Inshallah

'Inshallah' is a term used in Arabic that means "God willing."  For example, one might say, "I will see you this weekend, Inshallah" or "It will be in the mail tomorrow, Inshallah."  From what I hear, this is a word used way too often and can be misinterpreted by expats like me (because things just don't happen in the rest of the world on the same timeline as we are used to in the United States.) 

I am learning all about the 'Inshallah' in my life.  It looks like we will be flying out sometime between August 8th and 11th, give or take a few days, Inshallah.  I also do not know exactly what city we will  living in, what my school will be, nor what grade I will be teaching.  I will find out all of these very important details out when I get there, Inshallah.  As I am the type of person who likes to be in control and have a schedule and a list (and stick to it!) I am trying to give all of that over to God since I know He is ultimately in control.  It's always easier said than done!

This is a map showing where in the world we will be living.  Stay tuned...

WE'RE MOVING TO ABU DHABI!!!

To go or not to go, that was the question.  Mark and I spent months researching, praying, weighing the pros and cons, and imagining what life will be like in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.  It’s now official.  We made our decision.  We will be moving sometime next month (August) to the other side of the world!

One definition of an escapade is, “a daring or adventurous act, often one that is disapproved of by others.”  Telling people, especially family and friends, what we will be doing has been a difficult task; some are excited, some are worried, some think we have lost our flipping minds.

Let me clarify what we will be doing there for those of you who are hearing about this for the first time.  Over the last four years, the Abu Dhabi Education Council has hired thousands of teachers from Western English-speaking countries to come in and teach their children, so that they can be more competitive in the global market.  They offer a nice salary and many benefits, including: free housing and furniture allowance, free health insurance, free yearly flight home, and a bonus.  I am one of the lucky teachers who was hired this year and we are super excited to take advantage of this amazing opportunity!

Mark and I will both be leaving our jobs here, pulling the kids out of schools they love, and leaving our support system of family and friends.  When we get there we will be moving into and furnishing a new house, starting new jobs and schools, making new friends, and dealing with the unknown (which is the scariest part.)

We are now in the process of sorting, packing, selling, and storing all of our worldly possessions.  What a task!  My to-do list is pages and pages long!

I am asking you for your prayers for this huge transition in our lives.  Please pray that we will acclimate well to this new culture and life.  Please pray that we continue to seek His will and make the right decisions for our family along this journey.

I will do my best to update this blog as often as I can with pictures to document our adventures.  Thank you for your support along the way and WE WILL MISS YOU!!!

~Elizabeth~