- Flavored medicine- I know this is a weird first item on the list, but I’ve been coughing for about 3 weeks now. I’ve seen a doctor. I’m fine. In the states, they give you a Z-pack for bronchitis. Here, i get less powerful stuff and it looks and taste disgusting. I can’t imagine the struggle parents go through to get there children to swallow this stuff.
- Turkeys- I miss turkey. Turkey is not in grocery stores in abundance here. you can find turkey sandwiches on restaurant menus, but I have yet to see ground turkey or a whole turkey available for purchase here.
3. My American passport- my American passport allows me to visit countries all over the world. I had a conversation with someone recently who has lived his whole life here but is Palastinian. He was born here, but is not able to go to Palastine. He said, I have been here my whole life and you have been here for months, but we are both considered foreigners in this country. His nationality limits his travel opportunities and his ability to own land. My nationality grants me privilege that I am just learning to appreciate. I remember hearing Oprah Winfrey saying “If you are a woman born in America, you are one of the luckiest women in the world”. As I get to know now more people from diverse backgrounds, I understand this statement more and more.
4. English- It also opens doors. This language is not completely universal, but it is universal enough for job and travel opportinuties to be abundant
5. Education- I have a college education and get the chance to education children. What a blessing
6. Technology- I can call family or friends when I want to. This is always free. I use What’sApp, Facebook, Instagram, Skype, MagicJack, and email to stay connected. I can write this blog. I was able to interview for my job via Skype. I could go on, but you get the idea.
7. My new job-I've having a really positive experience there
8.My grandma’s life- we lost her recently. It was heartbreaking. I'm grateful for many years with her and her legacy.
9.My family- My parents support me here. They provided me with a quality education and demonstrated hard work by their own examples. My sisters and my brother are irreplaceable. We are all over the states doing great things. I'm blessed with to have aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins that mean the world to me. I love you FAM!
10.Previous experience being a Newbie- I was born and raised in Ohio, but as an adult I have lived in Indiana and North Carolina. I’m going through an awkward phase now. The novelty of my new life has worn off. I have to make effort to develop friendships, whereas this was not longer a major concern after 6 years in North Carolina. I have to figure out what to do during evenings and weekends. Sometimes it is difficult, but experience helps me to remember this is a process.
11.Faith- If I didn’t have it, I wouldn’t be here.
12.A Support network -I have so many people looking out for me and praying for me
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| this beach is my new favorite hang out spot |
13.Water- I love the beach. It’s my happy place. I joined a gym here that lets me walk by the water as often as I wish.
14. photos -When people enter my apartment, they ask about all of my photos. I need to see faces of friends and family members. I enjoy seeing updated photos on Facebook and Instagram
15. The gift of Gratitude- there are lots of bad things in the world. If we focus on them, we could end up bitter and depressed. There is always a bright side. There is always something to thank God for.
16. Music- it keeps me company as I write this blog
17. Open mindedness
18. Safety- Several people were concerned about my safety coming here. I do NOT feel unsafe from day to day. I do fear the insane acts of groups like ISIS. I trust God. I'm good.
19.Less stress at work-When I am home from work at 4pm and there is no additional work to do, I'm a little confused about what to do with myself. I am dealing with much less disruptive behaviors in my classroom which allows more time to focus on learning. We have a 1:8 teacher to student ratio in my kindergarten classroom. Teachers in inner city schools all over the states would understand why I appreciate this change. It is a change that I am enjoying.
20. Debt Elimination- I've paid off 2 credit cards since moving to Kuwait! Operation debt free is underway!
21. My failures- all of them held lessons that have helped me to become the woman I am today
22. My life- I wouldn't trade it for anything or anybody elses
