On the morning after I arrived in Abu Dhabi, I woke to an email informing me I had been reassigned to Al Gharbia in the Western Region. Originally, I was assigned to Al Ain which is a "suburban" oasis (literally) about an hour between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Oh my desert life!
My heart was immediately at peace with the change as IT knew I have never been anywhere I wasn't supposed to be and I have never been forsaken. But, my head needed a few days to catch up with the idea that the area I researched and prepared to live for the previous seven months was no longer an option.When I signed my contract I agreed to work in any area as I am here to serve and offer my experience- but The West was not on my radar.
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| Map of Abu Dhabi: I have been assigned to the Al Mirfa in the Western Region |
The Western Region makes up a remote area about an hour from AD and stretches to Saudi Arabia. Many people dread this area as it is far away from the glitz and glamour of Abu Dhabi and is much more conservative than the city. For those of you from NC- I am in the country, ya'll! But, all with whom I have now connected love it out here, and I was informed by an area manager that the schools are the highest performing in the Abu Dhabi Education Council.
Learn more about the Western Region: Al Gharbia, The Western Region
So, on Tuesday I moved to a new hotel out West and will remain here until my housing is prepared. I will be living and working in Al Mirfa (Marfa or Murfa) which is a tiny beach village about an hour from Abu Dhabi. They host an annual camel pageant and water festival and are working at a rapid clip to make this area another beach destination in the UAE. I can dig it! My heart and head are now aligned and I am certain this is the place where I will receive the richest experience and be able to serve at a greatest capacity.
Click here for more info: Al Mirfa Hotel
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| Al Mirfa Hotel: It was designed to resemble a falcon- one of the national symbols for the UAE. |
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| View from my room at the Al Mirfa Hotel. |
Did I mention that Al Mirfa is a beach town? Anyone one who knows me will tell you I've only wished I could live at the beach my entire adult life. I have already become a regular customer at the "Special Tea" shop where they make eye-rolling-good pineapple smoothies and have chosen my apartment. I would say everything happens for a reason and I'm exactly where the Universe intended for me, my students and my teachers.
Pics of my villa coming soon!
