Temporary Assignment

My school placement is in Ghyathia, Al Gharbia at Al Mottahida all girls school. I believe I will be teaching 6th math. I am excited about my new job opportunity however I am not teaching there as of yet. For now the housing situation for the EMT's of the West have been placed on hold. The hotels (2) are completely full and the apartments have not been cleared for placement. So I am unable to move there to start my assignment. So for now I have been placed in a temporary assignment at Al Qimma School teaching 5th grade boys. Initially I was upset. Getting use to a new culture, language and rules is challenging enough and then having to adjust to your students only to be pulled away and have to go through that adjustment period again and again is even more challenging. Then I realized, this is not about me. God's will for my life will ultimately be done...it will either be done smoothly or kicking & screaming! I choose smooth transition!!! 

I feel that there is a reason for this process and I may not know the reason but I will simply go with the flow. I know in my heart that His will doesn't always match my desires for my life. The moment we realize the God is in control and we turn over to Him the reigns of our lives...our lives will be better off. You cannot guide your live better then God so why do we try. Since going to the temporary assignment I have enjoyed a wonderful experience of teaching. Yes! Enjoyed! A year ago you would not have heard those words come from me. I was miserable in the public school system and wanted out! God place the right people in my life to guide me to this new adventure. I love it and Him!!! 

The school is nice and the staff is friendly. I get to see students work hard and learn new things. No! it is not perfect by no means. Whenever you interact with other human beings their lives is imprinted on your life. If you do not stay focused on your higher power, your guide you will fall prey to the worlds problems, issues and stresses. We cannot allow other peoples "imprint" to penetrate out thoughts and cause issues in our lives. I trust God's will for my life and believe that all will work out the way it is suppose too. I may not be able to see the future or know when or if I will be going to Ghyathia but what I am sure of is that where ever I end up is where God wants me to be. I have been praying that I stay in Abu Dhabi at the temporary placement school however I will humbly go where I am lead to go. Following His will for my life.

This process is truly not for the soft hearted, the impatient, the control freak or even the logical thinker because nothing will make sense to you. You have to learn to relax and go with the flow and TRUST that His will will be done in His time...not yours!!!

Til next time   

Slow Moving

So! I have been in this country since August the 28th and as of today I still live in a hotel out of my suitcase. The process is slow but it doesn't have to be frustrating, it's all about what you make it. This country is all about inshallah (if Allah wills it). No one rushes to do anything except for taxi drivers...everywhere else is all about being patient. Banks and other establishments have you taking a number. It doesn't matter if you're in a hurry, the process will take as long as it takes. Coming here will truly require a change of mindset and a lot of patience.

Cost to live is actually very reasonable as it is compared to life in the US. A friend purchased (2) dresses, purse, lamp, 12 piece pots & pans set, blanket, shower rod, a bunch of kitchen stuff, baskets, scented oils, food and a microwave for $254 US (932 dirhams)...AMAZING!!! Yes! There are things that you have to adjust to...a new way of thinking and a new way of living (laws) but overall it is worth the experience.

So often when we venture out into a new job, location or experience we have expectations for it. Then sometimes we are disappointed because we fail to realize that the idea to venture out was not your decision it was His will to even plant the idea in your mind. If we keep in mind that His will is what we should live by then all things will be received with peace and understanding. Sometimes we allow the human side of us take over our decision making and reasoning skills. This becomes a problem after a while because nothing truly goes according to our plan only His plan.

So if you are planning to take on a knew challenge in your life remember to first PRAY about and ask for His guidance. Quiet your thoughts by sitting still and letting His will to show you where to go and what to do. It can be challenging sometimes because most of us look for instant gratification. We want things right now! Patience is not really our forte' but if you can master the ability to wait on Him amazing things can happen in your life. Don't worry about what other people think because they are not paying your bills and taking care of you. Most will have something to say about the things you do anyway because they are unable in their own lives. Stay strong and trust in God...He will never leave you or let you down.

Til next time

Patience

Patience seems to be a word that is WIDELY used in Abu Dhabi. They do things here at a snails pace and without stress. On one hand I absolutely love it but on the other hand I have had my moments where it has driven me crazy. In the US everything is rush, rush, rush and the level of stress is outrageous. If you cannot control your stress level you may end up with high blood pressure, hypertension, headaches, heart issues and so many other ailments. Over here the relaxed atmosphere will happen...in the words of Allah "Inshallah" which means "if Allah wills it". No one seems to be in any hurry.

I did my medical check up today and on Wednesday (09-04-2013) I have my School Operation Orientation. It's funny because back in the states they try to cram everything into a two workshop leaving you more confused and stressed then you were before it started. I like the fact that they take as many days they deem necessary to get the job done. Not sure when I will learn about my school placement and my housing but until then I will simply enjoy the luxuries of the Aloft Hotel and all its amenities.

This process takes time to develop so if you are thinking about taking this journey one day remember your patience will be tried and tested...but know in the end all will be accomplished "stress-free".

Til next time