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!