Teaching & Travelling

First day of school

2012-09-15T18:41:00.003-07:00

It's Sunday September 16th and I'm up at 4:00 A.M. preparing for my first day of school. You read that correct, Sunday. Their work week is Sun through Thurs. Things shut down on Friday and Saturday.
Now it's not like I've never taught before but I'm in another country with a different set of rules and regulations.
In essence, I'm teaching the same type of class I taught in America for three years but there definition of low function is a little bit different from ours. I didn't get a chance to see their files but I can only imagine what I will see in just a few hours.

Finally, I have arrived in Kuwait!!!

2012-09-15T02:24:00.000-07:00

WOW, this long process is 99% over. Yes I said 99% because now I have issue with my NOC but more on that later.
My first impression of the country, other than the stereotypical thoughts, is it's nicer than I expected. Yes it's hot, windy, and extremely busy here. I didn't expect for so much to be going on at all hours of the night and day.

I flew Etihad Airlines. If you ever get to fly to the Middle East you MUST fly with them. Nicest flight ever and the First and Business Class Pods are NICE!!!!

This is the view from my apartment. I don't have any curtains yet so all of the sunlight is getting in. We are living far away from the city center and Dasman, so it seems no matter where I live I'm a suburban girl.

The picture above is my view from work. The school is right across the street from the Gulf. That's an added bonus.

My living quarters are decent but lack that home feeling, nothing a trip to the supermarket can't fix.

The classrooms in my building are very similar to typical American classes, they are just missing the technology we take for granted. I walked in and the first thing I noticed was the one computer on my desk and no projector. The projector was 80% of my teaching in American since we didn't have textbooks I would just go to Google and show the kids what I was talking about.

My class is similar to the class I taught in America. It's a self-contained low level class. I currently have 5 students on my roll, more are expected to come as the week goes on. I'm learning that no matter where you go parents will register their children when they feel like it.

The school is a mixture of a few old buildings with newer ones connected.

If I knew then...

2012-08-15T16:14:00.002-07:00

Why didn't anyone tell me that getting there was going to cost me an arm, leg, and a pint of blood?
Oh my word, I'm glad I had a few coins stashed away or I would be still here. I guess if I want to see the world I need to pay a small fee. The paperwork process is nothing to bat an eye at either. As I type this I'm waiting for that to end. I still don't have a flight scheduled for that very reason.

Oh, now I have to tell everyone I'm leaving. Facebook won't reach everyone because not everyone has it, shocker I know. Not to mention I'm still teaching while I'm here. Somebody has to make the money to pay for all these shots and overnight mailing.

What was I thinking?!?!?

2012-08-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

If all things work out properly, in a few weeks, I will be packing my life and moving to another country for a year. I've accepted a teaching position in the Middle East and I've been having mixed feelings about it since June. By now, I could have had my house packed and my ticket in hand but I hesitated for a few reasons. Now I'm rushing to get things done. I am still working at my home school as if nothing will change for me.

I'm overwhelmed with the amount of paperwork and money it takes to travel overseas. I wish I had known how much I needed just to visit the doctor and get a health certificate. That was a shock to me and my bank account. Since I waited til the last minute to get things done, I'm not sure if I will be able to leave when scheduled. My emotions are all over the place! I'm excited, nervous, scared, and whatever other emotions one can have when on the verge of taking a major step in their live.

As my journey progresses I'll keep whoever reads this updated and from time to time ask for prayers and words of encouragement. Maybe even a care package or two.

When I finish my paperwork I will let you know.

K.L.