Time for an update, no?

My time in Dubai so far has been blessed. I've made so many new friends from so many different countries, and they have all become very dear to me. I am quite happy to be here. Just this week, I've celebrated two birthdays. My time outside of school is consumed by dinners and movies and sleepovers and amazing conversations. I am much blessed.

 Pictures of fab birthdays coming soon :)

As for work, we are currently in the middle of Revision Week. The students have their end of term exams after that. And then, I get to GO HOME!! Two whole weeks. My heart rejoices at the thought. Although Dubai is beginning to grow on me and grab hold of my heart, Lebanon will always be dear and irreplaceable.

His,
Carmen

Speechless

That is how you have left me. I hardly have any words to express my feelings about what happened last night in Sassine Square in Ashrafieh, Beirut. Eight people dead, and around eighty people injured. But hey, at least no politicians were harmed, so we can all have a good night's sleep. Shame on you.

Shame on you for creating chaos and disorder in people's lives, over and over again. Shame on you for thinking yourself gods, able to decide who gets to live and who doesn't. Shame on you for ripping apart families. Shame on you that doctors have to deliver bad news to mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, children, friends ...Shame on you that those abroad waited in anxiety, hoping their loved ones would pick up the phone and assure them that they were well. Shame on you that some have to remain abroad, separated from family, while knowing that all is not well in their beloved country that you have mutilated.

One day, you will be held accountable for your deeds and your sins. 

Ironing shrinks your clothes.

Being poor and in a new city (and having shed a few kilos), ironing has been a relatively new but much appreciated blessing. I'm afraid my life is not very fascinating at the moment. Today, I will have the first low key night for a few days now. I'm just gonna change into my comfy pjs, and soak up the wonders of Narnia along with some warm tea for some throat. Teaching is sick nasty to the vocal cords.

Life is good. I am surrounded by great colleagues, and all around by warm and loving people. It has been a blessing, being away from home. I play soccer in the park with a five year old, I go to the gym, I watch football games. I have become a new person in this strange new city. Yet I cannot wait to be back in B-town over Christmas break, hanging out with my family over holiday hot chocolate and wine, with the karaoke machine blaring, and father belting out the lyrics of the same song for the fifth time, walking in the rain and having snow fights. Also, I cannot wait to hit up the snowy mountains with my family's new husky.

Christmas, you're only two months away.

On pink eye and getting kicked out of the country

I love being an elementary school teacher. Really, I do. The kids are adorable and they always want to hug you. And anyone who knows me should be grateful that I am getting my share of hugs from the kids. :) But little kids are boogers. They get their hands on unspeakable things and they are little adorable carriers of germs and infections. As a result, I have a cold and possibly pink eye. I am not sure if what's going on with my eye is due to my wearing contacts.

Anyway, after I have astounded you with the fascinating details of my life, I want to ask you to pray for rest for me, that I would be able to find a rhythm and adjust to life here, instead of just functioning on warp speed all the time. I want to be able to enjoy life and learn as much as I can about culture in Dubai. The other day, I learned that wealthy people pay for their license plate numbers to be a lesser amount of digits. The richer you are, the less numbers you have on your license plate. I also learned that people have to leave the country when they are sixty. Something about them no longer being productive to the society. Not sure how accurate it is, but in any case, Ouch.

Much love to all you lovely readers,

His,
Carmen

Body Jam

Tonight, I attended a Body Jam class (however you spell it). I stumbled awkwardly to the dance moves instructed to us by a highly energetic Philipino man with a spring in his step, who had us as his third class for the night (How insane is that?! I was out of breath after one class. Crazy man). He yelled so many instructions at us that I lost track and started flinging my limbs any which way they would go. It was awful. But he is a kind man and nice to you about your obvious failure in athletics. So I'm probably going to join this gym and go to his classes whenever I can.

This all might change depending on how I feel in the morning.

Peace out.

Fancy fountains and other such things.

About a week ago I went out for dinner with a friend next to this beautiful fountain of magnificence. Little children squealing when the music started, people from all over the world running to get as close as possible and take pictures, lovers holding hands whilst watching from benches scattered all over the boardwalk. It was truly a beautiful evening. I took pictures of the Dubai aquarium inside the mall, but unfortunately, the camera I took them with failed me, and so, you shall have to wait until I go again before you can behold an inadequate depiction of the amazing combination of marine life in that one huge box of water. Or you can google it. Whatever suits your fancy.

I started teaching about five days ago, and I am already tired. But I love my students and my trusty morning coffee is always there to greet me when I wake up groggy and mostly unaware of my surroundings, so that helps things. I am trying to sort through my red pen fever and sticker fever, but otherwise, I am very much comfortable in the classroom with my students. I am so glad I was assigned to teach fifth grade girls. They are the best. And I'm pretty sure they think I'm the best too.

I hope to hear from you soon. You must e-mail me. I have not heard from some of you in so long that it is no longer acceptable. Yalla.

His,
Carmen

Secret's Out ...

... Finally, after assessment tests and several demo lessons later, I have been assigned my grade. You're looking at a fifth grade English teachers of all girl classes. Girls and boys are segregated into different classes in different buildings, starting with the fifth grade. Finally knowing where I'm going to be is a relief.

In other news, I've been adjusting to life here and to the other girls on my floor. Dubai gives a sense of glamorous emptiness. The buildings' architecture is ridiculously impressive; the malls are often too huge to walk through (sometimes you have to drive from one section to the other); and the city consists of all huge roads. This does not bode well for a person who needs to walk around to get a feel for the place. I have also been sick in bed over the weekend. I still hold that the sharp contrast between the hot weather and AC does something to throw your system off balance.

I have yet to meet people outside my building, but I am very much looking forward to it. Today, three Emarati students gave us a presentation on life and culture in the UAE. It taught me a lot. For example, eating with your right hand is a cultural norm, and it's offensive if you use your left hand instead.

Due to the lack of opportunities to trek around the city, I have had ample time to spend time with the Lord and sit at His feet. I also think about you all often.

I hope you are well, and I hope to hear of your news soon.

His,
Carmen