Scuba Diving, Safari and Ski Dubai

This has been our busiest week yet! We had Back to School night for Grant on Tuesday evening, then for elementary on Wednesday evening. Those two 13 hour days made it pretty tough on these old bodies, but they were both great. We were able to meet all of Grant's teachers and get a quick update from them. They were all so complimentary and said that Grant seemed to be blending right in, making new friends, chatting with folks, and showing a strong start in his studies. So, we are thankful for all of those things... although we are at the same school, we never see him until the end of the day! It was also nice to meet some parents of the little darlings we teach too. Not many stop by to see specialists, but that's okay.

This weekend is full as well. Grant was invited to go to Ski Dubai, the indoor skiing at the Mall of the Emirates. If you haven't googled it, you need to take a peak, pretty cool... actually pretty darn cold! Anyway, he had a great time and now wants us to get all of his winter/snow equipment shipped over so he can buy a season pass!!!

Blair is taking a Scuba course this weekend and next. Something he has always wanted to do, so when one of the teachers at school announced she would be teaching the course, Blair signed right up. He's very excited about next weekend, getting to go out to the ocean to do his dives for the test... He will go to Dibba and they say it is quite beautiful! I am excited for him as well... hopefully Grant will want to join him one day, as I will continue to stay on the beach and encourage but not participate!

Last night the school treated us to a Desert Safari. Unfortunately, I was not feeling well and decided not to go, but Blair and Grant had a blast. Camel rides, belly dancers, sand boarding and food... what's not to like huh? Wasn't able to get any pics, but some very nice teachers took some for me... I'll post them when I get my hands on them.

So, as you can see, there is plenty to do around here to stay busy... almost too busy. This week Grant will start after school activities a couple days a week. He'll have golf, soccer and probably some Arabic review time. Looking forward to that for sure. Better go for now... need to do some housework and planning for this upcoming week...

School Bells Ringing

After spending the past three weeks moving in, getting acclimated to our surroundings, teacher meetings, and planning for kids... they finally arrived this week! We started 5 September and had a really good first week. Grant's week went much better than I think he expected too! (answered prayers)
Blair has over 300 kids to get to know and I have around 280 that we see twice each week! A very busy and full schedule indeed. But overall, except for learning lots of names and getting used to a totally different schedule than we're used to, it's been pretty normal. Blair and I get to eat lunch together every day which is nice. Grant gets to shoot basketball the last part of his lunch period, which is ideal for him and he has met lots of friends this week. He spent Friday at the mall with some friends, then hung out and shot basketball with them afterwards. The combination of nationalities is quite nice... he was with boys from Sudan, Korea, Germany and Guatamala!!! What a crew! We are so thankful that he is making friends quickly. The youth group at church begins next Thursday, so he is looking forward to that as well!
Speaking of church, we are loving Redeemer. We took a fellow teacher friend with us yesterday, and another wants to go next Friday. It's an unbelievably friendly place and they work very hard to make everyone feel comfortable. The message is clear and the membership very diverse... which I love! Small groups are starting up soon, so we'll have to check those out too!
Just relaxing a bit this weekend. No major rushing around. We did celebrate the end of the work week with teachers after school on Thursday and we're having tea with a teaching couple this morning! (this is a very common gathering) Then off to buy some things for the apartment.
To those who are following us, thank you! I have posted a few new pics from this week, but not as many... there will be more to come. To those of you considering skype, we would love to see you sometime.
Have a wonderful weekend and remember 9/11... it is a reminder to people everywhere! Love to all... the Beams