As this first official school year draws to a close, I felt it an opportune time to begin this blog as I begin a new “chapter” in my life. I found the title “Adventures through the Rabbit Hole” fitting as that is how life feels sometimes – like you’ve fallen into this fictional universe where the things that you see and do feel surreal. Much has happened this year that, when reflected back upon, almost seem so surreal that it is strange to think that they have actually happened... Adjusting to a new culture where English is only for the bare minimum and every encounter with native citizens becomes an increasingly easier game of charades has definitely had both its challenges and rewards. The fact that I can say that I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a completely different culture from anything I have encountered yet, and still say I survived it, is rewarding in itself! The obstacles that I faced this year, literally day to day at work and in seemingly simple daily routines, have, I feel, made me more adaptable and flexible than I was around 8 months ago when I arriv
ed here. And I have definitely made quite a few friends that have made my stay here a lot more enjoyable! So I can definitely look back with a positive view on this experience. And now with the metaphorical light at the end of the tunnel, and this year quickly drawing to a close, this bunny is more than prepared to begin the next chapter that awaits her through the rabbit hole. However, mixed in with the excitement that comes from entering into a world yet unknown is having to say goodbye to parts of your world that are no longer there, or will no longer be there when you return. When I decided to leave and begin my adventure a couple of years ago, I knew there was a possibility that this might happen, however, it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I actually realized how FAR from home I actually am... Even with weekly phone calls and daily emails to keep in touch with loved ones back home, I found that there is no amount of time available to prepare yourself for the unexpected...
Almost 3 weeks ago I had to book an emergency flight back to Canada to say goodbye to one of my best friends in the world. At a young 75 years old, my beloved grandmother had suddenly become ill and was dying. I am grateful that I was able to make it home within hours of her passing and did have my chance to say goodbye while she was still coherent. Her passing was such a great loss for me as she had always been one of my biggest supporters. She was my confidante, my shoulder to cry on, and in every sense of the word, one of my best friends. She encouraged me to live my life to the fullest, regardless of where that led me, and continuously assured me that she was proud of the direction I was going in.
And because of this, my next adventure will be bittersweet in that she is no longer here to share the adventure with me, but I know she would have been proud that I was doing it. For those who haven’t heard yet, the weekend after I got back from Canada, Morgan and I had another life-altering decision to make. We accepted a 2 year offer at an International School in Dubai – it was our first choice at our first international job fair last year, but we lacked the necessary experience to qualify for the position. We are very excited to be moving to Dubai – we have heard wonderful things about it and are definitely ready for a positive change!
To those back home, know that I carry you with me in everything that I do – each of you has had a hand in shaping the person I am today and regardless of where my adventures lead me in the world, you are never really that far from me... I wrote this in the hopes that this helps to shorten the distance between us until we are together again...
Christine
xoxo
