. I'm honored to have so many good, hard working teachers here that make my job easy....well most of the time. There are days that make you wonder....what was I thinking, but as a whole I love what I do everyday. God continues to bless me each day and I'm thankful :)
This week is a special time here in the UAE...National Day celebrations. The UAE has only been an independent country for 43 years, previously controlled by England. Their influence can still be seen today in the intense love for tea here and even in the spellings of words (i.e. colour). I am attaching a few pics from the celebrations:
Now, as I'm sure most of you are aware, there has been a murder of an American teacher in Abu Dhabi. I did not know the female teacher involved in the incident and have never been to the mall where the event occurred. I live about and hour and a half away from the city of Abu Dhabi where it happened. From what I've read in the local newspapers, some are saying there was a verbal altercation in a restroom that led to the horrendous act....not terrorist related. For all my family and friends who are worried, violence is very rare here and I feel very safe. I would feel safe walking to the grocery store for a loaf of bread at night in my neighborhood. No worries...I'm always very careful. This isolated event was a tragedy for the woman and her twin children. Please pray for her family and that the guilty person is brought to justice. Things like this make us all a little more cautious and hold our loved ones closer. Continue to pray for my safety and for God's will to be done in my life. I miss you all dearly and look forward to the next time I see your smiling faces :) Until we meet again!
