New Adventure

Well, here I am in Kuwait... I never would have imagined I would be saying that. Aside from simply providing my resume and being offered the position, it definitely has not been easy to get here. I feel that either I am really not supposed to be here, or there is a purpose for me here and someone is fighting really hard to keep me from fulfilling that purpose. I'm hoping it is the second reason. Seriously though, there have been hurdles all along the way- probably to discourage me and to make me second guess my confirmation that this is where I need to be. Some of the battles I've faced include my report date, getting a physical scheduled, immunizations, medical losing my blood, keeping my ID card, rescheduling flight plans and coming straight to Kuwait versus a stay in Germany, flight was delayed and made me almost miss my connecting flight to Kuwait, etc, etc, etc. At any rate, I am here and so far things have gone really smooth.

This past month has flown by as I was trying to get things ready to go. I am very blessed to have great friends who I tried to spend some time with before heading out. Also, I was very spoiled to have family in Denver. My got to spend my final evening in Denver with family. I invited the Showell clan to Jared and Katie's place Saturday evening for a nice dinner. I also asked Jared to give me a blessing - I am so grateful for him and the fact that I got to spend the past 4-1/2 years living with, or near, my bro. Thanks for everything Jared!

Well, Sunday was the big day that I flew out. We were delayed in Denver by 45 minutes and my layover in DC was only one hour. So, I was getting a little nervous about not making my flight. Well, I did make it and even survived the 12 hour flight (actually it was 3 hours from Denver to DC, and then 12 hours from DC to Kuwait). Attila was there to greet me at the airport and we went to the market to pick up a few groceries, to visit, and to enjoy a cinnabon before coming to my temporary housing which has shared common space, but I have my own room. I got all setteled into the posh temporary housing and was told I could be here for up to 5 weeks. Well, after I got all unpacked (of course), I received a phone call saying that my apartment is ready for me to move into. Nice! So, I will get all moved into my new place on Thursday.

I was given the day off today to give me time to adjust to the 10 hour time difference. It really wasn't that difficult for me to adjust... I went to bed at Midnight Kuwait time and slept until 8am. Even though it was like 2pm to my body I was still exhausted from the long trip so I fell right asleep.

Just a few observations so far about Kuwait: it is very westernized and I recognize a lot of eating establishments and name brands in the grocery store (no yoplait though- very sad), things here are expensive ($4 for a small box of Honey Nut Cheerios), it is windy, it gets dark about 5pm, double locks (turn the key twice to get the lock fully extended), I have to use the key to unlock my door and to lock myself in, driving here is insane, and lastly, there are nice people where ever you go in this world!

Well, until next time.... Love you all!