What can they do for fun over there?

Questions come from all ages concerning the 'big move' in late August. C & E have been doing much reading and research in the past month seeking out answers for the inquiring minds that want to know. Before the information is released, here is a brief update on C & E.

Thanks to the lapse in rain, C has been able to work outside the past 2 days. He would have worked more, but E pulled him away on a plane to Chicago to spend 5 days with her sister's family. Now that they have both been fattened up by Rachel's amazing cooking, he is back out in the heat working on local lawns. When it has rained, C has spent his time reading through lesson plans and through books that will assist him in engaging people of their new culture. He also has mastered the art of making 'The Conga'...it's sweet, fizzy, and fruity! Although, Sonic's Cherry Limeade is still his favorite treat after working outside all day.

And now for E. It's a new segment in life when she is having to learn how to grocery shop for two people--one of which is a MAN! Who knew that chunky hot salsa could disappear so quickly? When she is not dishing out new recipes at home, she is trying to prepare her office and students for the new person hired for her position. With only 7 days remaining at work, she is beginning to feel the pinch of getting it all done. She spends her 'off' hours boxing up keepsakes, stacking items for THE garage sale of the decade, and pitching items not worth keeping or selling. Not to mention the looming task of finishing ALL of the wedding "Thank You" notes. Not to worry, they will all get done before they leave the USA.

ACTIVITIES: C & E could enjoy...

• cookery classes (that's the way it was listed)
  
• fencing
• rugby
• wadi and dune bashing
• drama
  
• camel riding
  

LIVING: Where C & E could live...
Many people have asked what type of housing C & E will have in their new city. After talking with the Academy and with local Realtors, it appears that they have a few options to consider.

1. a villa* (2-3 bedroom)
2. apartment* (2-3 bedroom)
3. renting a semi-furnished accommodation = includes air conditioning
4. renting a non-furnished accommodation = NO air conditioning

*Many facilities include a pool and a gym.

Points to Ponder:

• Thanks for lifting up the need to study and prepare...both have been more diligent in this area since the previous blog
• Wisdom in financial decisions (need to purchase a computer...preferably before leaving; need to purchase a car in new country upon arrival)
• C: understanding of the teaching material; creativity on how to use it in the classroom; strength for lawn commitments during the next 5 weeks
• E: diligence in studying the culture BEFORE arriving; finishing well at University; connection with lady in country to continue; patience in the preparations to move

NEXT TIME:
--Do you have to wear that?
--Where/what will you eat?

Four More Weeks!

Why are C & E smiling? They received an email from their host company of a new arrival date of August 26th. This will allow the newlyweds to extend their time in the US by 4 weeks before heading 7000+ miles away. They will continue working and living in their city up until it is time to move.

Here are some facts about where they will be living:

• average days of rain per year = 7 days
• approximate # of nationals living in the country = 250,000
• approximate # of expatriates (that's us!) living in the country = 700,000
• average temperatures in the summer = 107 F(day); 65F (evening)
  
• average temperatures in the winter = 90F (day); 50F (evening)
• was the #1 location for harvesting pearls in that region for 700 years

Points to Ponder:

• E has already begun to develop a friendship with a young lady in the country; ask that it is a natural connection once they meet at the end of August
• Ask that C continues to be blessed with more work. C & E are thankful for the rain as it gives C more opportunity to work (once it all dries up!).
  
• Study time for C & E: they are committing to one another and the Father to study materials that will enhance their life and work within their new cultural surroundings. (language, culture, etc.)

Special Note: If you would like to receive a monthly in depth letter about their life and work, please contact C & E or any of their family members via email.