I'm alive!

I’m very sorry for this delayed update; I forget how fast time moves. I am alive! Trying my hardest to soak up my time here in the gulf! Living each day like it’s my last. So for the past weeks I’ve taken part of the following things.

-Losing Ms. Jabeen’s remote to her overhead projector. Eek.

-Starting the photojournalism club in the girls’ school.

-Teaching my boys grammar with songs.
-Taken care of the visit part of my physical examination to receive a residency permit.
-Attending a comedy evening.
-Learning so much about the Arab world. It's beautiful, crazy, strong and deep! 

-Attending the Doha Independent Film Festival. It was amazing! Check out “The Lady” (independent film)

-Hanging with the beautiful Amy Byrd in Dubai.

-Ate at Texas Roadhouse (We make sure everyone knew we were from Texas). The manager is from the roadhouse in Arlington by Aunt Fredia’s house. It’s a small world. While enjoying my chicken fried chicken (thank you Southern States for this creation) the Asian waiter broke into a line dance-honestly a moment I will never forget.

-Watching Amy love on her awesome kids!

-Purchased candles from Bath and Body Works (thanks Amy)

-Saw the tallest building in the world.

-“Marking” (as the Brits call grading) paper after paper.

-Creating power points and other fun ways to help my second language learners grow!

-Straighten my own hair (took forever) I grabbed Kate’s scissor/gave myself a trim.

-Growing in excitement because I will soon have a brother!!!

-Learning to take things one day at a time.

Tomorrow we are taking the girls school on a field trip to Katara-check it out. katara.net

Please update me with your life- I miss you guys!

I just returned from Eid break. This eid celebrates a trip to the Mecca. 

black.blue.pink.

My school.

My students. Heads down is what happens if we get to rowdy. They rest while I gain sanity. 

Things that I’m learning/getting used to/thankful for/Thinking about.

-Dropping my cell phone and not worrying if it will break or if my insurance will cover the damage-sanity. My phone cost 57 Riyal = $15.61 US Dollars.

-I can find Blue Bell ice-cream and coffeemate creamer :) 

-My students must wear black. blue (boys) . pink (girls) school uniforms.

-Ice is a luxury to the rest of the world. So when you order...make sure you say with ice and you may ge 2 cubes :) 

-Saying, “I’m sorry” because I don’t understand what was said. (Soooo many accents)

-Calling for a taxi 3 hours before I want to go anywhere. Kinda nice. Kinda not nice. Depends on the day.

-Trying a new brand of food or food each week. Fun!

-I’m growing as a teacher! Patience is key. Finding joy is key!

-With a classroom of 25 young boys you need a timer to keep them focused, a strong voice, to build a relationship with them, play weird games to motivate them and laugh because they are teenage boys.

-Drinking great juice and eating yummy yogurt-excellent! Honestly the best juice and yogurt in the world!

-Loving my yoga classes. Hoping to be lean and mean like my family when I come home J

-Missing friends and family-not fun. But finding new friends each week-thankful

-Enjoying each day as if it’s my last….the natives always say In Sallah-which means “If God is willing” or “If God allows it.” What a beautiful concept.

-Work is still work-I am still the champion on collecting cell phones.

-Sometimes it betters to not look ahead when you’re riding in a taxi (focus your attention left or right)

-Cats are everywhere. They live in the trashcans that you dispose your trash in down stairs-beware of flying cats J

-My kids are awesome! Rough around the edges but aren’t we all. They just need love and sometimes for me to pull their ears J

-God’s handiwork is beautiful. I love meeting and seeing different skin tones, heights, noses, lips, smiles and styles. It’s proof he is a creatively detailed king.

-Don’t stay out too late with out a man beside you-you will get loads of stares.

Class is getting a lot better. I feel like I’m getting in the groove of life at EMS. The school is made up of a student population that sees new teachers each year. There is a lack of school pride and student motivation. So I’ve made it a goal to pep up the place. Even if it’s just a simple smile to my co-teachers or polka dot wrapping paper on my bulletin boards. I’m working on pushing students through awards and honors. I’m working on making English all-stars for the week than English champions for the month. The students who are awarded will have their pictures made plus a small bio about the student’s interest. I’m ever grateful for my secondary education-teachers who were willing to push me towards excellence.

Life has picked up with the start of school but at the same time it’s slowed down. I feel like a local (ok not quite). I was telling my dad this week that life is still happening; I have to wash my clothes, dishes and my hair. I buy groceries, sweep, shave, sleep and eat.

This past week was very eventful. Pot lucks, art party and a trip to the local beach club. The potluck was held at another teachers house it was so much fun! Snacks and goodies from all over the world (Jayci’s fav). Ralph aren’t you proud of me for hosting an art party at my house J It was great I made two dips that were a hit! A spinach dip (I’m call it surprise dip) and homemade salsa! A dip in the pool with co-teachers was just what I needed to start my 2^nd month in this city.

I’m thankful for time with new friends here. Continue to ask that intentional real conversations are had with fellow teachers. He’s working. They are seeking. Asking me questions. To him be glory. Thanks for tuning in. I feel your prayers.

Enjoy some photos: Mom/Stephen/I on a skype date.  IS that bacon? No way...veal :)  with raspberry jam because berries are oh so expensive here. My classroom is coming together slowly but surely. Art party. New friends. Dips! The air conditioner switch that my students attempt to turn on and off all day.  And more J

I don't know what I love most about this photo. I think it's my mom in a super summer shirt? No it's the American flag behind her? Not it's the smiling Kenyan to my left. Not it's the speaker next to my mom's ear. Ahh maybe it's my out of service sign? Bye AT&T hello minute to minute plan. Sweet moments.

I promise to take more exciting cultural pictures soon. It's still a little warm. They are coming. 

Where would I be without this timer? 

Pot Luck Host 

Jo-my first South African friend 

Mohammad-Life Guard 

My sweet Canadian Carly Lou! 

They will know us by our love. 

Let the race begin!

For the glory of Him.

That’s what all of life is about. How wonderful it is to know that it’s all about God!!

I’m learning to not say that is bad or strange----it’s different…….

I made it! First week on school down; lots more to go. But for today I am a rejoicing because I made it! With little direction or understanding of how school really works I dove in last Sunday (Sunday is the start of the week here). Thankfully it was a slow day. Only 10-12^th year students were on campus.

Monday the fun began. There is something really special about teaching. For me it’s the opportunity to build a relationship with strangers. A relationship that forces us to learn, grow and change daily. I’m so grateful that I’ve found my passion-it feels like I’m right were I should be when I am in a room with young adults. I was warned about these kids. Qatar is one of the wealthiest of nations in the world and our school welcomes 60% of these native Qatar-ians. I thought teaching in Plano was rough-ha. All in all kids are kids but these kids have different minds.

Here they come. I worked hard not to smile day one (heck I’m not smiling until November). I have to establish a strong presence so with heels and a smug face I met my first 9^th year class. 9^th year = 8^th grade in the states. They were giggly and all boys. Because of the religion boys and girls do not merge classes until they are in 10^th year (= 9^th grade in the states). To my surprise! Not only are they all boys- they attend the same lessons (classes) all day. It’s much like elementary. Same classes, same kids, same—same all day long together!

Needless to say discipline is an issue. Can you imagine a classroom full of 13 and 14 year old boys together all day long? I’m teaching English which is not these students first language. I’ve asked them to not speak Arabic in my class-they can’t help themselves—they speak it. I hear the zzzz and deep tones that Arabic words require you to use all day long. I try to stop them because I know how much it will help them but I love the language and hope to learn a little bit from them. I’m going to try and attend the Arabic class they as students here are required to take.

The coolest thing about this job is that I start my day in the girl’s school. All girls! I have 7^th grade girls for my form tutor lesson which is much like homeroom. I check to make sure they are in their school uniform, black shoes; hair pulled back, no costume jewelry and head coverings are removed. When I found out I was going to work in the girl’s school I almost cried! I was so excited to have the opportunity to work with these cherished young ladies. I just found out that I was going to help head up a leadership program with my director, the principal of the girl’s school and another teacher-How cool (we are all Americans)!! I also will be able to continue to enhance and grow with my passion for photography with these girls! I am the after school photography and journalism teacher. I’m so excited and I can’t wait to share stories about moments with these ladies!

I wanted to let you in on some of the nations I will be working with this year: roomie; Texan, Canadians, Scotland, New Yorkers, Romaine, South Africa, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, New Zealand, Iran, Sudan, Kenyan, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Oman, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh and Qatar. How cool?

It’s going to be an interesting year. Things are still tricky because it’s all new; student names, bosses, smells, clothes, weather, textbooks, library rules, bell schedule (the bell rings than you have 4 min to arrive at class-does the bell ring after the 4 min? No---do kids kinda come into class as they please---yes….)

Still feelings like I’m right where I’m suppose to be. Still knowing that God is with me wherever I lay my foot. Pray for my patience. I’m doing ok but so many differences J Pray for the many nations I get to interact with daily. Ask that I would shine His love!!!

Sorry, thought I took because of the after? Hmmm..I get that posted soon!

For now…. Check out my roommate! She teaches yoga classes for teachers after school! You better believe I’m taking them. She’s a Texan!! Check out me new ever stylish room! Thank you Amy!  Although Grandama Shirley offered to send here dryer---I have to use the racks until it gets here ;) Check out me new friends! Sweet sweet women!

It’s cooling down here! From October to February it’s the best weather in the world! 55-70 degrees! Bring it on!!!

This is becoming my way of life here :) Mom are you proud!

Get in there and get me a coke! Keshia! Jayci! Jenn!

My Byrd + Shouq=

Please excuse my iPhone for the fuzziness. I promise to post others with better quality. 

I'm in Real Estate Now

Sweet Sweet!!

Life is really going well here. Sunday we started work (Which is like Monday (the start of the week)). I've met a lot of people from my school for the past few days. It's nice to be amongst other teachers. Thankfully work has been nice and easy. We start full inservice tomorrow were all of the staff will be together. Education is Education. Teachers are Teachers. Hopefully Students will be Students. I can't believe summer is offically over :) Once I have my very own internet I will be sure to let you guys know. Until than I'm using the schools computer lab to report what's happening. I'm so blessed to have each of you!

This weekend was spent with Amy (the reason I am now leaving in Doha). She lives in Dubia and wanted to come help me settle in. And BOY OH BOWYYYY!! Am I so thankful she did. My room took a 360 turn! It's really my ROOM! I know I'm going to walk in there and know that things will be ok after a long day, long, week, long month :)  Things have been displayed on the wall, new curtains, a small corner bookshelf and a few details in my bath room. She took me to neat spots around town that house cheap yet chic home decor! Gosh! So much fun! I'm a penny pincher so I worked hard to purchase only was was needed and what would really make my room look feel like home. At points it felt like we were on a HGTV show; moving a groovying around looking for fun things. I promise before and after pictures will reveal how yuck my accommadations were and now they are amazing.

Taxi can be a bit of a battle here. You have to be in the right spot at the right time. You have to call ahead or you have to wait. Amy and I made our way around just fine-instead of getting upset with the lack of taxis we simply walked andt talked. Learning patience is key here.

We ended the visit with a trip to the Shouqs (traditonal Arabic shops-top 3 places to go before you die-it's wonderful!) we had dinner at one of our favorite locations. Ate amazing hummos, fattish salad, pita bread, grilled meats and a tradtional arabic soup. It was divine. We made our way through the shops and bargained to get some beautiful scarfs! As we were leaving we were stopped by live arabic music! Man dancing, sitting playing instruments that have been played forever (really forever) WOW!! WOW! Live! I'll try to send the video to you guys later. It's amazing!

We ended the night with prayer and tears. Thankful that our stories and lives have continue to unite.I love that we are such a pair. I love that because of her heart for this place and these people-I am know here learning so much. It's beyond words to have someone like her in my life.That God would grant us the joy of being friends. She is amazing or asmy dad puts it "sunshine whereever she is" and it's true! My corner of the world is now adorable and refreshed because of her love! Byrd, I know you took this trip for my mom (so she would know how close you are) I'm so thankful you came for me!! My Byrd, I'm in real estate now :)!! I love you so much!


Photos to come!!! Week 1 down.

I made it!

I made it! After approximately 23 hours of travel I made it! Only by God’s grace-airports are tricky places and I’ll be honest I’m not the lightest packer; I tend to bring needs & wants-but again-I made it J

I’d like to send a special thank you to my amazing family who lugged me and all my goods to DFW Airpot-yall are soldiers!! Than another thanks to Mr. T; my new co-worker who picked me up for DOH Airport.

I always ask for kind folks to sit and chat with as I travel. On my first flight this was answered with; Billy Ray from Arlington, Texas and Joe from Washington D.C. Both in their mid 50’s, both business men, both fathers and both proud Americans. After showing them where Qatar is located on a map I begin to educate them on this sweet, warm (temperature), warm (welcoming people), peaceful and wealthy country. I love that I have an opportunity to let others know that peace is in the Middle East.

I hustled through Dulles International to arrive at a packed gate. New smells, smiles, hairstyles, clothing, beliefs and cultures-I love it! I arrived with enough time to grab dinner; “Hello and Good bye Bacon Hamburger, maybe life without will led to greater health and wealth?” $12.50 & probably loads of calories, see ya authentic American cuisine.

On my second flight I set next to Eric a young college Junior from Seattle and Mohammad a Sudanese father. Eric’s father works in Qatar and Mohammad had just left his oldest son at Iowa University for his first year of college. People are people! Qatar Airways is such a beautiful airline. As they brought hard candy by before the flight took off Eric declined and Mohammad said, “Yes, thank you! Anything to keep us busy.” Eric was very quiet but Mohammad was great! As we stood in the “Other Nationalities” line we talked politics. He asked my option on another Texan as President and I asked him how the vibes were in Sudan with their recent separation into a Northern Sudan and Southern Sudan. Blessed and honored to conversant with others.

 Don’t you love God’s humor; he would send “Mr. T” to welcome me to Doha. Mr. T is from South Africa and has taught at my school for 4 years. He rejoiced when I told him I’d been to Doha before; “ So I don’t have to go the scenic route!” Conversation came easy and free. We arrived at my new apartment or as so many here say “accommodation” Mr. T makes a phone call to Danny, “Danny, come and meet us downstairs; we’ve got quite a bit of luggage.”  If you know me you know I’m a thinker. So I’d thought through how I was going to stay focused when I arrive to DOH Airport, locate myself in the correct line to verify my visa, not make TOO much eye contact (eye contact is considered rude or promiscuous here), grab my bags, meet my driver and unload my bags into my room. It was show time and really the part I was must concerned about and thankfully this painful part was over within an hour! I did it!

I’m still working on my sleep schedule. Jet leg is my closest friend. I am Internet less and was cell phone-less until I made a trip to the grocery store last night. Check out some of my purchases in the photos posted below. I’m committed to become more adventurous by purchasing some non-American items as I learn. For now-I’m trusting what I know. J My stomach thanks me.

Life is moving pretty slow right now and that’s ok. I’m learning to pace myself; which is something I had trouble doing in the states. Patience is not only a virtue here it’s a serious requirement. I’m breathing deeply, asking lots of questions (How do I turn on the stove? Where is the trash disposal? Where are you from? What is your name, ok say it once again?) all questions that have answers that will come. I’m simply working to enjoy each moment.

Here I sit days later with my bags semi-unpacked and a strong determination to arrange and assemble my new room.

Wow! Here we go! God is faithful and I am ready to learn, grow, teach, clean, listen, organize and trust. Thanks for your love. Enjoy a few photos of my new journey!

Rolling

For the past few weeks I've been preparing for this next step. I've been humbled by the amounts of love that God has placed in my life. It's overwhelming to see how He has prepared and aligned the time of this experience. I've engaged in sweet times of prayer, served alongside my grandparents at a food pantry, laughed with friends, cried, embrace the joy of kids who can't swim-swim, sent letters, had a great roller skate party (titled "I'm Rolling Out ;) , been to the electronic store (too many times #confusion), made phone calls, prayed more and said see you later to so many. Overall, I'm filled. I'm excited. Scared. 


This has been my hearts prayer for the summer



  O give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known His doings among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; meditate on and talk of all His wondrous works and devoutly praise them! Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! Seek the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:8-11




Tomorrow I'll say a few more see ya laters. But I ask for thanksgiving to flow with the tears. Enjoy a few of my favorites from my roller skate party! Loved being with each of you that made it! 

This time next week I'll be in the air headed to my new destination.