Well, I've been in Abu Dhabi a little over month now, and I like it here. I have supportive colleagues, wonderful students, LOTS of interesting things to do, not to mention the awesome friends I'm making! So far I've went on a desert safari, been dune bashing, ridden a camel, enjoyed some amazing food, watched a belly dancer, began training in parkour, found a board gaming group, played cards, hosted a stop in our flat crawl, went to a Great Gatsby Party, the Abu Dhabi Heritage convention featuring falcons and other hunting breeds, attended an Irish Brunch, and went on boat rides nearly every weekend, so I could go swimming in the Arabian Sea.
I know what you're thinking - 'but you moved to Abu Dhabi to teach and for the opportunity to learn more and grow as an instructor'! True story. And so, I am. As with every new school experience, there is a rather steep learning curve. Every program here is new to me EXCEPT the PYP! Writer's Workshop, Reading Book Clubs, Everyday Mathmatics. I've dabbled in each of these (ok, EM is completely new for me) but have never been as fully immersed. Not to mention we are now an iPad grade level, so I'm getting to learn how to utilize these new devices to enhance student learning. It's taking me a while to get the hang of it, but I'm learning! At the beginning of a school year it always takes time to organize things and feels like you're juggling a hundred balls at once, so your bound to drop a few. Just pick them up and keep on juggling!
I do miss home. I miss the forests, the climate, but most of all my family and friends. I have so many wonderful people who love me, I count my blessings every day during morning yoga. But, when it gets really bad, there are tastes of home. I am sitting here typing this at Starbucks as I enjoy a pumpkin spice Americano, thinking of my siblings and dear friends who are also fans of this coffee company originally from the Pacific Northwest but now world wide - kind of like me, I guess! So please don't worry, I am doing alright, but remember that I love and miss you. Please write or call me anytime. Oh, and if you feel the need to send care packages, I would be over the moon if I recieved some more Good Earth Tea, peanut butter M&Ms, jolly ranchers, Ritter Sport Chocolate, Kinder Surprise eggs, photos and anything hedgehog. ;-) But really, if you do want to call or write, message me for my mailing address or leave a comment on my blog requesting it! Ciao for now!
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