A QUICK Treasured Moment

This week has been filled with an even MORE amount of CRAZY CHAOS.  But it's allllll good!  We survived and that's all that matters! 

As you might have seen on facebook, we've been celebrating National Day at our schools.  The whole country celebrates.

Did you see the car that was all tricked out?  That's the norm.  Just slap up the faces of the 4 sheiks with some red, white, green and black paint on your car and you may just win the prize!

 

Fun times in the UAE!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

However, that's not the point of this blog. 

 

The week before a holiday, we tend to have fewer and fewer boys show up in our classrooms.  This is especially fun for me, because I get to have special one-on-one time with the boys.  Some of the ones who I've never heard speak will actually talk to me or offer a shy smile that I've never seen. 

 

Thursday was a very special day.  It all happened so quickly that I almost didn't recognize it's significance.  But I have pondered that quick moment and my heart is full. 

 

It was 7:30 a.m. during the morning assembly.  I only had a few boys in both of my classes that day.  I was in the middle of being all "teacher-y" and everything when I found myself wondering over to talk to two of my boys.  They smiled at me with big, huge, toothy grins.  I said "Salaam alaikum" (with a big smile and the obligatory handshake).  BTW, "Salaam alaikum" means "Peace be with you".  Then to my surprise, these two little munchkins shook my hand and pulled up close to my face to give me the traditional "nose kiss".  I was taken aback for a split second and continued to smile and chat with them.

 

I got up and went to the "teacher circle" and suddenly it hit me what just happened.  Tears began to form in my eyes as I told my HOF what just happened. 

 

Now, let me back up for a moment and explain this nose kissing thing.  It's SO VERY AWKWARD to watch--- because it's special greeting between a man and another man.  It's special because it's not just meant for everyone and it doesn't seem to be used flippantly.  For them, it's a special greeting for those they dearly love.  I have also learned that fathers greet their little boys that way as well.  It's a way of showing their love for each other.  Boys also do this as a sign of respect and affection towards their Babas (father). 

 

This place of respect and affection is earned in this culture.  To be called "Teacher" is a high form of respect (where we tend to view as annoying when said 32 times by the same kid in an hour, or annoying because we think that kid hasn't cared enough to learn our name).  NOT THE CASE!  There is so much more to this cultural barrier than meets the eye (or ears).  To be called "teacher" means they respect you.  To be "nose kissed" means they love you (or at least really like you). It means, you have somehow crossed over............ over  a very thick line. 

 

I HAVE CROSSED OVER!!! at least in the hearts of these two little boys from "scary white American, Westerner teacher lady" to someone they aren't so afraid of anymore and hopefully someone they are beginning to love!  It's a HUGE moment. 

 

I need a picture to remind me of this "cross over moment" for Tuesday....... when they ALLLLL return....... and it doesn't feel so warm and fuzzy anymore.  :)

Some of the many reasons I am here

Let me introduce you to a piece of my world in Al Ain.

It's been a long time coming, I know.  But I'm gonna pull the "Insha allah" card.  Oh how I wish those of you on the other side of the world understood just how funny that statement is right now.

ANYHOW...... we are coming upon NATIONAL DAY in the UAE.  Forty-one years ago, December 2nd, the UAE became a country.  This is a very BIG deal.  It is celebrated in a HUGE way! Lucky for us, their colors are green, red, white (and black) but it looks and feels like Christmas in our schools, all along the roads, on the cars....literally EVERYWHERE you turn!  They are serious about this day!  (more pics to come soon)

As I mentioned in my previous post, Thursday was a big deal for several reasons.  Yes, it was Thanksgiving and I was very thankful for many things.  That day, I was also very thankful for a MAJOR VICTORY kinda day!

Those of you who are not teachers, please bare with me.  I attempted FULL BLOWN centers (with my morning group) and it was a HUGE SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!  Like, messy play doh sight words, a cutting and pasting center, a magnets center and a flashcard type math thing....all going on at the same time! 

Okay....let me let you in on another piece of my world.  This seems like just a normal day in America.  I mean, seriously, I've only ALWAYS taught this way.  I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO NOT the lecturing type or the worksheet queen.  Ummmm...... I am in a foreign land where the reason I am here is because of an educational reform.  Teaching the way we know it.........is COMPLETELY FOREIGN to them.  They've never seen it.  They don't understand it.  Some are embracing it. Others are not.

 Let me just tell you though, I was scared out of my wits the first day trying to take roll and calling out a name (I bet you didn't know, they all have 7 names).  AND I bet you didn't know.... they're all pretty much the same.  In one class I have 5 Zayed Mohammeds, 7 Mohammed, 3 Theyab Nassers......and so on.  So I'm calling roll.  I call the first name.  All the sudden, a kid shoots straight up out of his seat, stands at attention and YELLS "NAM".  No clue what is happening. Not a clue.  I literally JUST FOUND out this past week that "Nam" means yes.  oh. okay. (but you have to have a lot of throat action going on when you say these words).

ANYHOW again.............   I was soooooooooooo excited at break time I went and told everyone I could find!! But I resisted the urge to then ask my HOF and Principal if I could go home at that point b/c I wanted to end on a good note.  Beeeecause..... the afternoon group...is suicide. 

However, being the brave (or stupid) soul that I am I plowed on.  It's Saturday night, and I still regret it.   But it's all good. 

I wanted to show you some of the precious faces I see each day. Their deep, brown eyes will melt your heart. Maybe the reason for the delay in sharing this is because it has taken 3 months to get to this point.

Each morning, we have Morning Assembly.  Every grade/class stands in straight lines and does the morning routine.  Here, we are doing our morning exercises.  They are wearing their traditional dress, the Kandora.  All of the Arabic teachers (you can see some in the background)are wearing Abayas. This is one of my precious turkey-legs.  This week, they are coming all decked out in National Day decorations. 

 

Even in other countries, boys see a camera and they wanna give you the peace sign or the bunny ears.  lol  The boys do not wear the traditional headress to school.  This is for more formal settings or social events.

Our assemblies include morning exercises, the National anthemn, the reading and reciting of the Koran and presentations.  The presentations usually include something from their history or their beliefs. Here, they are remembering their heritage and how they became a country.

They are honoring the Sheiks of their past.  (by the way, they aren't called "sheek" it's more like "shaaaayk" but again....add a throat/cough/hock-a-lugi kinda sound and ya got it!)  My goal is to be able to master the throat sound when I say their names and some key words that will get my teacher point across (or make them stop running away from me!) ha! 

NOTICE:  the twirling guns.  GUNS???  why the Americans ask?  just sayin........  (always an adventure, right? :)) 

Here are two of my munchkins all decked out hoping to win the prize for most spirited.

This little guy's name is Mubarak.  It means HAPPY.  He is truly the happiest kid I know.  He makes me laugh alllll the time!   He's the sweetest thing, but ALMOST has more energy than I can handle!  (and if you know me, I have PLENTY of energy to keep up with the boys....but phew.....he can wear me out!  I like to think it's not because I'm getting old or anything....it's really more so because I don't understand his Arabic chatter.  Chasing him around the room is kind of tiring too.  lol

 This is a "new" addition to our days lately.  Apparantly, the 5th graders are being picked to be the "patrols".  These are the uniforms that real policemen wear in this country.  Becoming a policeman is the only thing these kids want to be when they grow up.  Now teachers, wouldn't you consider this to be a position EARNED by being good each week?  hmmmmmmmmmmmm.......  You WOULD THINK....right????? :) haha

I posted this little squirt for different reasons.  NOTICE the winter coat anyone?  Oh yes.  The boys have been coming to school in hoodies and thicker coats for the past 2 weeks.  WHY?  Not so sure.  It's still in the 80's here.  And--IT'S NOT COLD PEOPLE!  Granted.... the past week or so, I have not been standing through our 45 minute long OUTDOOR assemblies with sweat dripping down my face, back, and legs. 

And we will end on my proudest moment of the week!  SUCCESS!  No one died (meaning: moreso me from a panic attack or sudden high blood pressure).  Everyone had fun.  Some boys spoke for the very first time.  Others, recognized letters for the first time.  And others.... just enjoyed the touch, and probably the taste (EEK) of play-doh.  :)  I feel accomplished and triumphant! 

 

Now, let's see if we can pull it off again this week!!!?!

 

Insha-allah.:)

A NEW kinda Thanksgiving

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!

Gobble Gobble Gobble................

NOT the words I am hearing around me this year.

In FACT, though I'm surrounded by little people that would normally be making that silly noise--TRANSLATION:  I WORKED NOT ONLY THANKSGIVING WEEK, BUT TURKEY DAY!!!!!!!! I am actually surrounded by little ones that have NO CLUE that such a day exists.

Today, I have many thoughts.  And the fact that I am now tearing up as I type reminds me of why it has been a few weeks since my last post.  Being reflective and writing in such a way to allow you into our new reality can be emotional at times.  Today...is one of those days.

I am currently at home waiting on my 3 to get out of school so we can travel to Dubai to celebrate the holiday with new friends.  At least the traveling part is similar to our past holidays. :)  I could honestly write MANY funny stories relaying the adventures of just finding ingredients for recipes or what have you.  It's ALL an adventure!  Somedays, not so funny anymore.  However, we ARE learning and adjusting. 

I hesitate to bring up the real thoughts of this day because the tears are already flowing.  I have stories to keep it light and funny about today that I will most definitely share.  For now, I will dive in and GO THERE. 

Being away from all you know....love.... and cherish deeply;  traditions that hold a tender place in your heart....and yes, all the little things you take for granted ( whether it be people you see everyday, or being able to run to the BELOVED Walmart ---you know it's crazy when you would give anything to take a trip to good 'ole Wally World--- to rush to isle 2 and find pie crusts).... bring a whole new meaning to a holiday we sit and GIVE THANKS for.  :)

Today, I am thankful for a Christian family that sat around and prayed and gave thanks in various ways.  I am missing the "hidden Thankful strips in the crescent rolls" :).  By the way, Glaze Family---I would do it again this year just for laughs if I were there.  I am missing loving, thoughtful conversations with loved ones that know you from birth to present.  The laughs over memories.  The tears from remembering..................

Don't get me wrong.  I am sooooo thankful for new friends and that there ARE Americans that have come together to celebrate what we know and love.  But somehow it's just not the same.  Conversations can only go so far with people you've only known a couple months.  It's the trips down memory lane.  It's the remember when's.  It's the .....

I am thankful for you, Mama and Daddy, for raising me the way you did.  For loving me no matter what.  For ALL you've done and continue to do.

I am thankful for you, Rhonda and Lou, for being the kinda sisters that can love, fight, forgive, laugh and be there for me at the drop of a hat.  For loving me despite my oldest child, bossy moments or my tantrums for not winning.  (we'll just stop right there.....no need to go ALLLL the way down memory lane, right?!)

I am thankful for you, JT and Spence, for being the brothers I never had.  For always making us laugh.

I am thankful for you, Reagan, Brady and Nathan, for making me an Aunt and for letting me try to best aunt EVER.  (Sorry I'm out of the country right now so the spend the nights/weekends are at a slight halt---but don't let Aunt Lou win the title, k?) :)

I am thankful for you, Gammy and Pappy, for adopting me as your first daughter (n-law).  For welcoming me into your family and loving me as one of yours.  For ALLL you've done for me and for us in the past 16 years.

I am thankful for you, Scott, Nikki and Macie Moo and Morgie, for being another brother and sister that I can laugh with, talk to and play with.

I am thankful for my Grandma and  Meme, who won't be reading this :(.  I am thankful that at 94 years old, and a fall that broke her back a bit, she is still strong and HERE.  I am missing her a bunch at the moment b/c she's the one who taught me how to make pumpkin and pecan pies, sweet potato casserole and her secret dressing. I can't call her and ask what to do.  I am thankful that she is still with us and the legacy she has left for all of us.  A woman of GYNORMOUS faith. 

I am thankful for our dear friends who have walked through life with us over the years.  I cherish the roles that each of you have played every season of my life, our lives and our marriage.  Thank you for loving me/us unconditionally. 

I am thankful for all of you reading this.  We wouldn't be here if it weren't for so many of you as well.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  Thank you for the "check ups" you send. 

This one is crazy, but I truly am thankful for facebook this year.  This way, we stay "connected" (and or sad--haha) with you at home. 

So, now, my family has stormed through the door ending my sappy moment.  I guess that means I should wrap this up. 

We are about to be on our way to a new kinda Thanksgiving celebration.  But I wanted to take "my turn at the table" with my family.  I love you all and am thankful for family and friends and a God that I can give thanks to at any moment. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!
gobble .....gobble.....gobble...... (annoying I know, but that's what we do in our family HA)

DREAM(ing) BIG!

Today, I am one-step ahead of the game.  In my American world, I'm usally a FEW steps ahead...but we won't go there.  Let me just relish the moment! :)

Since, I am ahead, my mind began to wonder about what the Lord is up to with the Davidsons.  My mind went back a few months to the beginning of this great adventure.

I realize some of you don't know the whole story of how this came to be--us picking up and moving halfway across the world. 

You see, "what had happened wuzzz" (those of you who know us best can hear how we are saying that line hahaha).  It was a Sunday in March that Greg read on the AJC about a TeachAway job fair that was held in ATL.  Well, we obviously had MISSED the job fair (which led to us having to FLY to Denver weeks later---but that's ANOTHER story :)).  Greg read me the article and I went to church having what I call an Experiencing God "Crisis of Belief" right there in the pew. I began "battling" with the Lord....."would You REALLY give me my dream?  was this article really meant for me/us?  I mean seriously, it's on the front page for all of GA to read? Is this FOR REAL?  You wouldn't really let me live my BIG dream, would you?  I don't deserve it. ....etc etc..."  You know how the conversation goes. 

This continued on the ENTIRE day.  Even later that night when I had to pull over on the way to Walmart b/c I was crying so hard.  I asked the Lord again, "okay Lord, what is going on with me?"

Turns out, that day marked the beginning of the reality of a childhood dream being fulfilled! 

So again...... well, 8 months later..... I'm sitting on my "almost new" red couch in what's beginning to feel like home...a little less slightly overwhelmed by the culture and chaos of our new life, but speechless again as I reflect on HIS love and grace for us.

My mind keeps thinking about the new opportunities for my amazing hubby!  I'm not going to spoil his surprise.....that will be for his next blog!  (so please don't get mad at us or me for hinting but not revealing--hahha)  Details will come in time. :)  Teaching overseas was NOT Greg's dream.  It was Amy's (since childhood).  The funny part of that March Sunday was that I told Greg he had to send my application in for me if he thought we should do this.  His response to that was, "Amy, if you can't fill out an application, we have bigger problems than we realize! HA!  The reasoning behind this was, if HE sent it in, it wouldn't be about ME chasing a fantasy.  It would mean that he was behind me 100%.  Two days later...he informed me that he sent in my papers.  :):)  I LOVE THAT MAN! :)

Back to today......I'm sitting here smiling thanking the Lord for being so good to us. The thought of Greg getting to live out his dream while over here is BEYOND exciting!  It's the opportunity of a lifetime! I cannot wait for to watch and see how the Lord plays this one out!  It's an incredible thing to be able to SEE God's hand move mountains and place each stepping stone down right in front of you ready for you to take the next step!

 One of my motto's has always been DREAM BIG!  It began a long time ago when I heard a song by that title and adopted it as one of my own. 

Then, life happens.....mistakes are made..... time has passed and memory fades of those dreams and desires and vows to the Lord.  Families grow.....some dreams are shattered.  LIFE happens.  We forget.

We forget what we dreamed.
We forget that we believed we could reach for the stars.
We forget who MADE those stars!
We forget who gave us the DESIRE and EQUIPPED us to do so!
We forget that NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR OUR GOD!
We forget to KEEP DREAMING!!!

And sometimes we think, He already gave us one dream....could we really get this one too?!?!?!?

WHY-- YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES YOU CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My prayer for you right now is that you BELIEVE God for your dream!
 I pray that you won't forget. 
And if you don't have one right now...DREAM BIG!!!!!!!!!!!   And it can be CRAZY CRAZY , or CRAZY GYNORMOUS--- just dream it, pray and seek the Lord!   Seek Him whole heartedly! 

And then.....ENJOY THE RIDE!!!!!! :) (But keep in mind, I'm not saying it will happen overnight or anything like that.....ours has taken over 20 years of preparing, teaching us and training us ...eh-hemmm and growing us up a bit as well :/)

but LIVING OUT YOUR DREAMS FOR THE ONE WHO GAVE THEM TO YOU -------- is well worth all the time, tears, growing pains, training, discipline, failures, closed doors and all other opportunities leading up to it.

DREAM BIG!!!!! :)


 

Top of the Morning to you......

Thank you Mandisa and Toby Mac for being the song in my head waking me up before sunrise!!! (the title of this blog is one of their songs that we love).

I'm up WAAAAY too early for a weekend day (it's Friday, yes, but here, it's our Sunday), but I think that means I have begun to adjust to our "new normal".  I have always been a VERY early riser, but since moving to the other side of the world, I haven't found "my groove" yet.  So, being up at the first call to prayer time makes me smile and fills my heart with HOPE that I am HERE.

Which brings me to the point of this blog.  I have been pondering (meditating and chewing on as good 'ole southern Christians call it)  a saying for over a week now.  It goes like this:
                     
                         Wherever you go,
            Go with ALL your heart.

I've been "writing this blog" in my head for over a week and yet I'm still sitting here staring at these words not able to begin typing.  My mind is racing with all kinds of thoughts on this. 

When you move, begin a new project, start a new relationship, try something for the first time.....whatever it is.... you have COMMITTED yourself to a certain degree, right?  Some things we are able to jump in full force with enormous amounts of energy and excitement.  We are easily productive and navigate through with speed and grace.  Other tasks...not so much.  We wake up each day with dread or we find ourselves frequently asking the Lord for the motivation to begin, continue, or to finish the task. 

The task (which is more realistically---a BUNDLE of tasks wrapped into one)  for the Davidson family was moving and beginning a new life overseas. 

Many thoughts hit me at once as I read this quote. 

We are living our dream! 

Guess what.....our dreams don't always look, smell or taste like what we imagined it would.  In the past 7 weeks, I've had many conversations with the Lord.  Some are thankful prayers.  Some are "Lord, what was I thinking???" Others go more like this...."Lord?  I asked for this?  THIS is my dream?"  and I'm reminded that He has allowed me the opportunity to live out my dream and GO and DO something I believe with all my heart I was born to do. 

With that being said.... HOW INVESTED AM I?  WHERE IS MY HEART in all of this? 

Here's the main point that has stuck with me since my first week in the schools here and the Lord connected the dots for me when I saw the quote above. 

Someone told me "the only way to make it here is to go home and drink every night and then just become numb to it all". 

That sits heavy on my heart even at this moment. 

Being numb is NO WAY to live life.  Neither is drinking to "cope".  I refuse to do either.  I am not that girl and I WILL NOT BECOME that girl. 

I see numbness all around me.  I see the blank stares of  expats (westerner/foreigners).  It breaks my heart. 

It's so easy to sit and dream your dreams and start out on new adventures.  We start out so committed and bubbling with excitement.  Then the reality sets in.  The first "brick walls of conflict/struggle or glitch in the plan" pops up.  Then  the second.  Then the mornings of "ughhh I have to wake up and do this again?"  Our excitement dwindles.  Motivation fades.  Hearts become.............hard....cold.....numb.   Maybe we still go through the motions because we are "good Christians" like that.  But really? 

Are we really "going there with all our heart?" 

Wherever I go, I want to GO THERE with every bit of me---with every bit of Jesus in me----with ALL of my heart!  I want to give it all I've got.  TO THE VERY END!  

The workout plans for the year always start out great.  By February, it's not the "cool" thing anymore.  Moving to a new place is exciting....but not being able to go to Target for matching sheets packaged together nicely in a LOGICAL place in the store---gets OLD!  Starting a new job or a new relationship is WONDERFULLY AMAZING until the "honeymoon period" is over.  EVEN STILL we have to GO THERE with ALL of our hearts. 
Fully committed. 
            Totally invested. 
Happy all the time?  Not necessarily.  Bubbly and bouncy every day? (this may only apply to me :)).  Maybe not.
But each day we must ask ourselves....did I give it my all?  Did I hold back?  Am I in this with all of my heart? 

Some say "just do the bare minimum to just get by.  Don't be too good and make us look bad, it'll just be more work for us....etc etc."

I don't know about you......but that doesn't set well with me.  Yes, there have been times that I have been guilty of this.  In the end, it never paid off.  Deep down, I felt that pain of knowing I was just mediocre. 

I think I was at a middle school camp, maybe high school, when I heard a message challenging us to not settling for mediocrity.  That challenge has stayed with me my entire life.  I don't want to be in the middle, or less than or just getting by.  I want to be EXCELLENT and ABOVE AVERAGE!  Let's be honest....I'm way too competitive....I want to WIN! :) 

As my Mama says, I'm the extreme one.  I'm either hot or cold.  High or low.  In or out.  I don't do the middle very well or for very long. 

But this is how I view it.  If you're gonna GO THERE ..... then do it for real. GO THERE with all of your heart, with all of your soul and all of your mind.  Train your heart and your brain to be fully committed even on the bad days or as you muddle through doing the Death Crawl (remember Facing the Giants?) to the ENDZONE baby!!!!!!!!!!!!  See your ENDZONE and run towards it! 

Now my heart is dancing and my face it smiling b/c that thought is exciting and makes me wanna shout for JOY!!! 

We love you guys! 
whatever you find to do today......wherever you go.......GO WITH ALL YOUR HEART! :)
 

Worth Noting

Tonight we received a BLESSING that brought tears to ALL of our eyes (Hayden and Riley included). 

However, before showing you the BLESSING, we need to give a little history. 

Our adventure in a foreign land among MANY foreigners from all across the world has opened our eyes and hearts to new discoveries.  Discoveries about people, cultures and ourselves. 

Since being here, our hearts have been bent towards the workers.  They are the true servants of this land.  Some are more accurately defined as slaves.  While others, have come to the UAE because working here for less than 1000 dirhams ($273 U.S.) a month is better than the life their own countries have to offer.

We find ourselves being drawn to these people on a daily basis.  Whether it be the 5 that surround you when you are simply looking at washer or a stove.  Or the ladies that live inside our schools and clean up after us.  Or our dear friends, Cliff and Jimi, the doormen at our first hotel who knew us by name immediately and served us as if they desired nothing more than to take care of our every need.  Or our favorite waiters, Rowell and the sweet girl I have NO IDEA how to pronounce or spell her name, at 'Lil Italianos. 

These people have NOTHING--especially in comparison to those whose country this belongs to.  Yet, they have the BIGGEST hearts and the smiles that melt your heart!  They know you by name and remember things you've told them from previous conversations.  Bottom line:  THEY CARE!   They serve with a smile.  They still smile even when they are doing the nasty jobs none of us want to do.  They make eye contact with you.  These are the ones that don't look THROUGH you as if you are less than or don't even exist.  AND YET they treat those that snub them, run over them, ignore them and act as if they are less than human with the same servant's heart and ear to ear smiles. 

Are we humbled?  Yes.

Have we said more than once---"Think about this----even on our WORST day, we have it soooo much better than that busload of people driving to the Workers Compound that just worked 18 hours straight." 

Yes we have.
  
Here we have constant reminders that wealth does NOT make you happy.
                   I wish you could see the faces. 
Reminders of what TRUE servant's hearts look like and act like.
                I wish you could see THEIR faces.  The two are night and day. 
Reminders of who we WANT to be like and who we pray we NEVER resemble.

We could go on and on with stories.  But it is WORTH NOTING that our Filapino, Ugandan, and Bangladesh friends have touched our lives to the very core.

 

Tonight, Rowell, our waiter friend  (he is our friend we mentioned in an earlier post that asked Greg's permission to shake my hand and ask my name) ran out of the restaurant to catch me.  He had a gift to give us.  Here it is:

 

As we walked away, tears were in all of our eyes and Hayden even said "that made me cry Mom"..

 

 

Let this challenge you as it has already challenged us: 

 

Look for ways to SERVE others rather than be taken care of.

 

Do your SERVICE with a SMILE and not just for show but because you CARE.

 

Look AT people ----not THROUGH them.   

 

Because EVERYthing you do/say

 

----good OR bad-----

 

 MATTERS !!!

 

......and leaves a LASTING IMPRESSION!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

This is what we know.....

After 6 weeks in a foreign land..........

   Teaching in an ALL BOYS school............
 
         Teaching Middle School for the first time EVER........................

               Driving roundabouts.......................

                       Living in hotels for over 4 weeks................

                              Surviving the malls............................

Having every important meeting with instructions you are held accountable for  IMMEDIATELY spoken only in ARABIC..................

 

Getting to the right place in a taxi with drivers who don't understand English.............

                   Following the 134 steps and 14 different stamps to process ONE document...then REPEAT for the next 214 documents needed..........................

                   Establising an ENTIRE house ALL WHILE working full time...........................

(this is our bedroom so far from PAN Emirates) 

Searching for sheets and comforters with only 2 major cuts and injuries..........................

                          Surviving IKEA without TOO MUCH marriage counseling afterwards...........

                                  Putting IKEA furntiture together.................................

 

 

THIS IS WHAT WE KNOW..............

 

 

 THE DAVIDSONS CAN DO

 

ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!