Starting a New Song
What better way to celebrate my first month in a new country, job and adventure than to finally get back to writing…especially when the weather outside is 115° Fahrenheit. Now that I’ve spent the morning (after my workout woohoo!) enjoying Kuwait blogs (just got the idea to rock the abaya over my uniform when driving to work…genius), I finally feel settled enough to get back to posting (uuuum…I started writing this 26 Jul 14, better late than never right?). Yes, life has taken precedence, a LOT has happened and it will take me a while to catch up, but I will get into a routine. After eight ‘homes’ in 30 days, we are thrilled to now be in our apartment/condo/villa/compound. Whatever you call this awesome 2-story huge home in a complex that reminds me Melrose Place.
Have you ever started a new job, assignment, or venture where all things seem to validate you are in the right place at the right time, exactly where you need to be? Both hubby and I can feel it in our bones; our lives have led to us here. It is incredible and it is just the beginning... Even in our departure process, the path opened up for us. Against all odds with both local and foreign bureaucracies, we got our passports and visas with barely enough time to spare. Our cat even got his immigration paperwork in 1-day versus the usual ten (though his name is Amir, I can just imagine the ministry man looking at his paperwork and chuckling “Ah Amir, welcome, welcome…” as he stamps the paper :). We got everything we needed the day before our flight and even as we boarded the plane we were still surprised it was all happening. Then, as we traveled the 12 hours, the majority of the time with my foot crammed in a pet carrier, I sensed an exhilaration and anticipation of good times to come, even more so than my prior jaunts to the Middle East.
Hubby has traveled out here with me before to Jordan and Egypt; however, living out here in the gulf is a whole new experience. It’s wonderful to have someone in my life so down for the adventure. He even promised me he would be more social (I tend to be the butterfly of the two…shocking). We’ve met some great folks already and are even meeting others not related to work. There is a different, more supportive, more inclusive feel we get from people out here. There may be more of an open-mindedness due to a well traveled community and the desire to connect in a foreign land. What is also pretty cool is we’ve met many other couples where the male spouse followed the female career; it is not so unusual, welcomed and appreciated. Now that he is here, I can share my great memories from my first Kuwait journey; he can see all I once described. The best moment was dinner at my most favorite souk alley restaurant. The smooth hummus, mixed grill, and huge oven-baked/charred fish tasted even better than I remembered…
At work, right away I felt a sense of ease in my environment. My coworkers are awesome and really helping me get my feet wet (or should I say sandy?). Without even knowing me, my bosses are not only interested and supportive of me as a person, they actually care about my career and want me to enjoy myself! It is challenging to describe the difference; yet it is refreshing and so welcomed and needed. In my duties, I get to bring people together and I officially feel like I’m in my wheelhouse. There will still be welcomed challenges and plenty of opportunity for growth, but this is a nice feeling of being experienced where it matters. The job was meant for me. Admittedly, when this opportunity came up I was deployed to the desert and I questioned whether I should keep punching the desert ticket. I’m grateful hubby was excited right away to move overseas; that was a big factor to me realizing it was meant to be. I’m loving this new world and as I read the blogs and entertaining accounts from these women who have lived 10+ years out here, I can see why they decided to stay.
We all have times in our lives, both good and bad. We need to listen to those signals and tune into the gut messages. When we are somewhere not meant to be, that quiet little voice nags at us and life gives signals to change routes. It is up to us to listen. I value those errant parts of the journey because in the struggles we learn about our true selves; however, once we learn the lesson – it’s time to find that right path and move on. When we follow the breadcrumbs of fun and trust our inner voice, even if illogical; it is possible to enter into a world where we feel on top. Those who are young, still have plenty of time to learn the difference between what feels right and off; however, for those of us with a few more years. If you are wondering if you should make that seemingly crazy decision and yet you have the excited butterflies fluttering in your gut, that is the first signal. When you go for it, you may just surprise yourself…the signs validating your decision will be gratifying and enjoyed. At that point, just ride that wave and appreciate the sunshine…of which there happens to be a lot of that here!
We are starting this new chapter and this new adventure and loving every HOT minute of it. When I was little, I was (and still am) a huge fan of Orphan Annie. I keep hearing “I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here!” running through my head. Who knew Daddy Warbucks has a flight suit and a desert palace...
Fun blogs about Kuwait: