I haven't posted in a while because I found myself in the typical slump that many expats face when taking on this type of adventure. Before our move, I read and heard many accounts of expats who shared that there is a period of time around 3-6 months post-move where you go through a difficult time with the international transition. It's been about 4 months since we arrived, and admittedly Jeff and I have been struggling with our new normal. Like I cautioned the kids before our move, I couldn't say whether that things here would be better or worse, but I did promise that it would be different. We've had to make many adjustments since moving to Dubai, and some are easier than others.
Perhaps the biggest adjustment for all of us living in the UAE is the work/school week. In the US, our work days and school days are Monday through Friday with Sunday being the day of worship. In the UAE, the work/school days are actually Sunday through Thursday, with Friday being the day that families attend church services. I can't tell you how difficult that has been for me to adjust to! In fact, in our family we sometimes say "It's a Monday!" when referring to a difficult start to the work week on Sunday or "It's our Friday!" when it's actually the last day of the school for the week on Thursday. Four months in, I still have trouble remembering that church is on Friday mornings instead of Sunday mornings. I've caught myself referring to church "next Sunday" so many times before realizing that I meant to say Friday.
Another big difference in Dubai that I struggle with on a daily basis is the driving. I already wrote an entire post about driving in Dubai, but this continues to be a learning curve for me. Most of my days consist of a ton of drive time with getting the kids to and from school as well as their activities, so I've found myself in many crazy situations behind the wheel. In fact, the kids and I have already been in a minor car accident at one of the many roundabouts. Thankfully no one was hurt and the other driver accepted the fault. I had to go through the process of using insurance, getting a rental, and having the car repaired which was all relatively smooth. The picture doesn't show the damage very well; it was minor but still took several days to fix.
I find myself commenting often that while I love the people here, the drivers in Dubai are... well, shall we say, they are quite a challenge for me. And how is it possible that the people are so lovely, but behind the wheel, it's a completely different situation? Ironic to say the least. On a daily basis, I find myself blocked in, cut off, honked at, tailgated, all in a typical drive just to pick up the kids from school. The kids notice these situations as well and comment all the time. "Wow, Mom, that driver almost hit you!" or "Mom, that person is giving you a dirty look!" or "Why won't that car stop honking?" Ha! I find myself having to be more aggressive as a driver, just to survive on the freeways. Perhaps the most challenging of all is the drop-off and pickup in the school parking lot. Below are a couple photos that I snapped from my dash when I was completely blocked in the school parking lot. I'm in a parking space trying to pull out and yet the other drivers park directly in front of me, 2 or 3 deep, to let their kids off, causing crazy traffic jams. There are times when I want to cry out of frustration. My daily motto has become, "Pack your patience!"
There are the little things with any move that can be difficult, like finding new doctors or hair stylists or recommended businesses. Thankfully we have many new friends that are willing to help and make recommendations. A few weeks ago I chipped my front tooth (yikes!) and needed an emergency dental repair. One of the super cool things about Dubai is that you can have most services done until late in the day, sometimes as late as 10 pm. A friend recommended a local dentist and I was able to get a late appointment and have my tooth repaired on the spot. I was pleasantly surprised, considering that my dentist office back home closes at 4 and isn't open on Fridays. I also recently bit the bullet and finally got my hair done. After having the same stylist and colorist in Houston for 10+ years, this was a big adjustment for me. I'm thankful to be rid of the dark roots and (many) newly sprouting grey hairs!
Another difference we are adjusting to here in the Middle East is the sand. In this desert climate, a scan of the horizon is usually nothing but brown. The dirt is sand, and it is everywhere. When the wind blows, the dust and sand are carried with it and leave a layer behind on everything in their path. We kept our windows open during the daytime for the first few months and yes, there was a layer of dust all over our house! It's not uncommon to have sandstorms when the wind is high, and the sky becomes cloudy and hazy with all the dust in the air. The local parks with abundant flowers and greenery have become a nice refuge to escape the sand.
With all of the adjustments we are making to our new country, one thing I've discovered that really helps is to get outside and enjoy the beautiful climate here. It has recently started to warm up, but usually the weather is sunny and breezy. I always feel happier and more refreshed when I get outside and soak in the sun.
Adjustments are to be expected and no doubt we will face countless more as we continue to settle into our new country and daily routine. I'm discovering a lot about myself through this experience, mostly that I can be quite set in my ways and that I seem to become more introverted with each passing day. So, I wouldn't describe myself as the ideal person to take on an international experience like we've taken on, but I'm extremely thankful for this opportunity we've been given and I look forward to the growth that God has in store for me and our family through it all.
