"I Wonder as I a Wander"

The title of the Langston Hughes book I Wonder as I Wander truly speaks to me as I've been agonizing for several weeks about the focus of this blog. In the book Hughes documents  his world  travels and his experiences and observations with race and oppression. In no way am I attempting to match the genius of Hughes' work so much as the title has repeated in my head these past few weeks as I have a modestly attempted to identify myself and describe my purpose here. I have learned that it is also the title of a Christmas hymn (I know- that's not my point here). It is my hope this blog will serve as a record of my own observations of the "wonder" of this world as I "wander" to various locations and experiences. 

Now, those who have had conversations with me may argue that my mind wanders (swiftly!) from one topic to another, and I have to be brought back to the original conversation with, "Where was I going with this?".  Is that really wandering, though? But anyway, before I digress let me stay focused on the purpose of this blog. 

I can certainly admit to being inexplicably drawn to  all things creative, and artistic. I would also grant that my desire to advocate, serve and support  has fed my gypsy soul and led me to seemingly random choices in life. Choices that have repeatedly placed me on a solo or alternate path from those around me. However, I'm not certain I wander so much as I attempt to FOLLOW where I am LED. This has happened a few times without my really knowing why,  but always with a deeper understanding that it is part of plan much bigger than me. 

My "wandering" has now brought me to another life change that- this time- I am committed to keeping a record. With this blog, it is my sincere desire to adequately stay focused on relevant and interesting posts and pictures from my travels and work experiences.  Stay with me as I attempt to explain my wanderlust. 

Educator: I have had the great fortune of serving as an educator and school administrator for the past seventeen years. My strong personal and professional belief that ALL children are entitled to a high quality education is a matter of social justice for me, and I have spent much of my career working in roles that have enabled me to attempt to provide that access to all children. I also believe that it is my duty to follow "the work" and serve children and teachers toward reaching those very access and equity goals.  

Currently, the work has led me to the Middle East. At the end of July I am scheduled to leave for service in the United Arab Emirates as an administrator at an all girls school with the Abu Dhabi Education Council. While the reform in the UAE does not look the same as it does here,  I am happy to be a part of their efforts to provide their children with the same high quality education as our children in the US. I look forward to sharing some of the leadership and professional lessons I learn along the way.

Traveler: Having children and marrying young I found the only way I could afford to travel was through literature and my imagination. I served as an English teacher for eleven years and attempted to spend some of the time that I was raising three amazing children with my nose tucked in a book. It was my escape and my therapy. It also enhanced my work skills. 
Now that my children have grown into successful and healthy adults, and I have been divorced for many years, it is my time to set out and discover the world and myself in far and distant lands. While I serve students and teachers in Abu Dhabi,  I hope to travel and share my adventures and wanderings through this blog with the hope of informing and recruiting family and friends to join me (or bear witness) on this great adventure. 

So, I will attempt to narrow my focus (and the length of these posts!!) as I document this journey as a journal to myself of my growth and experiences, but also as a means to share the journey with the friends and family I leave behind me.  
Focus! Ha! I can't make any promises, though! 

Warmly & Humbly,
The WanderWoman