Exactly one week from today, I will be landing in Atlanta and my big adventure in Abu Dhabi will come to an end. This final week is very bittersweet. I've learned so much about myself, other cultures, and other religions by living here. Before coming here, I didn't have a passport and had never lived anywhere other than South Georgia. This adventure has shown me that there's so much more out there in the world.
Most people where I lived in Georgia really had no idea where Abu Dhabi was located, but were very supportive of me and sent many prayers my way while here. I appreciate so much all the kind words and prayers for me. I've lived almost 8,000 miles away from everybody and everything I know and love for the past three years. God has blessed me with good friends here to support me on those really tough days. Those friends span all age ranges, nationalities, and religions. He has shown me there are good people everywhere. He put these people in my path just when needed. He has also shown me that I'm a lot stronger than ever thought....God knew it.
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| Front of our school. Written in English and Arabic. Most signs here are bilingual. |
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| Back of our school. Notice the solar covers that help keep the area cool. |
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| Our reception area...lobby |
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| Buses look different here. |
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| Our canteen....lunchroom. No hot meals are served here. Most students bring lunches from home. A local company sells sandwiches, juice, and water to students. |
My school family has been a major support system for me while I have lived here. I live in Al Ain, which is about 1 1/2 hours from the city of Abu Dhabi. My school, Al Wagan KG & Cycle 1, is located approximately one hour drive away from my apartment. There is no teacher housing there, only locals have homes there. All teachers live in Al Ain and make the long commute out to the remote school each day. Al Wagan is located very closely to the Oman border. It is a small, rural agricultural community with limited educational opportunities for its citizens. This community is very traditional. At Al Wagan KG & Cycle 1, most of the staff is comprised of women. Mr. Fayez and the security guards are the only males in our building.
The staff at the school has been very welcoming to me and I consider them my sisters and friends. If I ever needed anything, they would be there for me in a flash. They've taught me that you can show love for people even if you don't speak the same language. A smile, hug, or kiss on the cheek speaks volumes. Each morning I greeted the staff with a handshake or kiss on the cheek depending upon how close I felt to them. People here believe that a handshake between two people makes all the bad things fall to the side and it's a fresh start to the day. A kiss on each cheek means that the recipient is very close to you. I've learned to speak Arabic words and they smile when I attempt them....yes, I speak them with a Southern accent. They love me even if I'm mispronouncing it badly.
An important part to this culture is eating...just like Georgia. Families and friends share food and time together regularly. In the South, we prepare fried chicken, etc. Here the food it a little different and took some getting used to for this Southern belle. Lots and lots of chicken cooked in all different ways. The food here is reflective of the mixtures of the cultures present. Indian and Emirati foods are very popular here. I've learned to like falafel, nan (bread), biryani, and freshly made hummus (nothing like the kind in America....this is totally amazing). When we have staff celebrations, there's always lots of food. The best cooks bring their best wares and I must admit that I've become more adventurous in trying the dishes. Had I stayed in Georgia, these new foods would have never experienced.
At work, my dress has been different for the last three years. I have to be covered to my ankles and at least below my elbow...I usually am covered all the way to my wrists. I wear long skirts and long sleeve shirts from America. I can't show any cleavage or my shape, so clothes are loose. I am not required to cover my head with a shela or wear an abaya at my school. While living here, I've tried to be respectful of the dress codes and the rules here. Showing some leg and arms at work will be different for me.
I will be sad to no longer see my friends here and spend time with them, but the end of the adventure is near. The past few weeks here have been very challenging. The exit process has been trying at times. The amount of paperwork can be a little daunting. There are many signatures which have to be received to make sure you have paid all your bills, been cleared by your housing, electricity, internet, cell phone, health cards, etc. Many offices have to be visited (some more than one time) and for days endless running around. I finally finished mine earlier this week. It's the last hurdle before leaving. I'm mentally and physically exhausted from the process. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I will look back on this adventure with great joy and love. God brought me here for a reason and used me while I was here. Not sure why I was here, but he does. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this chapter is meant to end and now it's time for the next chapter and the next adventure. I'm excited to be back in my home again and close to my life long friends and family. Looking forward to all my favorite foods and lots of fresh veggies. New challenges will come with the transition back to living in the US. I ask for your prayers during this transition time. This will be my last blog from afar....Thank you for being loyal and reading about my adventures. All the sweet comments and well wishes have kept me going. Hopefully I will get to meet you all face to face soon....Hugs and kisses :)
