Summer's End

The summer is officially over for me :(  We decided to go home (US) for the summer even though we've only been here for 5 months.  Brian and I booked a trip to Jamaica to celebrate our 12 year anniversary so even if we wanted to change our minds we couldn't get a refund on our trip, so, why not?  Ive never been to Jamaica and have always wanted to go.  I HAD THE BEST TIME!!! The resort was beautiful, the weather awesome and the company of my husband was much needed.  Also, we decided that if we want to be financially free that we need help so we hired a financial counselor.  Our first appointment is next week so we needed to get all our frivolous spending and extravagant vacations out the way. lol.

We had my daughter's birthday party in Hinesville.  She shared her party with my godson.  That too was pretty awesome.  My friend, godson's mother, did an awesome job.  All I really did was send her money (that's my kind of party planning- lol).  I felt bad for my son though.  We left to go to the UAE two days after his birthday and I really didn't have the time (or energy) to give him a birthday party.  We do parties every other year and the way it has turned out we do 2 every other year (one per child), but it looks like we may now change that to 1 every year (one per child) since my son did have one this year.  It should be a little cheaper this way, we will see.

We decided to take another detour through London on our way home.  We didn't realize that we had to take ALL of our luggage off the plane in London.  Apparently there is a new rule that if your layover is more than 8 hours you have to take all your luggage off and check them back in at the connecting flight.  We had 9 checked bags and 3 carryons.  This proved to be a very difficult task.  The terminal for our connecting flight required us to take 2 trains and trolleys are not allowed on the train.  Brian and I had to carry all 9 bags between the two trolleys.   We had the kids holding the doors open and screaming for us to hurry up.  Im laughing now, but I was one hot lady.  When we got to the counter our flight wasn't even available to check our bags through self check in because we were 16 hrs early.  Our connecting flight was very gracious and did not charge us another over baggage fee because I explained that I didn't know I had to take our bags off the plane.  After finally doing an early check with our bags we check our carryon bags at a place in the airport that "watches" your bags, for up to 24 hrs., for a small fee.  This time we had a 16 hr lay over and decided to catch the big bus tour to get a quick glimpse of London.  Even though it rained it was well worth the trip.  

I start teaching one week before most teachers here in the UAE go back because I am a new teacher and my school has a separate orientation geared especially for new teachers.  I hope it is worth it!  Hopefully this will give me more time to get over jet lag and decorate my classroom.

Jet lag is a beast. 

Our home

Below is a quick video of our home in Greenland Compound.  We were originally assigned to Hili, which is a beautiful compound, but Brian said he felt like he was on the set of "Good Times" going into the compound.  The buildings are 5+ stories high and it is brick city.  There is no green space and no pool.  He asked to be reassigned but at the time the only thing available was a 2 bedroom apt. (flat) in Greenland so we took it.  We were told at the end of the current school year we can request a transfer since there will be a lot of people ending their contracts.  We really like Greenland, there is a huge green space in front of the pool that the kids play soccer in, the pool is shaded most of the day and the living room is huge, and the ceilings are at least 15 ft. high.  I hope we can get a 3 bedroom here, if not, we may just keep the 2.

Greenland kiddie pool

Greenland adult pool

Weight room in Greenland

Available activities in Greenland

View from upstairs hallway

Play area and green space for soccer outside pool area

Hili

Hili playground

Week 1 and DONE!

I've actually been in school for 3 weeks, but this is the first week with students.  All new teachers started school the week before returning teachers came.  I was presently surprised to see that I was 1 of 2 African American teachers hired this year.  There are about 20 new teachers (not too unusual for an international school), but only 2 blacks?  The other teacher is from Houston, Texas.  I swear I think people only recruit from Atlanta and Houston. lol.  We had almost no time to work in our classrooms as we were in training just about every day.  The school I teach at is an IB (International Baccalaureate) School and they just received full accreditation for their DP (diploma program- grades 11 and 12).  This year they will focus on MYP (middle years program- grades 6-10) and I have the honor of teaching both 8th grade science and 10th grade biology.  The school is divided into 4 buildings on one campus.  The campus is HUGE.  There is a KG school, primary years school, boys school, and girls school.  The KG school and PYP (primary years program) are both mixed gender, so both boys and girls are in the same class, but once students reach grade 5 they are separated (this is a cultural thing here).  Once girls reach a certain age (around 5th grade) they need to be separated.  Fifth grade is still considered elementary (PYP) and still fall under PYP guidelines, but they are just "housed" in the other building and have their own "wing" to keep them separate from the older kids.

There are several administrators at my school and as someone has said, it's a bit top heavy, that at times you're not sure who to go to or who to listen to, but I'm sure I'll figure it out in time.  Unlike my classes in the US, I have to teach several subjects and in both the boys and girls school, so at times I find myself driving (did I say my campus is HUGE) from one building to the next to catch my class before it starts (none of the buildings are connected).  My son goes to the primary school and my daughter goes to KG school so I literally find myself in all 4 buildings almost on a daily basis.

Teaching in the UAE is definitely something to get use to.  Because the school has a newly accredited diploma program there has been several schedule changes, almost daily, to accommodate the new requirements for graduation.  I thought this was crazy, but apparently this is nothing new here.  Most of my classes have been easy to adjust to, but one class (my my my) is extremely difficult (please pray for my students).  They haven't realized that I can be that cray crazy black girl from America who refuses to let her students get away with foolishness, but as Kevin Hart has said, "They gone learn today!".

On another note, (yes I digress).  You may know that I decided to go the private school route since my work visa had not gotten processed, but if you didn't, now you do.  Why is it that on the 7th day of my first official week of school I get an email from my recruiter stating that i have cleared security and that if I still want to teach in the government school I should be able to report next week.  REALLY?  I have already registered my children for school, paid fees, purchased uniforms, decorated my classroom (well, ok, the nannies helped too) and now you tell me that I can come work with you.  Honestly, after thinking about my most difficult class I seriously thought about calling them, but I'm not quitter (at least not behind a difficult class). So... I'll give it a couple more weeks and see how things go.

Below is our week one dress attire.  Because I work in the boys school most of the time I have to have long skirts or pants, shirts that pass my elbow and my neck line should be covered.  Those of you that know me know that I am NOT a skirt/dress person, but with the heat here a skirt is much cooler than pants.

Those of you that know my daughter know that she LOVES to wear dresses, so she is in heaven.   

ADEC or Private School?, that is the question

Being here in the UAE and not working has given me a lot of time to research and investigate other options.  I found a great website (seekteachers.com) that advertises for private school positions.  I have applied and been offered positions at 3 different schools, 2 private and ADEC.  I went to one interview, I won't name the private school, but it was so unorganized it was ridiculous.  I had half the interview in the hallway with kids running around because they "forgot" to ask me a couple questions.  The administration was very nice, however they too did not have answers to my questions.  I thought to myself, "I'm interviewing you just as much as you are interviewing me".  When they asked what was my expected salary I told them and they (principal and vice principal) both sat back in their chairs and took a deep breath.  I knew at that moment, even after the chaos in the hallway, that this was not the place for me.  If I was going to deal with this mess, financially it had to be worth it.  The vice principal asked me to come in the next day and teach a class for 15-20 (now they still haven't told me the salary).  I agreed, mainly because I wanted to teach, I haven't taught since before Christmas break, and I wanted to see what a middle school boys classroom was like.  I can recall a coworker of mine who loved teaching her classroom of all boys, now that was back in the states and I have heard the exact opposite here.  I went to the school the next day with my own children, as I didn't have anyone to watch them.  My children were so well behaved, I was so impressed that I took them out for ice cream when it was over.  Well, needless to say, I rocked it!  The night before I began to stress a bit about what to teach.  I wanted it to be hands on, but didn't know their prior knowledge of any concepts.  I was told to teach "anything I wanted to".  The lesson I chose was food webs and food chains.  I had index cards with pictures and words of organisms and had planned to put them into groups and have them decide the order they should go in, then we would talk about the different ways to acquire energy, consumers, producers, herbivores, carnivores, etc.  Well, I went to sleep that evening and woke up not really feeling it.  I figured regardless of where they are in their curriculum everyone can use a  refresher on the importance of the scientific method.  Also, I didn't know if the class was a physical science, earth science or life science and this lesson would be appropriate regardless.  I searched for about 2 hrs the next morning looking this puzzle I usually do about the steps to the scientific method, but couldn't find it.  Then I decided to just cut out what I remembered (I've done this assignment at least 50 times).  After about 5 min I had it.  By this time I had 30 min. to get me and my kids dressed and out the door.  I cut out 5 more versions of the puzzle, got everyone dressed and off we went.  After the lesson I went to the HR department, that is also were my kids were staying until I finished and was told that I had the job if I wanted it.  Well the salary they told me was way below my ADEC offer (now I know public school always pays more, but this was ridiculous).  I told them I would have to talk to my husband and I would get back to them.  The next day I received a phone call and they not only decided to pay more, but they wanted me to be the science HOF (head of faculty).  I thought "wow", that's great, but it was still less than ADEC with no benefits and I would have to deal with this unorganized system, so I turned it down.  I just thank God that I am not to concerned about titles, I want to be in a place that I can grow, but also a place that is supportive and organized, at least a little.

The second private school I interviewed at (I actually interviewed with them first) was in Abu Dhabi. I really really like the school.  The campus has 4 buildings; boys school grades 5-12, girls school grades 5-12, elementary school (mixed boys and girls grades 1-4), and kindergarten school.   All four buildings have their own swimming pool, indoor playground (it gets hot out here), and theater.  The administration was awesome, they almost seemed to finish each others thoughts during the interview.  They were able to answer all my questions and even questions I didn't know I had until they answered them.  I left there loving the school and hoped they liked me enough to offer me the position.  Well they did, but now there was another issue.  As stated earlier the position was in Abu Dhabi, I live in Al Ain and my husband teaches here in Al Ain.  We asked about a transfer for him and were told no, he just got here and the window to request a transfer had already passed.  So, I called the school and informed them of this.  The principal called me back and stated that their Al Ain campus would be willing to take me if I wanted it.  I was so excited, but caution at the same time.  As I have experienced in the states, even though schools are under the same umbrella, they can be totally different.  I went to meet the principal and although not as pleased as I was with the school in Abu Dhabi, it was nice.  The campus  had a few more perks because it was built after Abu Dhabi.  I emailed the principal in Abu Dhabi and told her that I would have to withdraw my application with their campus and would like the offer from the Al Ain campus.  She stated that she hated to let me go but gave me a great recommendation, she encouraged me and also explained that they are building 3 more campuses in the Emirates within the next 2 years and that maybe we could work together again in the future.  Now, as far as pay, the pay is less than ADEC, as expected, but the benefits are great.  They offer free tuition for both kids, as well as everything else ADEC pays for; housing, medical, annual plane ticket.  So now our biggest dilemma deals with whether or not we want our children to go to a school that has 95% local students.  We are praying and waiting for God to show us the direction to go in.

Dud Missions and False Hopes

I know I said I was going to try and post to this electronic diary weekly, but honestly, I have been in such a rute lately that I just haven't felt like it.  Also, I post so much on Facebook it seems like Im working twice to give the same information, maybe Ill slow down on Facebook.  Well, I titled this post "Dud Missions and False Hopes" because a couple weeks (the day after I finally got our stamped visa in our passport) ago I found out that I am unable to teach until the upcoming school year.  I was originally told that once I get my official stamped dependent visa in my passport that it was just a matter of transferring it to a work visa, which could take 2-3 days.    I was told that I would now be hired as a local since I live here and may have to pay 500AED fee to apply.  When you apply internationally ADEC pays that fee. Yes, the person actually said, 2-3 days and even mentioned the 500 AED like he really knew what he was talking about.  I found out today that I still have to go through the same exact process I would have if I was still in the states.  On top of all this, ADEC sent out an announcement that if there is anyone still in security by the end of the week they would have to wait until next school year.  Honestly, that makes since, it's nearing the end of the year and anyone being hired now is really just collecting a pay check because the students stop coming at the end of May/middle of June, although I would have like to be one of those "pay check collectors".  So, I continue to wait for my weekly email from Teachaway that starts out "Sorry to inform you...".  In the meantime, I have learned how to effectively homeschool my children, Brian and I started working out with a group at the park 2 days a week, and my children and I spend at minimum 4 days a week at the pool.  So... I guess things could be worse, Brian continues to remind me that for the past 2 years all I said to him was "I really need a break" and now that I have one I don't want it.

The people here are very nice, for the most part, especially the younger generation.  Everyone is so fascinated with Anais' braids and beads it's funny.  We've even had people ask to take pictures of her hair.  Now I said, they know they would be offended if I asked them to take a picture of them with their abaya on, but I go along with it, no harm.  I just hope my daughters picture isn't plastered all over the internet- lol.  There are times, many times, that I almost forget that I'm in another country.

We finally made it

My children and I have been in here for a little more than a week.  When I say this process is crazy, I am not exaggerating.  Brian spent about 6 days running around like a chicken with his head cut off to get all the documents needed for us to travel as his dependent.  Yes, we are here as his dependent, my visa still isn't cleared.  When we made the decision to have us travel as his dependent I had mixed feelings.  On one hand I was ready to meet my husband in the sandbox, but on the other hand I felt like I was suppose to "tough it out" like the other 20 or so people in this same situation.  Needless to say, we decided to have us travel.  So, I am here and now I am running around like a chicken.  The level of communication is ridiculous.  One person tells you to go to one location while another says you don't need to go there but to some other place.  I told Brian we really need to put together some sort of pamphlet of something that can walk and expat through the process of getting their family residency visas.  Im seriously thinking about it.

We arrived one week before Brian's spring break, which was a blessing.  Brian was worried about me not getting the new teacher experiences,; being picked up from airport, living in a hotel, going through orientation, but I said being here with him was better than all of that.  He had to rent a larger vehicle to pick us up because 330+ lb of luggage would not fit in his little Nissan Micra.  We live in Al Ain so we had to travel more than an hour from the airport in Abu Dhabi.  Given that this is his spring break we wanted to do a couple things around here one being The Color Run 5K in Abu Dhabi which was Friday, we did and we had a blast!!  We also visited the Emirates Palace, Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, and a couple of souks, all without spending very much money, remember, I don't have a job- lol.  We are planning to do a day trip to Dubai next week, only about a 1.5hr drive  and a desert safari trip while he is still off from work.  My biggest concern right now is what to do with the kids when spring break is over.  I may have to try the homeshooling thing again, new location, less stress, we will see how that goes, pray for me- lol.

The culture here is a bit different.  Brian told me that things happen at night and I didn't really take much thought as to what he was saying.  Well, it is definitely a night culture.  It is too hot to do anything during the day, and from what I hear it is going to get much much hotter.  Most people don't come out until 8pm and stay out until 1-2am, even children.  We took the kids to the park a couple times around 11am and you see little babies (6-12 mon) playing at the playground like it is 1pm, just crazy.  Also, there are hundreds of what I call, impromptu picnics on the side of the road.  People will just pull over on a major street, park their cars and have a picnic, blankets, food, soccer balls and all, at 11pm.  In the US (at least on the East Coast) the malls usually close around 9-10pm, not here,  they stay open until midnight at least.  Brian says, "...and you wonder why the kids are tired in school".  The school day starts around 8am.

I'm still here...

I am still in Atlanta, Ga. You ask why, so do I- lol. No, seriously, I was told by others that are there that this is the most frustrating process throughout this entire adventure. Brian and I were originally told that we would be leaving between Dec. 26-28. We were both soooo excited about spending my birthday in Abu Dhabi, but we had planned a trip to Disney World over a year ago and didnt know what to do. Well, we found out mid December that our voyage was postponed until mid Jan. so we enjoyed our Disney vacation. It is now March 1st and I (yes, only me and kids) are still here. Brian received his golden ticket and visa on January 28, 2014. We were contemplating on whether or not to have him wait for me to get my ticket, but we decided to "let him go", I am soooo glad we did. My question to our agent was how could our paperwork not be submitted together when I personally emailed/mailed all necessary documents together. All my agent could say is "It is out of our control, visa processing is a government entity", so I continue to wait. If I had not been a teacher we all could have been dependents on Brian's contract and could have flown together, but since I have to obtain my own work visa our tickets are processed separately. I said that to say, if you are thinking of teaching oversees and you are the only one teaching, things should be much better.

Living on the edge has been the biggest frustration of all. I have literally been living my life, one day at a time since January 15th. I refused to purchase a gallon of milk because the thought in the back of my mind has always been, what if I get a ticket tomorrow. Well, that has now changed, I bought a gallon of milk, and I even registered my children for school. Yes, I put my babies in school here in ATL. That was a very depressing process because I didn't want to, but if you have to have a belt with you at the kitchen table to ensure that your 4 year old writes her name properly, without playing, there is a serious problem. I questioned why am I able to teach 100 seventh graders on a daily basis but get so frustrated with my own children. Now I understand why so many of my clients that requested tutoring were children of teachers.

I know my writing is "all over the place" but I told myself that I was not going to write another post until I got there but I also don't want to forget my emotional roller coaster that I am on right now. So... please bare with me as I ramble.

My first rant, I received an email from my placement coordinator that stated that they (Abu Dhabi Education Council and UAE Immigration) are trying to process everyone's visa so that the last group of people (about 20 of us from several different agencies) can travel around the same time and go through orientation together. My first thought was, "didn't you say that back in January?". Never the less, I got excited (hadn't been excited in a looong time) just to find out that my visa is STILL in security, really? What is the hold up? Spring Break for ADEC is Mar. 27- April 12 and I really hope to be there at least a week before so I can truly have a spring break, I guess we will see. Asa, my son, will have his 7th birthday on Mar. 19. This is the year of his party (we have a party every other year). He came to me a couple days ago and was upset that he won't have time to make friends to invite to his birthday party. I felt so bad for him, he's right, at the rate we are going, we may not even be there for his birthday. If that is the case, he can at least have something in his classroom here in Atlanta (makes me cringe just thinking about them going to school here).

Second rant, Brian told me the other day that he just didn't feel like going to the pool (he's still at the hotel) or doing anything without us. I really felt bad, but a little comforted in knowing that he has not "left us". Well, he posted a video of him sand surfing and I almost lost it. I was happy that he was able to go out and have fun, but upset that we were not there with him. I had so many emotions going through my head, if I expressed them now people would be calling the psych ward. This "testing of your faith" is serious business. I'm just glad that I have a Heavenly Father that has not forsaken me. (Prayer break- Lord, I take a moment to ask that you keep those that are in my current situation that do not know you, I pray that you cover them and keep them in the safety of your arms and that they come to recognize your divine power and authority, cause God, as my students would say, "the struggle is real"). Those of you that know me know that my conversations with God aren't all thou and thus and what not, I speak from my heart the way I speak to everyone else.

My third rant, everyone says, "spend as much time with family and friends, you'll miss them when you are gone". Well, you are right, but most of my friends are in Hinesville/Savannah so I cant even do that. My family that is here is working so it's just me and the kids for most of the day. I have never spend this much time on facebook before and I would now consider myself a facebook stalker- lol. I find myself checking the facebook group for us going every couple minutes just to see if anyone has gotten their "golden ticket". We are also trying to save money since it will be another month or so before I get paid in the UAE. But honestly, that has truly been a blessing. Those of you that know me I am so very serious about my finances. Given the circumstances that I grew up in I told myself that I would not be financially unstable again. Brian and I have not worked since December (a leap of faith) which in turn means no pay. Well, with the help of my church family (S/O to Connection Church) and obedience and direction from God, we have financially prepared for this journey (oh, Dave Ramsey's FPU as well). We have been able to pay our bills, give to others (on this same journey) money, give family money (did I tell you we have not worked since December), continue to pay our tithes and offerings, and we are still waiting for our tax return (last one for awhile :().  I say all that not to brag, but just to remind myself that God's Got Me! As I write this I feel my spirit being lifted, thank you Lord!

Now as I reflect on my ranting, I realize, there really isn't anything to rant about (see what I mean- emotional roller coaster- lol). Im not going to delete it, but this time has allowed me to reflect on the goodness of God. I know that God does not make mistakes and that I am His child, so I just pray that He will reveal (and if He chooses not to, give me peace) his purpose and I am able to run this race for His Glory.

Ok, on another note, Brian has received his apt. and furniture allowance, but (again, if you know us) he can not shop without me or my approval (its just like that).  Well a couple is leaving the UAE and have decided to sell their bedroom set.  I asked Brian to go look at it, long story short, he didn't have time because it was an hour drive away.  I thought for sure it would be gone since several people were interested.  Well, he called me the other day and told me he not only went to go see it, but he bought it, YEAH!!!  He hired a mover to deliver it and it was delivered about an hour ago.  The lady stated that she bought it for 20,000 AED (I was like- really, that would be our entire furniture allowance) and was selling it for 5800 AED.  Brian said, it looks and weighs like it cost at least 20,000 AED.  No he didn't pay the asking price, by baby can negotiate (got it from FPU).