The Home Stretch

I have no idea where the whole year has gone!  It seems like only yesterday that we had this crazy idea to move half way across the world and try our hand at a something totally new and unknown.  There were times that we looked at each other and wondered what the heck we were thinking when we made the decision, but those moments faded quickly and we now find ourselves calling Abu Dhabi home.  The school is a great place to work and play and the people that we work with and have met through our association with the school have been great!  Molly has made so many new friends from all over the world and has grown so much just from the vast opportunities and experiences that this adventure has brought her way...that in itself has made the adventure worth the risk!

 Since I last blogged we have travelled several times to Dubai and went to Thailand for our Spring Vacation.  If you are ever making a list of places that you need to go before you die, Thailand is one name that should be on that list!  The country is beautiful, but what is even more beautiful are the people that live there.  I don't think we will even find a people who are as warm, friendly, humble, and hospitable as the Thai people...we are still going to look in as many places as we can, but I don't anticipate it getting much better!

 I went back to Alberta in March to interview and hire new teachers for the next school year and was able to interview some of the most amazing talent I have ever seen in one week.  The crop of teachers we hired make me quite excited for the upcoming year and they include three Bonnyville connections who we can't wait to be here with us in the fall.

 The school year is winding down now and we are spending alot of time getting ready for the next school year - we are adding a Band program in the secondary school and will be putting on the school's first ever graduation as we add grade 12 to our school next year - I said I would never coordinate another grad again, but it looks like I'm about to eat those words!  The kids are pretty excited so I'm sure it will all be worth it!

 We get on the plane for home on June 30th and are very much looking forward to see all our family and friends again.  I hope to make it home that night in time to play ball with the team, so boys - be ready...for the return of the Rhino!  Christine is looking forward to visiting 24/7 and Molly is looking forward eating a hamburger at A&W!  I know we will miss our new 'family' and friends from over here, but many plan on stopping in at our place in Alberta over the summer vacation so we will have the best of both worlds for sure.  Take care - and we'll see you all very soon!