I Pledge Allegiance...

Monday was my first day back at work after spring break and after getting the phone call with the job offer. As I stood with the class that morning reciting the pledge of allegiance, just like every single morning of school, it really hit me. What do they do in Abu Dhabi? Do they say something like a pledge? What will recess be like? Lunch? Will it be cold inside the building? Will staff meeting be in English?


Throughout the day my amazing staff family continued to come up to me with hugs, congratulations, and words of wisdom. It was bittersweet as I thought about the people I'll leave behind, but beamed with excitement  of my adventure ahead. Even with all those questions floating in my head, I knew I had made the right decision!


So as I tell people... here is a list of my most popular questions (with answers)
1: What will you do with your house?

• Shawn and I purchased our house two years ago and love it. It is perfect for us and we love living in Holly Springs. With a huge shopping center going up nearby (Target included..yay) and the town rated one of the best in the nation, we believe our house will rise in value. With all that being said... we will not sell. We plan on renting the house while we are gone. We would love to rent  to people we know, but if that can't be done, we will go through an agency that can keep an eye on the house. So...if you know anyone :)

2: What about your fur babies?

• This is the hardest part about it all. I love my family, but leaving my babies is difficult. At first, we planned on bringing the dogs with us. Yet, as we researched flight information, we found out that 50% of dogs die in transit. I am not risking that with my loves. Right now we are in the process of looking for foster homes for 2 years. We will continue to pay for medical expenses and food, as well a little extra. I'm already getting sentimental as I sit with them cuddled up next to me... but it will be worth it in the end. 

3: What will Shawn do?

• This is another question that has an answer we are working on. At the beginning of this year, Shawn decided to go back to school for engineering. He would have about 2 years left to complete his degree. Our hopes are that he can finish it while over there, so that when we return he will be ready to find a job. He has been on the phone all week with online programs, and even is trying to contact Abu Dhabi University. He also will look for a part time job, even if it is retail for a short time.   

4: Are you nervous?

• I think I would be crazy not to be nervous. Yes, but I am even more excited. I know in my heart this is what I'm supposed to do. Doesn't mean I'm not a little scared about a completely new culture and language halfway across the world! 

5: Where is the UAE and Abu Dhabi?

• The UAE, or United Arab Emirates, is located in the southeast part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a federation of seven emirates (like principalities), each governed by a hereditary emir (prince), with a single national president. The emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. The capital is Abu Dhabi, which is also the state's center for political, industrial, and cultural activities (Wikipedia). I hear temperatures are moderate throughout the year, around 75 Fahrenheit, but can reach 120 in the summer months. Of course I'll have to get used to the metric system and Celsius. Oh, and yes, it is near Dubai (about 2 hours).

6: What will you teach?

• Part of the Abu Dhabi education reform is English immersion of the core subjects. This means I will teach reading, math, and science to students, completely in English. As far as a grade goes, I put in a request for fourth grade. I cannot be placed outside my teaching license, with is for elementary schools. In August, I will fly over for a month of training. After that training, I will be given my school and grade assignment, as well as housing nearby.      

Here's a neat article about the educational shift: http://gulfnews.com/in-focus/national-day/a-new-beginning-1.719801

7: How does your family feel about this?

• Both Shawn and my family are very supportive of us. We visited Shawn's uncle and aunt just before we found out I got the job, and they are super supportive as they travel often themselves. My dad  wants to move there and our siblings all want to come visit. My mom is my best friend. I talk on the phone with her every single day. Although I know she is supportive, I also know it is hard for her. That's how amazing she is though, wanting the best for me and supporting me in everything I do! I'll miss her, but will be teaching her how to Skype very soon :)  

8: Is it safe (again)?  

• This question keeps coming up, so I'm going to go into a little more detail. The UAE is a very tolerant nation. They allow the freedom of religion and thus have become a melting pot of cultures. Many people move from neighboring countries for this freedom. Also, many Indians move there for better opportunities. Due to the recent boom in architecture and engineering, you will also find different Asian cultures. Finally, English speakers from America, Canada, England, and Australia are included in the mix because of the education reform. Abu Dhabi is the New York of the UAE. Although the UAE is a fairly new country, being formed in the 1970's, their history and culture dates back thousands and thousands of years. Men and women wear traditional clothing, not because they have to, but because of that strong cultural heritage. The woman the choose to wear abayas and the hijab (head scarf) because of their own personal decisions and beliefs. Because I am not Muslim, I will not wear these, but I will respect the culture and history of this beautiful place with modesty. There is very low threat for attacking in the UAE, less than America actually, and crime is significantly low. The most dangerous part of living there, from what I hear, is the driving. Drivers often speed and do not obey traffic laws. Even the left lane has been nicknamed the "suicide lane." We will be purchasing a car while living there, but I think I'll let Shawn do most of the driving!    

Well it is almost my bed time. Have to make it through this school year before I can go on to the next! Wikipedia tell me this is goodnight:تصبح على الخير  tiSbaH 'alal-khair. I have a lot to learn :)

You're doing what?

Who?
Shawn and I are very excited to announce that we will be moving overseas to the United Arab Emirates for 2 years.
What?
Yes, what you are reading is true. I have been offered a teaching position in Abu Dhabi and have accepted a two year contract! I will be teaching English, Math, and Science in English to students in the public school system through the United Arab Education Council.
When?
The program will send me over in August of this year for training, then send Shawn over a month later. We will come home in the summer to visit, and then return home permanently in July of 2014.
Why?
That is the big question, and there isn't just one answer. Some answers include money, opportunity, calling, timing, and the chance to be a part of something bigger than myself. Let me tell you how it happened.

It began as I searched the internet for a summer job. While searching, I came across job opportunities in China. Curiosity took over, and I began to explore options. That is where I found job postings for Abu Dhabi. The first thing that caught my attention was the pay, which is amazing. As many people know, we acquired medical debt last summer, and the opportunity to get rid of that debt is definitely a perk. I figured it wouldn't hurt to fill out an application online. The next day I had a phone interview. After a two hour interview, I began to consider the timing. Shawn and I are young, with no children (except our fur babies). Many people know our struggle for children, and there is a reason why it has not worked out. With Shawn in school now, his job and education are both flexible. Also, I finished my four year obligation to the Teaching Fellows program last year, so am available to travel. The day after the phone interview I was notified I was passed through to the live interview. This left me time to think.

Besides this being an amazing opportunity to travel and see another part of the world, I also learned about why Abu Dhabi is hiring foreign teachers. The UAE is undergoing one of the largest education reforms worldwide, training local teachers while foreign teachers phase in to help. They are having core subjects taught in English, as well as introducing a more student-based learning. Here is a video about what they are doing:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDV_Ul6qdNc&feature=player_embedded 
This is where I began to understand that I had the opportunity to help an entire nation change. Through my research, I became impressed with the money and effort being but into this reform. Here, I continue to watch budget cuts and education fall by the wayside, while the UAE understands the importance of education and value of teachers. I really hope that other countries will see this reform and begin to make strives in the same direction. I also hope the knowledge I gain will be helpful as I make my way back to the States.

The other biggest question I have been receiving: Is it safe? The UAE, as you can see from their education reform, is one of the most open and forward thinking countries in the Middle East. Not only do they allow practice of other religions, but they have become a mixing pot of other cultures. They are leading in technology and architecture, and continue to make great advances. Like any culture, they ask you to learn about their rich history and show respect for their culture, so if anyone needs new shorts or tank-tops I'll be getting rid of those. I am excited to learn about a new culture and way of living.

I went to the live interview in New York three weeks ago, and received the phone call yesterday with the job offer. So here I go... that's it! I am excited and nervous about this new adventure in life. I will continue to post on this blog to let the world, or at least friends, know how things are going. "Ma'a as-salaama."