Fun Zone at the Al Ain Mall (July 9)

Peoples (July 8)

I've been around so many people from so many different countries since I arrived. Mostly at the various government facilities where I've had physicals, Emirates id processing, and also in the hotel and at work. There are so many people of obvious humble circumstances that are trying to get visas, id's, etc. to be able to work here. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sudan, India, you name it. Well, all except Mexico. You can't get away with illegal immigration here. So you combine government facility speed, UAE heat, and a lot of poor people, and you get some very long, smelly waits. Two of Horizon's drivers are Pakistani, and in our trips around town and to Dubai I have been learning a lot about different cultures. Also learning how to recognize different nationalities. Picking up a little Arabic as well.

Saw the Burj Khalifa today (tallest building in the world. Located in Dubai), a camel farm, a really cool marriott for Kyle to work at, and a bunch of other stuff that I hope you can all come see someday :-)

The First Few Days (July 7)

Well, here I am. After a long day of travel, I made it to Dubai on Saturday evening. A company driver picked me up and brought me to Al Ain. The hotel where I'm staying is very nice. I've been told it's the nicest in the city. (Al Ain is about an hour and a half from Dubai and has a population of about 500,000.) The company is paying for 10 days here including 3 meals a day. The breakfast buffet is not your typical continental breakfast. Quite fancy, and costs about 30 bucks.

A driver picked me up Sunday morning for my first day (work week is Sunday through Thursday). HR stuff, more paperwork, usual first day stuff. People at Horizon are very nice and helpful. It was a bit strange to go into the HR office and find 4 women at their desks, dressed in black abayas from head to toe. Some women cover their faces as well but most don't. I also met several of the other instructors that I'll be working with. Just like Rucker all over again! Everyone I've met here at Horizon is very kind and willing to help with anything. I'm excited to work here, as soon as I can get over all the initial hurdles!

I was done about 2. Came back to the hotel for a late lunch. I was a little worried about the "a la carte" lunch they talked about. Since it's Ramadan all Muslims fast from sun up till sun down. You can't eat, drink, or even chew gum in public. The few restaurants that are open during the day have to cover their windows or do something to mask the inside so the people on the outside that may be fasting can't see in. In spite of all this, I found the $55 steak to be quite adequate :-) I'm gonna miss this place when I have to move out. I have till next Tuesday in the hotel.

While eating lunch I sent a message on Facebook to one the branch members named Ross Kellogg (he had contacted me through the private Facebook group for the branch about a month ago wanting to know if I would house sit while he and his wife go back to the states for a month). He had offered to show me around. A couple minutes later he replied and said "we'll be there in 15 minutes." So he showed up with the branch president and they showed me around town a bit. Ross is probably in his mid 50s and the branch president is around 60ish. We went to Ross's house where I'll be staying. He also happens to have extra furnishings for a 3 bedroom home which he bought as a package deal from the branch president who is moving back to the US next week. (No worries, a new presidency was just called.) He has everything down to sheets and silverware. So I might get some good stuff for a great deal there.

Today I had to go to a government health center for blood test and chest x ray as part of the visa application. If they find anything like aids, hepatitis, stuff like that, they kick you out of the country. Tomorrow I have to go back to Dubai for an aviation physical. Only certain doctors do them. I guess there isn't one here in Al Ain.

After work today one family from the branch came and picked me up at the hotel. We went to another member's home who's getting ready to move to see if any of us wanted to buy their stuff. We also stopped by another member family's home who lived in the same complex to say hi. I'm so grateful for the church, what an amazing help in a transition like this. I already have friends who want to help me with anything and make sure that I'm doing ok. What a blessing.

Also tomorrow, get resident visa, then I can open a bank account, get a driver license, buy a car, rent a house, etc. etc. etc.

I love and miss you all. Thank you for your love and support, and your prayers!
Until next time,

Chad