Saudi women ordering at McDonald's. The black covering is called "abaya". Image via Yahoo Images.
As someone who has moved from one culture to another, I can tell you that yes, there are difficult times. I've never experienced "culture shock" but I know people who have. I feel that I was as mentally prepared as possible before moving to Saudi Arabia. However, actually living something is a bit different than just learning about it. This logic does not just apply for someone moving from America to Saudi. Any two cultures have their differences. Even moving from one part of the US to another could have it's fair share of differences.
I am truly happy here in Saudi. Of course, there are many moments when I miss American life. I do get homesick from time to time. And I love coming home every summer (as do hubby and little guy). But I feel I have been very successful at establishing a life of my own here in Riyadh. It's in my character to adapt and live life wherever I may be. When I moved away to school in Pittsburgh, I was out and about in those first few days learning my way around the city. I had a job within a couple of weeks. I made a lot of new friends at school and from the building I lived in. It was great. When I moved here to Riyadh, I wasted no time either. I enrolled in a school to learn Arabic and Quran within a few weeks. And from that school, I met new friends. And one of those friends just happened to work in a school that was looking for native English speakers to teach ESL in their elementary section. So, within a few months of moving to another country I was hired as a teacher, I started that fall. And working in this school has allowed me to meet and become friends with some amazing people.
These past two weeks I've been spending a lot of time with these friends of mine from work. We've been attending model lessons, workshops, training, and meetings. I've been blessed to work with people that I actually enjoy being with. We've been having loads of fun even though we're working. This week I've been thinking about how much I admire their qualities. Let me tell you about five of my good friends:
- Friend #1 - She's one of the most knowledgeable people I know. I've learned so much from her. She's also one of the FEW people I can actually trust (I have MAJOR trust issues). I know I can tell her anything and she'll keep her word not to tell a soul.
- Friend #2 - She's the most punctual person I know, even with children. She's always anxious and ready to go do whatever task is at hand. I love how she has her family on such a great routine. And she always takes time out to ensure her children are studying enough, eating healthy, and most of all, having fun.
- Friend #3 - She's the most patient person I know. She's so calm and relaxed. She has a heart of gold and has done amazing things for others. She's a really hard worker. She's a GREAT cook, too! ;-)
- Friend #4 - She often says that growing up without much made her who she is today. She's right. She can whip up a meal with limited ingredients. She knows how to stretch out money. She can tell you how much a kilo of almost anything costs. She's great with numbers. And speaking of numbers, she makes having a lot of children look so dang easy.
- Friend #5 - She's strong, tough, and will tell you how it is. No one walks over her. She inspires me to stand up for myself. And even though she's straight forward, she knows when you need support and understanding. She'll look right into your eyes and know if some thing's wrong and offers to help if need be. I also admire her relationship with her children...a mother but also a friend.
God gives us many opportunities in this life. It's up to us to take them. And when we do, doors will open and amazing things can happen. You may also be blessed to make some amazing friends along the way. I'm so thankful for the courage I've had to continue on my journey. I wish you many doors of opportunities as well. ;-)
Last two images via Fotosearch
ah good luck with your new opportunity. : )
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