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.