BIG NEWS for the McManemin Family:
Lets just cut to the chase… We are moving to Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) in February.
This was not a super big surprise to us, as Charles was aware of the possibility for a couple of months… We also kept our family and friends in the loop so that everyone had time to adjust to the idea.
We found out for sure that this was a 100% done deal on Friday and now that I have marinated in it over the weekend, I still feel a bit numb. Like I said before, I wasn’t surprised or anything, but the reality of it is slowly trying to sink in. I am totally up for the adventure of it all and feel strongly that God has been preparing us over the last couple of years for something just like this, but I know that the transition will be difficult with two kids. The move is a wonderful opportunity for Charles’ career and I’ve never heard a bad thing about Abu Dhabi – The only problem people have with the city is that they don’t want to leave!!
I cannot even begin to imagine life in another country and the everyday differences that we will adapt to – but at the same time time, it is a temporary assignment – they have told us to expect 2-4 years. It will probably feel like a long-term vacation. (staying positive here)
Life there is a bit misunderstood by most people. Don’t worry, I won’t have to wear any type of head coverings or be living under any strict religious laws. Abu Dhabi is very free and tolerant of other cultures and religions.. they also have gorgeous beaches, stunning buildings and LOTS to do (Dubai is less than an hour away!)
The obvious downfall is the distance. We will have a 10 hour time difference than the US and it will take a 17 hour plane ride to get back. It breaks my heart to take the my kids away from the grandparents, aunts and uncles and it saddens me of all that I may miss in our families lives in the meantime. It will cost our family around $5,000 to fly coach, which is also a dilemma. Charles will have restriction on the time he spends in the states (30 days/year) and that includes business trips. So he may or may not be able to travel with me. I don’t want to even think about flying with Audrey and Will by myself for 17 hours…. !!!!!!!!!!!!! After speaking to a couple of other ex-pats, they have all consistently said that you go back once a year and for a long time – Avoiding the summer heat in the Middle East is key - so most people take their once a year visit and stay the entire summer… not that it is much cooler in Louisiana :)
People that we have told ask first… how do you feel about this?? My answer is that it will happen no matter how I “feel” about it. I am of course so sad to leave all that is familiar and our wonderful family/friends… but I have a choice to go in support of Charles’ career and as a positive example for our kids or I can go kicking and screaming. And as much as I feel like doing the 2nd choice I am choosing to stay upbeat. The actual move is not the most frustrating part. It is that we have moved SO MUCH. We haven’t even been in Sugar Land 2 years, before that, 1 year in South Carolina, before that just over 2 years in Katy, before that 8 months in Houston… get the drift? This moving thing is getting a bit old to me. UGH. the only thing that is consistent in our lives is change.
The second question is: what are you going to do with Gift Chick? Are you going to continue business from there?? I am shutting down after taking care of a couple of “grandfathered in” orders. I don’t want to spend the very short (2-3) months I have left here crazy busy with orders. And no, I cannot do my “gift chick” stuff from over there. I haven’t decided exactly what I’m going to do with it. Either sell the entire business or sell my inventory… not sure.
There are so many unknowns and what ifs that we will be dealing with. We will have to sell our house, cars, lots of stuff we will choose not to take and make many decisions on storing, shipping, etc.. in the months to come. All of that just boils down and translates to a lot of WORK for me. (another reason I cannot continue GC)… what a mess.
I will keep you all updated and informed about the whole process. stay tuned.
here are some pictures i grabbed off of google search for images of Abu Dhabi
this is a huge indoor amusement park… like Astro World, but bigger
ahh the beach!
Abu Dhabi Time
5 comments:
Wow, Christa! What news! I am excited for your adventure, however I am sure you are overwhelmed and a bit in shock. I'm sure congratulations are in order for your hubby with this career...and a huge pat on the back for you for being supportive and the glue that keeps it all - and will keep it all the next few months - together. I hope you are able to enjoy the holiday season and I will be thinking of you as these big changes start to happen. I look forward to your posts and pictures as you move overseas and during your stay there! Hang in there :)
~Beth in G'ville :)
The Middle East gladly welcomes you!!! I say we coordinate our fights out of Dubai and you and I can travel together, both with 2 kids!! I'll be praying for you as I know first hand what you are experiencing! Please don't hesitate to ask questions/advice!
Wow!! That is really major. This will be an exciting time for your family. Be thankful that you will be together! I can't wait to see pictures. Good luck to you!
Best of luck to you during this hectic time! I've done international moves and I completely understand the fears of the unfamiliar and unknown! But let me tell you that every move has been a blessing one way or another. The only difficult part is having children away from their grandparents, aunt, uncles etc...and I still deal with that everyday! However, we now appreciate every visit we have with our family and never take a moment of it for granted!
A good friend of mine relocated to Abu Dabi last year and she absolutely loves it as I'm sure you will!
Praying for a smooth move and transition for all of you!
Cassandra
WOW Christa- I heard about this possibility and I was wondering how it turned out! You guys are going to have an awesome adventure-I can just imagine the anxiety I would be feeling- I am going to be thinking/praying about you during this time. What cool memories and learning experiences for Audrey and Will!!Good luck McManemins!
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