2 Weeks in Abu Dhabi

I arrived in Abu Dhabi on August 15 around 7:00pm. I have been here two weeks now staying in a 5 star hotel. I have never been treated so well by an employer. I can use the spa and go to the beach front for no cost. So relaxing!!! The draw backs have been trying to find food that is affordable during Ramadan and the lack of communication from ADEC at times. When we do have a schedule it is very well planned and things basically start and end on time. The biggest gripe has been the inefficiency at times. Waiting in long lines for long periods of time when things could be better organized. Over the weeks people are getting more and more frustrated it seems and I am finding it to be a good idea to avoid folks who are really complaining a lot. The truth of it is that I am in a different culture where things are done differently. On most things I am pretty laid back but I also see a lot of waste sometimes with regard to time, resources, energy and money. Overall I have very little problems and am more drawn to looking at what will give me energy rather than take it away. Negative energy is the great sapper of happiness which is positive energy.

I have been finding, over the past week, that I am experiencing an underlying sadness. I have found it strange because I am happy and have no complaints. I began to realize today that it is because Ryan is not here with me. You would think I would have thought of that first but no, that is not what I thought of first. I have been travelling alone for so long and must admit that I did not feel sadness. I was usually very at ease with experiencing a new place by myself. Learning how to live there and go exploring by myself or with people I met. There is a part of me that is resistant to admitting that I am noticing Ryan's absence. The admission is to acknowledge that I am no longer required to do things alone and that I would rather not do things alone any longer. (It is interesting for me to note to myself the ways I was diverting these feelings down other paths that seemed more familiar and comfortable to me.)

The reoccurring test in our marriage has been me trusting that Ryan will "show up" and Ryan seeing the ways that he can "show up". The thing with me being independent for a long time is that I have to learn to let go of the controls and be able to communicate to my spouse one, that he is needed and two, that I did not get married to go through significant things alone. These are two things that are very difficult for me to say and it is a battle with my ego every time to admit it. I had no idea how often I had convinced myself from childhood through adulthood that I had no one else and only I could be trusted to look out for me.

Life is all about never ending opportunities to learn. Like here in Abu Dhabi, I am truly learning the art of patience and radiant acquiescence. I am finding that the key has been not to get attached to any expectation or idea especially when another entity is in control, making the decisions. This has been my saving grace. I have been open to my housing, not expecting American standards or floor plans. I have been open to not having the curriculum in my hands so I can plan. There is a creative energy implied in the unknown aspects of my job. I am excited to have the time to observe and get to know my students. I realized that none of the teachers here were hired for all of the resources they may have amassed. They were hired because THEY are the resource. I brought three books with me all of which focus on classroom management and myself. That is all.

I also have gotten to meet the Baha'is here and I am sooooo happy to be in this community!!! Everyone has been so open and warm. I feel that God not only considered my career but He also has provided me with what I would need in a spiritual community. Someone once told me that it is okay to dream but that they found that the dreams God has for us far surpasses the dreams we have for ourselves. I can honestly say that this is true.

I am going to end here as the beach is calling. I have been jobless, in limbo for 2 years and have been on a paid vacation for two weeks...I think I will be working my a@@ off until vacation next summer!!! As for now, to the BEACH!!!

Notes to Remember

As I am packing to head back overseas I am coming across beautiful memories. Some I am keeping and putting in storage and some I am throwing away...but not before transferring them to electronic memory.

This note was left for me by a new friend after she had graciously let me stay at her home after a night of Salsa dancing. We stayed up even later talking.

"Adalia, Thanks for staying up chatting and sharing so openly. I've been praying for some good friends and I was really encouraged sharing what I have been working through lately. Hope this verse (vs) encourages you as much as it does for me." ~ K

How precious are my thoughts of you.

How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them,

they would outnumber the grains of sand.

Psalms 139:17-18

These are notes written on small slips of paper following speeches I gave in Toastmasters when I lived in South Korea. Some are very enduring and speak to my heart to this day. Positive reinforcement goes a long way...even years later.

Dear Adalia, Thanks for your dinner. Do you know that's why I held my housewarming party? I love you and your speech. ~H

Thank you for sharing your stories. I hope that you can enjoy more of the rest of time in Korea. ~ :)

It was really impressive speech Adalia. "Be at peace" is the hardest and the easiest words that we can have inside of our mind. Thank you for that you make me come to think about this subject.

I am really happy to hear from your voice and speech in this meeting room. Here is the place where I have to be on every Sunday. Thank you and I like you. ~ M

Adalia: I would like to see people learn from your generous spirit.

Adalia, you spoke very expressively about your personal life experiences and your learning experiences in Korea. Excellent.

Dear Adalia, I loved your speech. It was very touched and inspired me to keep up with all I'm heading and facing. Thanks for sharing your experience and your speech will remind me of that I should try harder for my next speech too. ~ :)

Adalia, your speeches are always very inspiring and well done! ~ K

Dear Adalia, your evaluation was really inspiring and encouraging. As you said before, you have no boyfriend 'cause you are 22 smart. ~ H (I had to laugh at this one....hahahahaha!!)

Adalia, personally, I think, Baha'i people are very smart. You too. ~ :) (Another laugh...LOL!!)

Dear Adalia, It was a brilliant idea that you put poetry into your speech for the project "Vocal Variety". Thanks for the beautiful poems! I loved them! ~ S

'Positive thoughts' is the most difficult thing that we can have, at the same time, it is the most simple thing that we can have. Thank you for helping me to have the positive thoughts. Your speech was really inspiring. I think I've got to go bookstore and get a book that published by Abdul- Baha. You did really good job. You're awesome! ~ K

Your speech gave me an inspiration and idea about 'forgiveness'. Thanks Good! ~ S

Adalia, Thank you for sharing with everyone the reason you came here and the importance of doing things for more than selfish reasons. Excellent job on presentation and form. Format was well clear and helped me with my prep for my third speech.

Adalia, Thanks for the inspiring speech. You reminded me of how taking an action important is. It was a great speech, and I am very happy I have an awesome friend like you. :) ~S

Hello Adalia, I hope you get married soon. Please let me know before. ~ H (I remember getting this note and laughing because it had nothing to do with my speech topic. She is a close friend.)

Adalia, your speech was powerful and very well prepared. It looked like your 10th speech, "Inspire Your Audience". Your voice and eye contact as well as gesture were very good. You sound like a prof. counselor and motivational speaker in a recording. Superb speech! I loved it.

~ B