Things are going well here. Grant is playing Varsity Basketball now. They are 2-0 so far and are hopefully in for a winning season. He is working hard at academics (most of the time), athletics (practice is 5 days per week) and social life (ha). He sees his friends usually once on the weekends, either at the malls or a nearby park. It's the "thing" to do here in Dubai. He is on Student Council and also helping out with the elementary mini-olympics next week at school. Some Saturdays, he is volunteering to help Blair with a Scorpian Academy, teaching little kids basic basketball skills. Sports here do not have the drive and competitiveness as they do back home. We three are used to working hard to get better at the game, and giving it your all. The climate here is much more laid back, but I do think it's getting stronger, even this past year. So, the Beams are leaving their mark a little bit in the world of sports here in the ME!
A couple of weeks ago, there were about 35 teachers that volunteered their time and finances to help support a picnic in the park for our support staff from school. We had about 80 workers to come out to the park and spend the day playing games, eating, singing, talking, and winning door prizes!!! So much fun and for such a delightful and happy group of people to work with! It's amazing what taking a little of your time will do to bless others, and more importantly receive a blessing in return!
School is always a busy place with the day to day teaching, but also supervising after school activities and helping with things like musicals, special rewards/lunches, tutoring, spirit days, staff meetings, and whatever else is requested of us. At times it may get a little hairy, but I like being busy!!! Of course when I come home in the evening I am worn out... so a quick load of laundry, something simple for dinner, an hour or so checking in with everyone on FB and emails, then off to bed I go!!! If I can get there by 8:30, I am very happy!!!
So, this time next week, I'll be getting us packed for a week in Thailand. We are traveling with friends and their children to Ko Samui and Bangkok... very excited! I am planning to just lay on the beach most of the time (if the weather permits) and sip on this or that, do some local shopping and dining and sightsee as much as we can. We'll be back in Dubai for New Year's and are planning to spend with friends at their house. Getting into the "city" on New Year's Eve is INSANE, they tell me. So we'll roast some hotdogs and marshmallows, light a few sparklers and enjoy the night sky!!! Nothing fancy 'bout us folks!
Guess that's a good update for now. I will also tell you that although the rest of the world struggles with what to call CHRISTMAS... that is not a problem here in Dubai, of all places! It's in every department store and grocery, music is playing in the malls and restaurants, Christmas trees are called Christmas trees, I've even seen the manger scene here and there, and would you believe the Star of David printed on some plates and napkins, the phrase Merry Christmas is printed with no fear or apologies!!! So this girl likes that very much... to each their own... be "open-minded" we teach our kids and respectful of all cultures, traditions and beliefs!
May you and your family have a blessed holiday season... Jesus is the reason for the season (in my opinion!)
Kim
Thomas and I went to Ko Samui when we visited Thailand! If you see the little carts with someone making crepes with bananas and Nutella you've GOT to get one. They're so delicious! I'm jealous of all the yummy pad thai and curry ya'll are going to eat! Also you prob know this already but Khao San road in Bangkok is an interesting place to check out and get some souvenirs. Love ya'll! Have a fun Christmas!
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