Ramadan Ends...Eid Begins

Tuesday and Wednesday have been full of anticipation concerning when the month of Ramadan would conclude with Eid. The school was informed that we would begin the weekend starting Wednesday and would wait till Wednesday night to hear for the announcement at 9p.m. if he “moon watcher” in Saudi Arabia has had a visual on the moon that would determine when Eid would begin and conclude.

Tuesday consisted of another day of preparation at GSAD for the first day of school. The first day of school is right around the corner. It is amazing to think that I am apart of such an important time in Abu Dhabi. I am helping build the foundation of a school that will set standards for all schools around and schools yet to be built in the area. I couldn’t think of a better situation for myself, a first year teacher straight out of my undergraduate. What an opportunity for an upcoming teacher who is just getting started in a career that will rewarding for years to come.

I have been fortunate enough grow up in a house full of teachers. I have been learning since day one. My parents are the most amazing parents in the world who have taught me the ins and outs in life. They have truly prepared me for this new chapter in my life.

Wednesday was the first day of what was going to be our five-day weekend. It was anticipated that it would only be a four-day weekend until Thursday night when the “moon watcher” sent the announcement that Eid would conclude on Sunday evening, giving us in schools Sunday off. The first days of Eid were quite uneventful, with the exception that I was now allowed to walk around with water/food in hand and shops would be open during normal hours of the day. The Hilton was booked solid beginning with the first day of Eid, equaling complete chaos in the breakfast buffet in the mornings. This was a bit overwhelming not getting my 2 omelets in such a timely fashion hahaha! After having my standard issue breakfasts I typically either made my way to the gym or to the beach for a little dip in the gulf. Following my routine, I headed down the elevator from the 4^th floor and looked directly to my right to the 38 story building under construction and saw probably 400 men running away from the building. I began to run 5 different things that could have possibly been happening: a)building falling over = I die; b) bomb = I die; c) something very big falling; d)they are on lunch break; e) time to catch the bus or shuttle. I went up and down the elevator to the 10^th floor 4 times to try and figure out what was going on…kinda scary yeah?

Thursday night I found out that Etihad Airways (the airline I flew in on from Chicago) is giving us individuals who flew in through ADNOC (our school funding company) the credit for the miles and our stay at the Hilton. This was great news because of the fact that ADNOC pays for it all and for our future flights, but we are going to receive the credit miles for it (3 one way flights to the states=one free flight). Just another benefit for working for a high powered oil company that doesn’t mind throwing money around like oil pours out of their gas pumps.

Thursday night I made my way down to tourist club area with a couple colleagues to walk around and be in the city with the locals, along with a dinner at a awesome Indian Restaurant. We took the bus down and my oh my was that an experience being squeezed in like a sardine with one hundred other people. One interesting fact about the bus system in Abu Dhabi is that females ride on the front of the bus and males on the back. Females are given the right on all accounts, including lines (they are allowed to cut in line no matter how long it is). After a nice dinner full of new food and a long couple of bus rides, I finally was back at the old nest.

Friday morning I received a much needed phone call from THE lady, Miss Cassandra Joelle Bishop and got to talk to her for a little while. She was a bit down and had a day where it seemed to have really hit her. She has not had a day like that to my knowledge for a while with her being so busy. The beautiful thing in a relationship is that when one is hurting, the other is strong. I have more than enough days of hurt since I have been here and she has been nothing but strong for me. It was time for me to be strong for her. We both go through our phases of emotional hurt and we have each needed to turn to each other, the Lord, the Word or all three. None the less, it has been a struggle that has left us with no choice but to ask for help and become stronger individuals within ourselves, with the Lord and with each other.

Friday was a very relaxing, fun filled day. Layla and Stuart (a newlywed couple at GSAD) invited myself and a couple other colleagues form GSAD on their boat with their other friends. Not knowing what to expect, I was all for it and all for getting out of the hotel and onto the water with some people who have been living here for a while. A total of twelve people joined as we made our way out to a deserted island. When we made our way out to a random island it was time to throw anchor and make our way onto land. It was amazing how deep we could be in the gulf, but still be waist/chest high in water. Treading the gulf waters to land was quite the experience. As we walked trough the water, you would not believe what flew by a mere 50ft in front of us. A flamingo flew overhead! I haven’t seen a flamingo outside of any American zoo! It was by far the best part of the day. After settling and setting up umbrellas for the occasional shade, we made our way out into the gulf to relax and get to know each other. I met some amazing people, from Sudan, England, Canada, Texas and the UAE.

I was able to hear some amazing stories and pick some brains about the area. Made some golfer contact with they guys and a regular Wednesday night golf get together. One of them is a manager/pro at a small golf course in town and we got to talking. He told me that I need to take advantage of the lack of amateur golf talent in the area and attempt to qualify for the European Tour event that comes through the Dessert Swing every year and hitting here at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. What an experience that would be, to be able to have the opportunity to play a tour event in Abu Dhabi on national television. The opportunities seem to be endless so far and am so very thankful I stuck it out.

I plan on going in Sunday to GSAD to start a bit early and help set up the classroom. I want to be fully prepared for Tuesday. I have my own classroom! I am a 5^th grade teacher! Is this real life? I am now in the real world! God is good!

Looking forward to talking to family and friends tonight on skype and get updates on life back in Oregon. Hope everyone is good and healthy. Talk soon! A&F