Mid-Life Crisis?

        Jason and I have always been interested in other cultures and seeing the world.  Appreciating different cultures is something that we've stressed with our kids.  Jason grew up moving around and living in many different places as an Air Force brat, and then saw a lot of the world in the Navy.  As one of my friends has so lovingly pointed out, I am as "white bread" as it comes. I have no culture to speak of.  I never went anywhere growing up, never experienced anything other than what the booming metropolis of Azle, Texas had to offer.  As a kid, I wanted to join the PeaceCorp to experience the world. Yeah, that didn't happen.  Jason and I have just lived vicariously through the Amazing Race, House Hunters International, and NatGeo.

         Last May, I signed up with an international teacher recruiting company called Seekteachers.  There were job postings from all over the world- China, Thailand, Chile, Dubai, etc.  Dubai caught my eye.  Most people know about Dubai, or maybe I just assume that everyone watches as much House Hunters International and Build It Bigger Marathons as I do.  Either way, Dubai stirred my interest.  Can you imagine living in a place with so much affluence that it's disgusting?  We knew that there was a large ex-patriot community there, and that even though the government is bound by Shariah, it was a very Westernized Arabic city.  We began the process of applying and providing documents and Skype interviewing.

         But alas, I did not hear anything. I had a few leads, a few bites- No, I can't move to the UAE in 4 days- No, I don't want to teach in Nigeria- and then I was offered an interview with a school director in Al Ain in March.  A couple of phone calls to London from a broken down cruise ship in St. Maarten ensued, and I received a contract.

         We are moving to Al Ain, United Arab Emirates in August.  Where is Al Ain? Check out the link.

         No, I don't have to wear a burka.  I basically have to dress like I'm Pentacostal while at school (long hair and Keds not required), but can wear what I normally wear outside of school (with the addition of a few undershirts).

        Jason and the girls are super excited.  We're all moving over, the girls are coming to school with me, and Jason will probably play PS3 until he's able to get his work visa and get a job.

   Why is your blog entitled That's Funny Spanish, you ask?  Well, we've been listening to learn Arabic audiobooks in the car and at home.  Landry told me, "Mommy, that's funny Spanish."  "That's because it's not Spanish, it's Arabic." "Why are we learning Arabic? Are we moving to Arabic?" "Yes, honey.  We are moving to Arabic."
 
   And on that note, masaa al khair wa ma:a salaamah.

Rachel