Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Still Waiting

So after 7 weeks, I finally received an update from my school.  It wasn't the update that I was looking for but just hearing from HR is good.  But the email just asked for me to send a few items that I've already sent.  I'm hoping and praying that everything is fine with my paperwork.  I would hate for them to discover a problem now, when they've had it for nearly three months...

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Speak It!


When I logged onto my Facebook account today, it showed my memories of this day.  I made this post two years ago and I'm so excited that things are coming into fruition.  I'm reminded that if you want things to happen, sometimes you have to speak it into existence.  I have 29 school days and approximately 3 months left before I end my year at one school, and begin a new school and grade, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.  I'm still in disbelief that it's actually happening.  

Every so often, I ask myself "Why now", or "Why didn't I do this sooner?"  I remember when I was graduating from college, Norwegian Cruise Line was recruiting at my school.  I loved the idea of traveling and thought this would be my opportunity to do so.  I really wanted to do it, but I let fear get in the way.  Fast forward to summer 2015, here is when I begin toying with idea of teaching abroad.  I told very few people of my initial plans, I believe subconsciously, I wanted someone to talk me out of it.  Surprisingly, everyone I told was very supportive of the idea.  I still can't believe that I'm actually doing this, being that I'm an introvert and I've never traveled anywhere by myself. Then I reminded that traveling the world has been a dream of mine, now that the opportunity has presented itself I cannot let it pass me by.  

I'm so ready for my journey to begin!

Until Next time...

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Too Much Information

So I've told you all about the many Facebook groups I've joined.  These groups can be very helpful, with newbies and veterans alike, sharing their stories of excitements and disappointments.  I often enjoy going on these pages, and they're one of the reasons why I log onto Facebook everyday.  But then there are days when too much information is shared and it leaves one doubtful that they may not make to the UAE.

So today, just like everyday I browsed the groups to read the new posts.  When I check the posts, I'm always looking and hoping that someone is headed to my school.  I've met one person so far and we've been a great support to each other.  Anyway, there was one post that stood out and had several people, including myself, wondering if we would be granted visas.  A young lady shared her story of applying to schools in Abu Dhabi and how she and her husband were turned down because they both have a masters degree in education.  I know you're probably wondering why this is an issue.  Apparently there's a new law and teachers must have a bachelors in education in order to teach in the UAE.  Unlike the U.S., a masters degree in education is not enough.  I'm not sure how true this is but it caused quite a stir.  Like many others in the group, my bachelors degree is not in education, so it left me a little shaken.  I did read somewhere that secondary teachers must hold a bachelors degree in the subject they want to teach, so maybe this "new rule" is only for those teachers.  

Whatever the case may be, I've decided that I'm not going to worry about it or lose sleep. I don't think I've come this far in the game to be turned around now.  Sometimes when we're doing things out of the norm, I think we subconsciously look for things to go wrong.  You all know how much I've prayed and fasted on this opportunity, so I believe this news is just a distraction.  I'm going to keep pushing forward and staying positive.  

Until Next Time...