Saturday, October 8, 2011

On Your Mark....Get Set....

It is a little surreal to begin our first post in this blog.  In the past i have been a pretty private blogger, only posting for family and close friends that want to keep up with our small town happenings.  Now that our adventure is quickly taking shape and materializing before our very eyes, i have decided to take the advise of several friends and BLOG about our crazy and exciting adventure.

In case you haven't heard we are taking a wild step of faith and accepting a short term work position in the Middle East.

When you prayerfully walk through open doors you might just end up on a flight to Dubai... (eeek!)




Dubai is located on the Persian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which is considered apart of the Arabian Peninsula.


Almost always, people's first response to our impending 3 year Dubai stint is a wide eyed, dropped jaw, one word response.  "WOW!"  Being students of the English language and quickly discovering this is the new Burnett catch phrase, we have learned to decipher the varied tones and meaning behind it.  The most common "WOWcarries an inflection in the voice that says, "Dude, you guys are CRAZY!"  Then there is also the inquisitive scratching the head "WOW" which desires to know why we would do such a thing and secretly wonders if we are being sent into some sort of political exile.  Finally there is the amazed "Wow" which is usually followed up by, "That will be quite an adventure.  I've heard that place is...  "


We too are in agreement with each of those WOWs.  WOW!!   We NEVER would have guessed  this path.  But at the end of the day we have a complete peace and excitement about this HUGE move.  Already it has been an incredibly bonding family adventure and we haven't even packed our bags yet!


As a family, we decided awhile back we would be open to an international move should the opportunity present itself.  So after much prayer, research, consideration and Chris' surveying the land we are walking forward.  The past 6 months has been a little trial period for us and looked something like this...


Daddy coming home from "work" is a pretty big deal around here






Bedside reading ~ a whole new subject matter



Sleepy morning eyes Skype daddy to "kiss" him goodnight.


The Littles have big time passports!


Daddy's idea of downsizing the filing cabinets


What's up with Dubai anyways?
Dubai is known for its over the top bigger than life way of thinking.  Only in Dubai can you find the world's tallest building the Burj Khalifa, cool off from the desert heat by Snow Skiing in the mall and find man made islands visible from space.  It is truly where East meets West.  Dubai has become one of the fastest growing cities in the world.  

It is a Muslim country and no i will not be required to wear a "burka." (This question almost ALWAYS immediately follows one of the formerly mentioned "Wows".)   However just to clarify, typically women in UAE wear abayas which can be quite varied in style.



In case you are already thinking of planning a trip to visit us, you can catch a direct flight out of SF straight to Dubai on the fabulous Emirates Airlines.  It will take you about 16 hours and will route you by way of the North Pole, cool right?!

Dubai's population is made up mostly of expats from all over the world and is considered to be one the most cosmopolitan places in the world.  In fact nationals only make up about 18 percent of the population.  

What's up with us?
Needless to say our life is one big ball of crazy right now.  We are trying to live life normally here in the states while attempting to preparing for the unknown.  The thought of packing seems daunting as closets are harboring things i've haven't unpacked since the last move.  The kids are excited yet are just starting to realize how much they will miss their friends.  There are all sorts of different emotions and feelings circulating around here and all we can say is.... WOW!











4 comments:

Lyndsay said...

So excited to follow you guys on this journey and live vicariously through you. You're going to do fabulous! I prayed for you as I ran past your house this morning!

Monica said...

I'm so excited to follow your adventure too. Thought about you on your flight as we drove past your house looking at garage sales today. I will also be praying for you all!

rentz said...

That is amazing! So excited for you. What an incredible opportunity! Can you believe Ryan and I were seriously talking about coming to see you in CA for vacation next summer? I'm thinking Dubai will be out of our price range...

debbie said...

Tami - How exciting! Thanks for doing the blog! We will be praying for you. When do you plan to officially all move there? I know the "WOW" stories that God will provide you during this time will be abundant! Thanks for letting us get a glimpse through your stories. Have a blessed day, cousin!