Serving In The Waiting

I think it's been quiitteeee a bit of time since we've posted on here - but here we go!

Well, it’s been nothing short of a crazy ride. But, isn’t life in the Faith full of them? It’s been quite a while since we left Dallas, Tx - a little short of 5 months to be exact, and we are getting lots of questions for updates, so we figured we would type it all out to answer the questions!

We left Dallas, TX on May 10 after finishing our ministry with Apartment Life, Zach graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary, and finishing our in-person jobs at The Westwood School. After selling most of everything we owned, we packed all our clothes, toys, books, and important documents into a 5x8 trailer. Some of our closest friends in our apartment community stayed up late and helped us load everything up the night before (shout out to the Walker family)! We headed east and made our way across the country and arrived in Georgia with our family where we intended to stay until July-ish until we were able to depart for Kuwait. Well...Obviously God had and has something better in store! July has turned into August, then September, and now it is almost October and we have no definitive answers as to when we may get to move to Kuwait. While we have been in a season of waiting, here are some updates from along the way over the past few months. 

• Living: When we first moved to Georgia, we moved in with my dad. He was very gracious to offer us his extra room where we purchased a “top-of-the-line” air mattress. Eventually after almost 3 months, the air mattress gave me a back injury and my arm/hand/fingers went numb. I’ve been seeing the chiropractor and things seem to be headed in the right direction. In August, my mom graciously allowed us to stay in her 1 bedroom condo. We stayed there for a month until we decided, with no end in sight, we probably needed to find a place of our own. Zach’s parents offered for us to stay there, but it seemed right to venture out on our own to give some consistency to the boys (with school, sports, and our virtual work).  We prayed and actively searched for a place. We didn’t want to commit to a 12mo lease, and with no active income coming in, this was a challenge. However, nothing is ever too big for God. Amen?! I “randomly” ran into a friend that Zach and I both grew up in church with. She was moving into a duplex in the coming weeks and her landlord was looking for someone reputable to move into the other side. I contacted the landlord on a Friday and explained our story. He explained in return that he had rented the duplexes since the 90’s and had never done anything but a 12mo lease. He said he would think about it over the weekend and let me know. We (all 4 of us) prayed all weekend for favor, but reminded ourselves that sometimes God says no because He has something better for us and committed that regardless of his decision, we would thank God. On Monday, the landlord called me and said, “You know, I really think God is in this, so let’s give the 6 month lease a try.” I started crying! Praise God! We met with him the next day, signed the lease, and moved in the next day. What a blessing. Many people donated things like silverware, towels, furniture, etc. as we literally just sold everything. We are so thankful for you all! We now have our own small but stocked apartment that we can call “home” until we finally get the visas to depart!

• School: The boys started school here in our local town back in August. Braxton began 4th Grade and Weston began PreK. I’m happy to report they both go in person and they both love it. A small part of me wishes we could let them finish out the school year here. Braxton comes home almost daily, explaining what he talked about and learned that day. Weston, of course, has many girlfriends and is even getting positive notes sent home about his character/actions during the day. They have made lots of friends and we hope and pray it gives them some stability and consistency during this season of “waiting”. We keep reminding them, “don’t forget - we are still going to Kuwait!”

• Work/Visas- As far as work goes - Praise God! We started virtually with the International School of Kuwait on September 6th! Zach is the Vice Principal for the Secondary (Grades 5-12) and I am the Head of Kindergarten (Vice Principal of Preschool and Kindergarten). We are currently in meetings from 6am-10am EST and the students officially begin October 4th. I don’t even know how to put the culture of the school into words. It is an incredible place and since this is their inaugural year, we feel honored to both be helping start this place from the ground up! It’s just an all around great place and we feel so blessed to be a part of it. As far as visas, Kuwait began a “5 Phases to opening the country” and back at the beginning of September they began Phase 4 - so we just knew Phase 5 was coming - when visas would be issued! About a week or so ago, we were informed that “Phase 5 has been delayed indefinitely” So, there’s that. They could open up the country and issue them tomorrow, or they could open up and issue visas many months from now. So, we are really just in a waiting season. But trust me, whenever we get the email with visas - there’ll be a big shout out on Facebook!

• Sports - Whew! So. Much. Time. At. The Fields! Braxton is playing his first year of tackle football (cringe) and Weston is playing t-ball. Despite his size, Braxton is doing quite well - although as a mom, I much prefer flag football! He has made some impressive tackles, had his name announced on the PA system, and loves every minute of it. Weston is, well, he is Weston. His favorite parts of t-ball are playing in the dirt, dancing on the field, and pretending his glove is a hat. What can you say? It’s just hilarious.

• Church - Man. We have been *hungry* for some fellowship with believers. Due to covid, we haven’t really gathered with other believers since March, and that has been rough. Our lives were changing so much and we needed a source of encouragement! Finally, at the end of August, we found a church here in town that has Life Groups and was open for socially distant gatherings. We gave it a try and instantly had connections with people. {I will also insert here that in God’s providence, the duplex we are renting is literally across a small street from the church - so we walk and the boys ride their bikes!} We have been involved with the church ever since and it has really been encouraging. In fact, we will be speaking on stage this upcoming week to the youth group about living life on mission! 

• Waiting - Waiting. It’s hard. Right? Throughout this time we have been committed to serving in the waiting. God’s timing is always perfect and we can trust in that! We know He knows what is best for us. We know the plans He has for us are far greater than anything we can imagine- whether it’s to go to Kuwait now, later, or never! He is faithful! He is in control! Our family chooses to live day-by-day serving God in our community, wherever we’re at.  It has been encouraging to look back over the past 5 months and point to things that we can see were purposeful in us being in town. For example, my childhood best friend recently lost her grandmother to a rapid decline of cancer. I was able to watch her infant overnight so that she could be at her grandmother’s bedside. The grandmother also requested Zach and I personally to come and pray with her. It brought great peace to her grandmother and great help to my best friend to be able to be there. We’ve also been able to minister to family and friends in times of need. We’ve been able to build relationships with our neighbors and share the love of Christ with them- Jeff and Tonya, Pam, Linda, Michelle, Billy and Valerie. It’s been a really good season even though it wouldn’t have been what we chose. It has been hard. It’s been hard waiting on provisions- we’ve been without an i

• ncome since May (except Zach’s part-time VIPKID) and our savings has been emptied, but God has provided every step of the way and we are so thankful! God just really knows best, and we can trust that!

• Free time - COVID has given us a lot of extra time together as a family! In June we took an almost two week trip across the country - vertically! We saw so many friends that spanned across so many seasons of our lives. It was a time of many laughs, encouragement, and quality time. Thank God we had no car problems, sickness, or mishaps. We have also spent many days getting out into creation by hiking on some local trails - which are Zach’s favorites and Braxton’s worst (haha!). It’s great to detach from technology and take in the beauty of creation. Thankfully, no snake bites or poison ivy! As the weather begins to cool, we are looking forward to fall colors on the trees and steaming hot coffee in the brisk mornings. 

There have been many days of lows, sadness, confusion, stress, and uncertainty. There are many voices coming at us from many different directions. We have to be intentional in focusing our attention and purpose on the voice of the Holy Spirit. We feel God is leading us to the Gulf Region and we are confident not in our plans or feelings, but we are confident in God and that He is going to have us in the best place to bring glory to His name. We pray that it is still Kuwait, but we are thankful for the opportunity to serve and live here. The timeline? Only He knows. So, for now, we will choose to be content here in Georgia where we are getting extra time with our family, the kids with grandparents and cousins, and being back in our hometown for a bit. We commit to serving in the waiting and being faithful in this season, even if it looks nothing like what we thought it would.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading our update. Please continue to pray for Kuwait to open up and visas to be issued. Please continue to pray for our faithfulness in the waiting and that we would continue to serve in the waiting.

Please let us know how we can be praying for you. Much love and God Bless! 

The Gallman Family

#YallahtoYeehaw

Hello from the states!

The boys and I have been here now for just a few days shy of a month and what a busy month it has been!

Here’s a little bit about what has gone on…

We left Abu Dhabi just the 3 of us to travel across the world. Braxton was a champ and ended up watching his shows for the 14hr flight. At one point we took a walk down the aisles and up through business class where Braxton made it known out loud that it just was not fair that they got to lay down in a bed for the flight! Weston did really great too for the first leg of the trip. He was pretty overwhelmed with all of the people so my fear of him cruising the aisles and pulling people’s coffee cups off of their trays didn’t happen. Instead, he wanted me to hold him the whole time. Which was great, except we don’t call him Squishy for nothing. Holding 25lbs for 14 hours can be pretty rough on your back. By the end of the trip my body was pretty sore! What also didn’t help is that they did not give us our stroller for the layover in Chicago so I had to carry him on one hip and the diaper bag and large carryon tote on the other. And I was reminded we were no longer in Abu Dhabi when I had to wait in the slow line for security and didn’t get to get in a special “people with kids lane” and no help. Nonetheless, we made it through Chicago and boarded the 1.5hr flight to our home state! I also stood on that flight as well and Braxton was excited that he got to look out of the window on that flight – since there were no tvs on the smaller airplane. I appreciated all of your prayers for the extra seat on the long flight! In God’s sovereignty He chose to answer those prayers with a “no”… but I realized that I didn’t have a chance to sit down anyway so it would have been wasted. We were very excited to land in Chattanooga and Braxton ran as fast as a cheetah to hug the grandparents who were anxiously awaiting our arrival! Overall, it was a really good trip back into the states! And I’m so thankful we made it safely and no delays!

We have had a hard time with Weston and his ears since we arrived. He has been on pretty much constant antibiotics since we arrived – despite a few adjustments at the chiropractor to try that route as well. Hopefully once we get his insurance sorted out we can get him in for some tubes to help his ears drain.

Braxton finally has his long awaited library card! He has been reading a lot and loves spending time there. It’s such a great place! They even have blocks and stuff for Weston to do. Every week they also have a therapy dog that comes for the children to read to for them to practice their confidence I reading out loud – B has really enjoyed this! He also went to a Saturday Lego Day with his grandad! He has been fascinated with drinking water fountains and mail trucks!

Zach’s sister, Britt, delivered her baby the first full weekend we arrived. It was an amazing opportunity to be with her during labor and delivery. Sweet babies are so cuddly! But in case you’re wondering, I have no desire to have another ;)

We welcomed Zach back into the states this past week. Braxton had a fun time at the airport making friends with the police officer on his motorized scooter as they did a few races around the baggage claim! We were so glad to give him a big hug once he came through security. It was a long month without him. I missed him more than I can put into words… But it was very obvious how much both of the boys missed him. Zach had a great time traveling through Israel and Jordan but I think it’s safe to say he is happy to be back!

This past weekend we celebrated Weston’s first birthday! We are waiting until his actual birthday on the 24^th to post pictures. It’s hard to believe he is already 1yr old! He is walking everywhere, talking a lot, loves his big brother, and has a very determined attitude!

Last weekend my parents and I went out to Dallas to prepare our apartment! We left early Friday morning, unloaded and the trailer and set up the apartment, and then left and drove back Sunday morning. We ended up making pretty good timing and had a great time stuck in the truck for 14hrs one way! We were really encouraged by a church that we have come in contact with who brought about 15 people to help us unload and arrange the apartment. It was amazing and so helpful. It helped us unload and arrange the entire apartment in about 2-2.5 hours. The apartment tower was very welcoming and had a few signs up welcoming “Zachary and Michelle home” which was really cool! I’m excited for Zach, Braxton, and Weston to arrive to their home already prepared for them. It was also awesome to see our friends Chris and Dana from Abu Dhabi who relocated to Dallas! A huge thank you to Mom and Dad and Metro Bible for helping and to Grandma and Grandad for watching both boys for 4 days!

Since Weston absolutely hates riding in the car for any amount of time, we have decided that him and I would fly out to Dallas and Zach and Braxton will have some alone time and drive out by themselves. We plan to leave this weekend. I thought I was done with airplanes and babies, but it appears I have another short stretch to do!

Back in Abu Dhabi I signed a contract to teach at Westwood School. It’s an IB Montessori school that is from 18mo-12^th grade. Braxton will start with me in August and Weston will join us in January! It was such an answer to prayer. I go back August 7^th and am excited to start this new journey! My new co teacher is from Egypt!

Stay tuned for pictures of Weston’s party and our apartment! And for more updates as we adjust to life in Dallas, Texas!

We miss you all in Abu Dhabi!

#YallahtoYeehaw!

... Let The Next Chapter Begin

Isaiah 25:1 Oh Lord, you are my God. I will praise You. I will give thanks to Your name. For You have been faithful to do great things, plans that You made long ago.

I had a coffee chat a few days ago with a dear lady that has recently moved to Abu Dhabi and joined our church. I just love when God takes such a simple get together and turns in into a time of deep encouragement to those whom He loves.

Where will you go after Abu Dhabi? How long are you staying? Aren’t you ready to come back to America? How long will you continue to teach there?

These are all questions that we hear more often than not. And more often than not, our answers were vague. Because sometimes when you follow Christ, the future is a bit vague. We knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that He called our family to Abu Dhabi in September 2014… but for how long, who knew? We sure didn’t. What would come after Abu Dhabi? Would we just pack up and leave and return back to our 8-5 jobs in the states leaving behind all that we had learned and gained here in the UAE? Our time here has certainly had its ups and downs. But I can’t put into words the work that we have seen our God do in just the short few years that we have been here. It has been such a time of deep growth, encouragement, and strengthening of our faith.

At the beginning of this school year 2016-2017, Zach became pretty certain he was finished teaching when the year was over. But what would we do? We can’t stay in this country unless we have a visa to be here and you can only have that if you are employed. We love this country. We love the people. We have settled and this has become our home. We are in our routine of life and daily being encouraged by what the Lord is doing. But like every expat (non-native) who enters this country, we can’t stay here forever. Eventually you have to move on. No expat retires here. It’s not possible. It’s kind of a scary thought when your husband, who has only ever taught, comes to you to say he is finished teaching. Um. What? You can’t. You have to teach. It’s what you do. But no. The Lord confirmed to him, and eventually to me, that his teaching career is over. It’s time for something else. But what?

As most of you know we have become very involved in our local church body. By the grace of God, Zach has had the opportunity to preach a few times. And as humbly as I know how, all I can say is, “wow.” Whenever he is sharing what the Lord has prepared him to share, it’s so normal for him. It’s like second nature. I am so, so deeply encouraged as his wife to see this unfolding. To see that the Lord is preparing him to shepherd a church one day.

A few weekends ago, he preached a sermon on Habakkuk. Now, I have heard of this book of the Bible but I’m not sure I can say that I have actually ever read a word from this book of the Bible. After he preached, it was mindboggling how many ways the Lord confirmed his sermon. A dear friend had been reading Habakkuk earlier that week and had used one of the verses as her “life verse” recently. Another dear friend was, unfortunately, in a car accident and was able to use the sermon of Habakkuk and “cling to God” through this time. There are at least 4-5 more stories of these that have deeply encouraged us that it was indeed the Lord speaking through Zach during Friday morning.

So. Where to now? A certain individual had brought up Zach going to seminary quite a few times. But oh, we were certain that was not where God was leading us. We have such a heart for the Middle East. When we say we love living here, we love living here. We love the opportunities we have here for the Gospel. We love the relationships that have been built across different cultures. I could go on and on. But the point is, it was so clear when God brought us here, we were certain it wasn’t time to pack up and leave already. After a month or two of saying no to seminary, we realized we had not even spent time in prayer, asking the Lord if that was in His plan! Sometimes, we just think we know what God wants and we go with it, without ever even praying about it. So... we spent time in prayer and just like the peace we received about moving to Abu Dhabi, the same peace came over us both about seminary.

Off to seminary we go.

That’s right. God has confirmed that the next step for our family is for Zach to pursue seminary. It’s a huge step, no doubt about it. We will have to prepare just like we did when we came here… sell all of our belongings, get set back up when we arrive, etc. It will be no easy task as now we have an extra child to bring along! But we know God is faithful, and where He leads, we go.

Which seminary you may ask. That’s a good question. Zach has applied to both Dallas Theological Seminary and Bethlehem Seminary. DTS actually has a campus in Atlanta so it’s possible we may end up close to family. So for now, until we hear from admissions, we will head to Georgia, Texas, or Minnesota. After seminary? Who knows? Only God. We would love to return back to the Middle East, but we will seek the Lord when the times comes as to where He would send us. Maybe in the states, maybe to another continent. That piece is for the future and we are not concerned with that piece of the puzzle for now.

My coffee meeting. It was one of those where it was so encouraging that I left on such a spiritual high. We shared stories of how we were called to Abu Dhabi and how we have seen God’s faithfulness while we were here. As I retold our story of coming here, I was reminded so deeply of God’s providence and hand on our lives that it was certainly His plan. And the ways He provided? Wow. It gave me peace that He will continue to provide as we take this next step of faith, move back to the states at the end of the school year (July-ish), and follow His lead.

He is ever-faithful. Of this, I am certain.

How can you pray for us?

·         Full time, flexible job for me (Michelle) to be lined up before we leave

·         That our exit of the country goes smoothly… there’s a lot that has to be closed and in a certain order. It can get pretty frustrating.

·         The Lord would give us direction on which seminary to pursue

·         Finances would be met without going into debt (as we have been able to get 100% out of debt while we have been here)

·         That Braxton and Weston would settle well wherever we move

·         Faith and trust in Christ would be strengthened through this

Blessings everyone!

Gallmans

Gallman Party of 4

Hey! Michelle here-

There are so many other things I could be doing right now, but I figured since I haven’t written anything in what is probably over a year, I thought I would update on a few things!

The obvious –

We celebrated the birth of our second son, our rainbow baby, July 24^th! After a heartbreaking miscarriage in September 2015, we became quickly pregnant in October 2015. I found a fantastic doctor who followed me all the way through my miscarriage until the delivery of Weston and I couldn’t be more thankful for her. She was a bit cold at the beginning (okay, maybe cold isn’t the right word, but she didn’t have that southern hospitality that I was used to having!) but by the end, we got to know each other very well. It was my goal to make her laugh at least one time during my appointments! So I know everyone is wondering about the labor and delivery in a foreign, middle-eastern country. It might shock you to hear that it was an absolutely amazing experience. I ended up going 5 days “overdue” and was going to be induced. Now this scared me because if you know me at all, you know I am very pro-natural and I didn’t want any medical interventions unless absolutely necessary. But alas I arrived at the hospital at 6am in no pain and a bit hesitant. I had written out my birthing plan, made arrangements for Braxton, and let my doula (birth coach) know the plan. When the nurse hooked me up to the monitor, I gave her my birth plan. She read through it with me and much to my surprise, she said the hospital already did everything I was requesting! (For those of you interested – delayed cord clamping, no IV unless necessary, no pain meds or even offered, no episiotomy, immediate skin to skin, etc). By 7am the doctor came in, checked me, and confirmed I was 0cm dilated and not in any labor. I stayed on the monitor for a bit and still, no contractions. They inserted some medication to put me into labor and I would get this medication every 6hrs as needed for 24hrs. The next 6hrs passed by, no pain, walking in the hallway, bouncing on the ball, joking with Zach, getting to know the nurses. I was checked again at 1pm and was 3cm dilated! Yay! I had progressed to 3cm with no pain! The doctor gave me my next dose of medication and H-E-L-L-O I began into active labor. I was in so. much. pain. I began swaying back and forth on the bed, couldn’t respond to any of my texts (haha) and really had to focus and breathe through each one. About 4pm I finally told my doula I needed her to come and help. About 4:30 I needed to move rooms (closer to the nursing station to be monitored) and slowly, contraction by contraction made my way down the hallway to the first room. The doctor wanted to check me. I thought to myself there is no way I can do this. There was no way I could lay on my back and let her check to see how dilated I was. Well, I had to. I was already an 8. Oh thank God. Just a few more cm to go before I can get this kid out! They put me back on the monitor and the contractions were shooting off the chart. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could handle it. Then I felt it. Ohhhh the pressure. I *had* to push. My body was pushing even without my effort. He was coming. And quick. I told them I needed to push, they prepared the room, called the doctor. All while I am breathing heavily through each one. I get prepared and the doctor comes to break my water, but no need because just then it broke all over her (Ha!) With a few pushes, he was out at 5:20pm. That quick. And thank God it was over. All of my wishes followed, amazing care and dedication by the doctor and staff. And a sweet 4kg baby curled up, skin to skin, in my arms. In love. An so, like that, we welcomed our sweet new member of the Gallman family – Weston Josiah Gallman <3 

I was brought up to the mother/baby floor where I was taken care of by some fantastic nurses. Visited by the dietary department, lactation department, pediatrician, OB, you name it. Awesome support. And the funniest part. Wait for it….. A “taxi” ride home, complimentary in a Rolls Royce. Yep. Rolls Royce. It was everything you would think. Braxton enjoyed pressing all of the buttons and talking with driver, as did I. What a job! Bringing new moms home in a Rolls Royce everyday! 

Ha!

All of that to say. Thank God, I had an amazing birthing experience in the Middle East. One that I could have never imagined. (And also thank God, it’s over! Pregnancy is not my thing…)

The not so obvious –

The weather is *starting* to cool down. We’ve gone from 120F days down to 100F days. You’d be amazed at what a difference that is. I sat out on the balcony the other night with the breeze blowing and thinking, “wow, it feels soooo nice out here tonight! I wonder what the temp has dropped to..” I looked at my phone.. 105F. Haha. Yep. 105F at about 8pm. I enjoyed it. And confirmed to myself even more that we are going to freeze when we come back to visit in December. We wear scarves at 80F, I can’t imagine what 40F is going to feel like. Hello flannel…

We are coming to visit for Christmas! To say I can’t wait is an understatement. It’s been soooo long (14mo to be exact) since we have been in the states. We are counting down the days! A little tidbit to throw in… we do not plan to travel to see people this time. We have decided we will stay put in Calhoun and those that wish to visit can come to us. Summer 2015 was so hectic and busy. We really want to rest and enjoy our time this Christmas.

Braxton has started his second year at American International School. He is now in KG2 which is equivalent to our Kindergarten. He is doing great, although he regularly asks me to be homeschooled. I can’t help but feel so flattered that he thinks I’m smart enough to be responsible for teaching him all he needs to know! Ha! That being said, he continues to go to school each day! He has swimming once a week and is just doing great. I was so scared he would be that child as he doesn’t like getting *any* water on his face and *has* to use his armbands (which aren’t allowed). I picked him up from his first day of swimming, nervous to even ask him how it went. He ran up to me raving about how much fun he had and how he can’t wait for next week so he can go back! What!? He even put his eyes, nose, and mouth underwater. Yep. Amazed. I couldn’t believe it either.

I am still on my maternity leave and go back middle-Octoberish. I am excited to get back in my routine but am really loving these days at home with Weston. He just wants to cuddle all day. And by all day, I mean all day. Google and my breastfeeding support group assures me this is normal, but I’m hoping that when I go back to work it will help him be away from me a bit longer. Speaking of, it’s such a blessing. Since I work at a nursery, he will be joining me downstairs in the infant room. I will be able to run down and nurse him every couple of hours. We will see how it works! I’m happy that while we will have a bit of distance, he will be in the same place as me. I hope it turns out to be as convenient and nice as it sounds!

Zach started his 3^rd school year teaching here. He has continued to stay in the same challenging school. This will, more than likely, be his last year teaching. We aren’t sure what the future holds – for occupation and location – but we are enjoying where we are for now. He has been preaching a bit at our local church body here in Abu Dhabi at Grace Church (www.gracechurchabudhabi.com) and has really felt the pressing on his heart to pursue it. So for now, he continues with his two “passions” of teaching and helping lead Grace Church.

So where to next?

Many of you know years ago (2009) we had it pressed upon our hearts to begin an orphanage. I have no idea when, or if, that will actually happen, but it’s somewhere on our radar.  So, join us in praying that God would speak to us and guide us for the next step. We now have 2 little ones to consider and think about as well. We do want the best for them, too. It may be that we stay and do ministry in Abu Dhabi somehow, it may be time for the orphanage somewhere on this globe, it may be back to Georgia with family, it may be back somewhere in the states, who knows! Now that we have lived abroad, we really enjoy it. Despite the heartache of not being with our families of course. It’s kind of like an itch that once it’s there, I’m not sure it will go away for quite some time. Time will tell…

I can’t think of anything else now to write about. It’s a quick update on all of us! We appreciate all of the prayers and support that everyone so generously gives!

Until next time (who knows when that will be! Ha!)

Blessings!

Gallmans

We Survived!

September 5^th marked our one year anniversary of moving to Abu Dhabi and what a year it was. Times of utter joy and grief-stricken pain balanced our lives quite well.  We have learned and grown more in one year than we have in half a decade combined. God has humbled our hearts and stirred us to trust in Him to satisfy our every desire. We have learned what it means to be patient and to wait on God’s timing. We have learned how to discipline ourselves and to raise a child in the ways of the Lord. We have cultured ourselves to live among a melting pot of nations and engage a multitude of social differences from all walks of life. We have felt what it’s like being the minority and how the world doesn’t revolve around us as “Americans”.  I quote that on purpose as if we are unaware there were more than 50 other countries included in “America”. Ok, off the soap box.  I say that to emphasize an egocentric veil has been lifted from our eyes.  We no longer think from a Western perspective. A global surrounding has helped us aim our thoughts and considerations to a Godly, divine angle. We know many Westerners who came over the same time we did who are no longer living here because they refused to change their outlook and their personal beliefs hindered their adaptation to the culture. We came with very open minds and were willing to change our lives in order to soak everything this wonderful place has to offer. Without flexibility, it is IMPOSSIBLE to survive here. We learned that very quickly. Even with our increasingly resilient flexibility, it took nearly 4 or 5 months for the culture shock to wear off. The entire month of September was a fog and we were still making monthly border runs to Oman through October and November. To this day, Michelle still doesn’t have an ATM card. Part of…ok most of that is my fault, but everything goes through different process here than it does back in the Western world and you really only have the energy to go through a process once here. We survived though. We survived driving in the circles of death, the 135 degree heat, and the sandstorms. We survived and excelled, I would say. We had Arab coworkers who complimented on how well we have adapted and grown through the course of the year.  Many locals bragged on how well Braxton has done as well. We look forward to year 2 and all it will hold. We hope to engage the culture even more this year and improve our Arabic language skills. Now, we were asked many questions and absorbed many critical comments. We want to address the most common questions we were asked. If you have any other questions, please comment below. We answer with honesty and transparency.  

 

 

Question: Do you feel safe over there?

Answer: We absolutely feel safe. It is incredibly secured here. The government does a great job to protect the integrity of the country.

 

Q: What do you do over there?

A: We are currently both teachers. Michelle teaches in a Montessori Nursery (Pre-School) in a French-English class. She has a co-teacher who teaches the kids in all French and Michelle teaches in all English. She really enjoys it and she enjoys her co-teacher. I teach local Emirati middle school students. Last year I taught English in Grade 6. This year I am back in my expertise teaching Math in Grade 6.

 

Q: Do you guys make good money?

A: We are satisfied with our pay. The pay and benefits are more than what we could make in the U.S. Since our accommodations are paid for, we have been able to pay off a lot of student loans and should be debt-free in the next few months. This couldn’t have possibly been accomplished in the next 10-15 years in the U.S. We are extremely thankful and blessed to have this opportunity. We are excited to be able to give more to others now our hands won’t be tied to student loan debt.

 

Q: How long are you going to stay?

A: Our contract is completed after two years and we have an option to extend the contract annually. Currently, we are simply trusting in God to lead us. We don’t know the exact plans He has for us. We have an incredible opportunity to serve in a new Church Plant that will hopefully launch later this year. So we will see what God has in store for us with the amazing body of believers. We are open to teaching for as long as we can. This place is not really a place you can retire to. Once you are out of work, your VISA expires and it’s time to go home. So we know we can't stay for too long. We just want to completely obey the will of God. We have human desires and ideas. Some may align with His will and others won’t. And that’s okay. It's all in His hands.

 

Q: How have you adjusted to the heat?

A: You don’t adjust to the heat haha. It is miserable 9 months of the year and pleasant December-February. It was funny to think the other day it actually felt nice when it was 105 degrees out! The winter gets down to a cool, 75-80 degrees. It is fabulous! It’s funny though because most people are used to the extreme heat so when these temps come, it’s fairly chilly to them so all the stores start selling ear muffs, scarves, and fur jackets. We walk around in our summer clothes and just smile.

 

Q: What is the hardest thing you dealt with?

A: The most challenging time we had, apart from dealing with the language barrier and challenging processes, was fighting constant sickness, injury, and loss. From kidney stones to viruses to loss of a child, we were always battling with trials. It’s part of why we know we are supposed to be here. The enemy was constantly throwing flaming darts at us. Thankfully, we were surrounded by a Godly community who know how to bear our burdens and point us to the promises of God which increased our faith and helped us through challenging times.

 

Q: What is the most memorable moment you had?

A: My most memorable moment was shared in an earlier blog where I talked about sharing a dinner with my Arab coworkers at a park and drinking tea to the early hours of morning talking about life and our God. It’s a moment I’ll never forget and has influenced how I live here. I also really enjoyed breaking a fast (Iftar) during Ramadan with an Emirati (by way of Bahrain) family that we are friends with. Michelle’s most memorable moment was a three-way tie. Her most valuable moment was the Iftar Dinner with our Bahraini-Emirati friends. Her most fun moment was our trip to Thailand with our great friends-the Rackley’s. The most pleasurable memory was our Christmas trip to Le Sifah and Muscat, Oman. Braxton said he likes all the friends he made: at school, TGIFriday’s with Madam Mitch and all the friends there (it’s also where we initially met Graham and Griffin Rackley), “Mall Church” and “Zoo Church”, his friends in our neighborhood (including Miss “Lissa”), Maddie and our friends from Alabama, and every other special person he has befriended. He also likes to ride camels and frequent Mushrif Mall to get kinder eggs.

  

Q: What did you miss from the States?

A: We missed our family, deeply. We missed cookouts. We missed the 4^th of July. We missed football (the real kind, American Football). We missed sweet tea (my mom has been gracious to send us packets of cold-brew in the mail occasionally). We missed Zaxby’s, Chicfila, and Waffle House. We missed cooler weather and Fall in the north Georgia mountains. We missed country hills and fluffy clouds. We MISSED THE RAIN! I miss coaching sports and refereeing basketball. There are many things we miss about the States, but there are many things here we have been happy to learn to use as replacements like traveling to Dubai to go skiing inside of a mall and learning to like cricket and soccer.

 

 

Q: What are your living arrangements like? Do you live on a compound?

A: We live in a high-rise apartment where many expats live, but it is not limited to a particular demographic and it’s not in a compound. We are free to come and go as we wish. It’s just like living in Urban America. There are thousands upon thousands of taxis, cars and other modern modes of transportation.

 

Q: Is it expensive to live there?

A: Overall, we save more than we would in the States. There are some things where demand is not high here so it is more expensive. Most fruits and vegetables are imported from other countries but remain relatively cheap. There isn’t any regulation on anything either, so one day we might pay $20 for a box of strawberries and the next day it might not be available or it may cost $3. Cereal, peanut butter, and other “fake” stuff is a lot more pricey. The tradeoff here is that most everything is super fresh without any processing and those things are relatively inexpensive. Local fish markets allow for cheap fish and seafood.

The cost of living is considerably high (compared to where we have lived). A 3 bedroom villa out of the city could cost you around $5,000 USD. Granted, most of the time those accommodations are paid for by the employers. Fuel, at the moment, is similar to the cheaper prices you see in the States.  

 

Q: Do you like it?

A: We love it. We have grown closer as a family. We have made many friends who we sincerely enjoy. We have found a wonderful church family we have engaged with and are striving side by side with one mind and one sprit to grow in faith of the Gospel. We love the culture. We love the options of adventure. There are some negative aspects we wouldn’t prefer, but overall we are satisfied with where we are at. We work EXTREMELY hard when we are on the job so we compensate by enjoying the life Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and the MENA region has to offer. We look forward to experiencing more this upcoming year.

 

A question I have for you…Would you consider opening your perspective and allowing us to give you a glimpse at this wonderful culture? Allow us to give you a change of heart towards Islam and to the Arab Culture. We’d love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you may have. We’d love to send mail and pictures. We’d especially love and covet your prayers. This year will be different than last year. It is certainly more purposeful already. Let us know you read this and make sure to subscribe below. Let us know if you want to hear more about our experiences here.

 

God bless!

 

First visitor to Abu Dhabi (even though on a business trip)

Braxton is collecting rocks from every country we visit.

Business Trip for Kevin but thankful we got to see him

View from swimming deck of our first day here

Thanksgiving Dinner with friends

Christmas with our favorite crew

Eugene and B

Malia

Santa in Abu Dhabi

Ski Dubai

I have taken up a hobby of dunebashing with the Pajero

One of many visits to ER and surgery

Best Neighbor

Measure differently when altering

Our favorite crew

Nightscape from our balcony

Old friends from Savannah, neighbors in AD

Colin and Jessica

Egyptian Style

Scuba in Thailand

Sunday Market in Thailand

The blondies from America

 

Faith Triumphs In Trouble

I almost had a free day. Braxton was going to go play all day at a friend’s house. Hmmm, what would I do with a whole day to myself while Zach was at work and Braxton playing? I could work out. Nah, did that yesterday. I could go swim. Nah, too hot for that (literally). I could sit down with a cup of my new favorite coffee that I stole from Zach and read some from my Bible that I finally brought back from the states. Oh well, it didn’t matter now. He wasn’t going.

But I decided to not let that stop me. For there is always a battle going on. Always something trying to catch my attention and keep me occupied with something other than spending time with my beloved Savior. The One that died for me. The One that rose again and sits at the right hand of the Father, waiting earnestly for me to set everything aside and spend some time with him.

So that’s what I’ll do.

And that’s what I did.

And whoa. Did I find some encouragement. The miscarriage seems to have finally ended and I am ready to move on.  This morning was encouraging nonetheless and I am hopeful that it will encourage any of you that might be reading this message who call themselves “Followers of Christ” and are going through a trial. Big or small. Read on, dear brothers and sisters!

My struggle (and maybe yours) with reading my Bible is I never really know where to start. Do I just flip it open and see where it lands? Do I pray for maybe a scripture to come to mind and then start there? Or do I begin like any other book and start on page 1? Today I decided to open it wherever it landed. I flipped to Romans 5 and began reading. The label of this chapter was “Faith Triumphs in Trouble.” I looked over and Zach happened to have his Bible Commentary (Bible study tool) sitting right beside where I was sitting. I grabbed that and opened to Romans chapter 5 also. Took a sip of the yummy coffee, and began reading.

This passage talks about us being justified through faith. Sometimes big, religious words like “justified” can be easy to read and then skip over and keep going. But I think it’s important to stop when we get to those words and figure out just exactly what does that mean? What does it mean to be justified? Webster’s explains it like this: Declared or made righteous (morally right) in the sight of God. Now. That is huge. To be made morally right in the sight of God is a BIG thing! For the God of the universe to look down to me and anyone else that has put their trust in God for their eternal life and He tells me I’m “justified”. This is huge and should strike us as overwhelming. Which, for me, it does.

While that truth weighed heavy this morning, there was more! Romans chapter 5 verse 3-4 says “And not only that, but we also glory (take price or pleasure in) in tribulations, knowing that tribulation (our troubles) produces perseverance (doing something despite difficulty); and perseverance produces character; and character produces hope.” Go ahead, read that again- very slowly paying attention to the definitions I’ve put in quotations.

Now. I’ve seen this verse before. I’ve read it. And I’ve been encouraged by it in the past because ultimately it means that our troubles ultimately will produce a good character- for me that is the character of God. What I am always striving to have and to be like- the character of my King. I flipped over to look at the commentary on what exactly it had to say about these two verses. It says this... That we don’t so much “glory” in the present discomfort as in their eventual result. What an ah-ha moment for me. It’s okay not to “enjoy” the hard times, which is what I think I’ve thought I was always supposed to do. “I need to be happy my husband lost his job for teaching about character because it will produce a Christ-like character in me.” “I need to be happy that I’ve lost this baby because I know there is a greater purpose and it will make a great character in me.” Sure, there was happiness in knowing it was for a great purpose, but man was it hard for him to lose that job and man was it hard to lose this baby. But I almost had a sense of guilt that I was not “happy” about the situation. What a release and weight off my shoulders to see in scripture that it’s okay to not glory (take pleasure in) in the present discomfort, as long as we are “glory-ing” in the eventual results! Beside this part in the commentary, it had a reference to Hebrews chapter 12 verse 11. So, I flipped over to it. It reads, “Now, no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” It’s so true. No chastening seems like a pleasurable thing at the moment! But if we can push through, push through the season, it will produce righteousness (good, worthy, upright, justifiable). An English Christian Theologian named Leslie Weatherland said once, “Like all men I love and prefer the sunny uplands of experience, where health, happiness, and success abound, but I have learned far more about God and life and myself in the darkness of fear and failure than I have ever learned in the sunshine. There are such things as the treasures of darkness. The darkness, thank God, passes. But what one learns in the darkness one possess forever.”

Wow. That is great stuff. And I’m so thankful I decided to sit down this morning and read, be encouraged, and learn. So those of you who call yourselves Followers of Christ, do not be discouraged when trials and hard times come. It’s okay to not take pleasure in the pain during the painful times, but it is important to focus on the outcome and realize that this for your (and my) good. To make us more like Christ. Which is our ultimate goal. And while we know we will not achieve this goal until we are in Heaven with Him, once we become followers of Jesus, there becomes this desire in us to be just like Him. Kind of like our sons, because they love their daddys so much, want to be just like them when they grow up. (Except for Braxton who I just asked and he said no, he wants to be like a big dinosaurJ)

If you know me well enough, you know I love music. So many times God will remind me of a song I know to encourage me. It’s crazy how it happens. All of a sudden I’m just singing this song and I realize, “hey! this is exactly the Truth I needed to hear right now!” So as I was gathering all my thoughts together to type this up, I was reminded (and started listening to) of a song called Sovereign Over Us. Sovereign simply means “in control”. So for us to say God is sovereign- God is in control.

I encourage you to go to YouTube, type in Sovereign Over Us, and listen to the song. It’s so encouraging. But first, read the words…

There is strength within the sorrow
There is beauty in our tears
And You meet us in our mourning
With a love that casts out fear
You are working in our waiting
You're sanctifying us
When beyond our understanding
You're teaching us to trust

Your plans are still to prosper
You have not forgotten us
You're with us in the fire and the flood
You're faithful forever
Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us

You are wisdom unimagined
Who could understand Your ways
Reigning high above the Heavens
Reaching down in endless grace
You're the lifter of the lowly
Compassionate and kind
You surround and You uphold me
And Your promises are my delight

Even what the enemy means for evil
You turn it for our good
You turn it for our good and for Your glory
Even in the valley, You are faithful
You're working for our good
You're working for our good and for Your glory

I’ve attached a picture for your enjoyment. Because through all of this study this morning, I had a precious 4yr old playing dinosaurs and firetrucks in the background because he didn’t want to go play with his friend all day long. J