at home in the desert

An update: We are settling into our new home. We have been in Abu Dhabi for a little over two weeks. But, it seems as though we have been here for much longer, because it just feels so comfortable. We are right at home in the UAE. In fact, we just took part in the 42^nd National Day celebrations on December 2, complete with house-sized flags and silly-string-covered cars. It was quite the sight. And, although we can hardly lay claim, we felt a little fluttering of national pride.

We are sure that a great deal of our comfort comes in having a church community. We are lucky to have a beautiful building to meet in, constructed by the church and dedicated in February of this year. Our church meetings are held on Friday, which is the holy day here in the UAE, and our ward is awesome. It is an eclectic ward, culture-wise, with members from France, Spain, the Philippines, Sweden and more. This past weekend, we were invited by one of the young American families in the ward to a Thanksgiving party, with all the comforts of the USA. Roughly 13 adults and more kids made for a very merry Thanksgiving.

Brooke started teaching the day after we arrived, which led to an absurdly early waking hour of 2am for about a week. Luckily, that has subsided. The campus, Al Reef Institute of Logistics and Technology, is in Zayed Military City. The students are all Emirati men, ages 18-24, roughly. Brooke is in love with her job, and we're in love with our life here.

We are still arranging housing, but we anticipate moving into a villa around mid-January. We’ll have an extra bedroom…so, book your flights now!

and so it begins

We landed in Abu Dhabi about two hours ago. We are safe and cozy in our hotel. So far, everyone has been incredibly gracious, friendly, and helpful. We couldn't be happier. More detailed updates are soon to follow. Sending love to our friends and family on the other side of the world.

the waiting place

It seems fitting to begin a blog about international travel with a post about waiting. Waiting as people on the other side of the planet take action, or don't take action, that determines your fate.

The most common question we hear these days is, "Do you know when you're leaving, yet?" Often, the question that follows our response of "no" is, "Are you worried?" 

While we have both had brief moments of concern and of discussing back-up plans, for the most part, this feels like a routine element of moving and living abroad. So, it's less about being worried, and more about being in the waiting place. We feel a little stuck, a little bored, a little frustrated, a little antsy, a little lethargic, a little trapped, and very, very ready to go. 

It also seems fitting that this blog about international travel isn't starting how we thought it would start: with a post from Abu Dhabi about all of the newness around us. Instead, as often happens with journeys, things are not as we expected them to be. But, we are living, happily, with the way things are. 

And, so, for all those wondering, here is an update:

We have finally received the entry permit from Abu Dhabi immigration. We are currently--waiting--for an exact departure date. But, it looks like we will be leaving within the week.

Until our trip East...