Ok, so my washer is working now! We still have a slight problem with the dryer..It is vented into the kitchen ceiling. but we do have a washer!!
Sallie and Robert and I went to a movie yesterday...after we went shopping for rugs...sigh. We saw Nancy Drew and it was very relaxing. Not the best movie ever but definitely a nice break. Hardest part was coming out of the theater and realizing we were halfway around the world. Still, it was fun.
I now have curtains up in our bedroom and Sallie's. Just a bit longer and we may be settled. The sheets are getting a bit old. :)
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
The Elevator
No, still no internet or washer but please remember to thank the Lord for Jeff and Mary and their kind, generous hearts...as here I am again...doing laundry and using their computer. :)
On our way out to the car today I actually met someone on the elevator...It is very rare to see other people in our apt. building for some reason. Her name is June Ko (my spelling) and I think she may be from Korea. We smiled at each other and I asked her how long she has been here. She said she was very new...only two weeks. I laughed and said.."Us, too!" She gave me a beautiful smile. Perhaps a new friend.
Yesterday we spent the day at the Beach with Jeff and Mary...(can you tell we rely on them?) and it was so relaxing. That evening we went to IKEA again to buy curtains...good thing we had some down time at the beach cuz IKEA was a beating...again. :) We did find some curtains to use for Sallie's room. She is doing a brown and turquoise theme for her room. She wants a swing chair to put in the corner(thanks Luella) and we are dreading it cuz the roof is cement block....That will be fun to hang. After we find a rug for Robert's room he will be done. He has a great raised bunk bed with a desk underneath and his own half bath. His room is small but just right for him.
Slowly but surely...new friends, new place...we are getting there. We love you all. Mattie
On our way out to the car today I actually met someone on the elevator...It is very rare to see other people in our apt. building for some reason. Her name is June Ko (my spelling) and I think she may be from Korea. We smiled at each other and I asked her how long she has been here. She said she was very new...only two weeks. I laughed and said.."Us, too!" She gave me a beautiful smile. Perhaps a new friend.
Yesterday we spent the day at the Beach with Jeff and Mary...(can you tell we rely on them?) and it was so relaxing. That evening we went to IKEA again to buy curtains...good thing we had some down time at the beach cuz IKEA was a beating...again. :) We did find some curtains to use for Sallie's room. She is doing a brown and turquoise theme for her room. She wants a swing chair to put in the corner(thanks Luella) and we are dreading it cuz the roof is cement block....That will be fun to hang. After we find a rug for Robert's room he will be done. He has a great raised bunk bed with a desk underneath and his own half bath. His room is small but just right for him.
Slowly but surely...new friends, new place...we are getting there. We love you all. Mattie
Friday, August 24, 2007
Our new friends, Jeff and Mary invited us over today after church to catch up on our emails and stuff... Sallie and Robert are playing with their kids. So, I thought I would take a minute to update the Blog. Jeff and Mary are the couple that saved Mike's sanity when they offered their house to stay in while they were in the US. They have a dog and this makes Sallie very happy. :)
The sermon today...our first service here in Abu Dhabi was called Lord, I've Got Another Problem...it was from Isaiah and he preached on Hezekiah. It made me laugh though cuz just last nite Mike said, "Mattie, everytime I think we have a problem solved something else goes wrong." :) He's right, you know.
We had our washer installed finally last nite. It took 4 hours and 5 guys to put it in....and then they all left and I went to finally do some laundry and we noticed that it took forever for the tub to fill. OOPS the water was draining as we were filling the tub...so no laundry yet. We will call the guy again. And then the phone Mike got Ryan isn't working. Just got that yesterday. Ok, so we are still trying to get internet and the company says there are no ports. So just what does that mean exactly...well, we will let you know when we figure it out.
But, on the plus side...Sallie's new phone works and she is a happy preteen...a pink Razor phone. The sink is no longer draining onto my feet...another plus. And the guy who is going to fix my stovetop also came by and will soon install my new burner so that I don't throw a breaker whenever I use that burner. See, things are also going well....just sort of a two steps forward and one step backwards. :) Ryan likes school and has good teachers. Our apt. is bright and sunny. We have beds and furniture. And we are really making friends with our building maintenance guy. :) Oh, and Robert got to have Dunkin Donuts today before church. Just like Texas.
Speaking of church....our first Friday service. I love the international feel...filipinos, chinese, indians, americans, south africans, british, germans, and so on....It was cool. (Well, not cool in the temp. sense but very fun to be worshipping with so many different believers) We were a bit late so came down to the front of the room...about the size of E122 at Bent Tree and the music started. We were all standing...Mike, Robert, and Ryan up front and Sallie and I just behind....I saw Ryan lean over to Mike and quickly they both sat down. Not a soul behind them could see the overhead...It was like standing behind a wall. I smiled as I remembered April Burk always telling Mike to move over cuz she couldn't see the screens. :) So the boys sat thru all the music...:) My friend Mary said that 17 different congregations meet in that building. As we were leaving the filipino congregation was coming in...and after them the indian church and then there is the Ethiopian group and the Chinese...and so on. I keep thinking of that song...He Reigns...
So, that was our first service. When you guys are at church on Sunday, Ryan will be at school and Mike will be at work...well, not really, as we will be done with our day by the time you go to church but still it is strange to not go to church on Sundays. By the way, we went to Fuddruckers for burgers after church. Kind of fun, huh?
The sermon today...our first service here in Abu Dhabi was called Lord, I've Got Another Problem...it was from Isaiah and he preached on Hezekiah. It made me laugh though cuz just last nite Mike said, "Mattie, everytime I think we have a problem solved something else goes wrong." :) He's right, you know.
We had our washer installed finally last nite. It took 4 hours and 5 guys to put it in....and then they all left and I went to finally do some laundry and we noticed that it took forever for the tub to fill. OOPS the water was draining as we were filling the tub...so no laundry yet. We will call the guy again. And then the phone Mike got Ryan isn't working. Just got that yesterday. Ok, so we are still trying to get internet and the company says there are no ports. So just what does that mean exactly...well, we will let you know when we figure it out.
But, on the plus side...Sallie's new phone works and she is a happy preteen...a pink Razor phone. The sink is no longer draining onto my feet...another plus. And the guy who is going to fix my stovetop also came by and will soon install my new burner so that I don't throw a breaker whenever I use that burner. See, things are also going well....just sort of a two steps forward and one step backwards. :) Ryan likes school and has good teachers. Our apt. is bright and sunny. We have beds and furniture. And we are really making friends with our building maintenance guy. :) Oh, and Robert got to have Dunkin Donuts today before church. Just like Texas.
Speaking of church....our first Friday service. I love the international feel...filipinos, chinese, indians, americans, south africans, british, germans, and so on....It was cool. (Well, not cool in the temp. sense but very fun to be worshipping with so many different believers) We were a bit late so came down to the front of the room...about the size of E122 at Bent Tree and the music started. We were all standing...Mike, Robert, and Ryan up front and Sallie and I just behind....I saw Ryan lean over to Mike and quickly they both sat down. Not a soul behind them could see the overhead...It was like standing behind a wall. I smiled as I remembered April Burk always telling Mike to move over cuz she couldn't see the screens. :) So the boys sat thru all the music...:) My friend Mary said that 17 different congregations meet in that building. As we were leaving the filipino congregation was coming in...and after them the indian church and then there is the Ethiopian group and the Chinese...and so on. I keep thinking of that song...He Reigns...
So, that was our first service. When you guys are at church on Sunday, Ryan will be at school and Mike will be at work...well, not really, as we will be done with our day by the time you go to church but still it is strange to not go to church on Sundays. By the way, we went to Fuddruckers for burgers after church. Kind of fun, huh?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Community
I don't have much time but before we move over to the apt. and are out of touch I wanted to share something I was reading this morning. If I don't do it now I may forget it....surely not. :) Life is lived in the community of family and friends, and friends of friends, and they all help each other in the business of everyday life. Beautiful, huh? This is from the book...Miniskirts, Mothers and Muslims by Christine Mallouhi on describing Arab family culture. But I know it is our culture too.... because I just lived it for 16 years in Carrollton, TX. We are so blessed. Ok, on with our day....Hope we have internest soon. :) Mattie
Black Ice
I'm wondering how many folks are reading these...but I am having fun writing them.
Bet this title caught your attention...So, this morning I'm rushing out the door to meet Mike at the American School for our early appointment. I have all the paperwork for all 3 kids in one hand and the car keys in the other. The housekeeper and her husband were cleaning the patio. Now, before you jump ahead...take note here...I DID see the water on the brown tile at the bottom of the patio steps...at the bottom of the white marble patio steps...Yep! Feet went out and I landed smack on my bottom. Oh my goodness..my rear still hurts but thankfully I didn't crack my head open or break a bone. Paperwork got slightly wet but still legible. Looks like they also have room for Ryan but don't know yet for sure. I think that school would be a good fit. And now I know to be careful around water and marble. I never once slipped on black ice in Texas. :)
Ryan and I tried Mexican food at a different Mall yesterday. We had Quesadillas. Not bad actually, and the Guacamole was pretty good. Sallie and Robert did not join us at the mall because they are so malled out that they couldn't be forced into coming. Can't say that I blame them.
Watched television last nite. The History Channel. Jesus' Jerusalem. Kept thinking that maybe we will get to go there. It is still quite surreal being in this part of the world. Sometimes I look out the window of this home and see the palm trees and it hits me..wow, after 4 years we are here. It is western in so many ways and then it isn't.
Today Ryan and I ventured to another curtain store. I just want simple but ornate seems to be more popular. Maybe blinds is the way to go. Sigh.
Tomorrow we move to our apt. We don't know when we will have internet so keep checking back for my next entry. Hopefully it won't take too long.
I'll write when I can.
Mattie
Bet this title caught your attention...So, this morning I'm rushing out the door to meet Mike at the American School for our early appointment. I have all the paperwork for all 3 kids in one hand and the car keys in the other. The housekeeper and her husband were cleaning the patio. Now, before you jump ahead...take note here...I DID see the water on the brown tile at the bottom of the patio steps...at the bottom of the white marble patio steps...Yep! Feet went out and I landed smack on my bottom. Oh my goodness..my rear still hurts but thankfully I didn't crack my head open or break a bone. Paperwork got slightly wet but still legible. Looks like they also have room for Ryan but don't know yet for sure. I think that school would be a good fit. And now I know to be careful around water and marble. I never once slipped on black ice in Texas. :)
Ryan and I tried Mexican food at a different Mall yesterday. We had Quesadillas. Not bad actually, and the Guacamole was pretty good. Sallie and Robert did not join us at the mall because they are so malled out that they couldn't be forced into coming. Can't say that I blame them.
Watched television last nite. The History Channel. Jesus' Jerusalem. Kept thinking that maybe we will get to go there. It is still quite surreal being in this part of the world. Sometimes I look out the window of this home and see the palm trees and it hits me..wow, after 4 years we are here. It is western in so many ways and then it isn't.
Today Ryan and I ventured to another curtain store. I just want simple but ornate seems to be more popular. Maybe blinds is the way to go. Sigh.
Tomorrow we move to our apt. We don't know when we will have internet so keep checking back for my next entry. Hopefully it won't take too long.
I'll write when I can.
Mattie
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
A Week Ago Today...
Can it only be a week ago that we headed to the airport with most of our luggage and a zillion wonderful friends? Well, technically, since you are 9 hours earlier, it hasn't been a week..but here it is Wed. so I'm counting it. :)
In this week I said good-bye to my oldest son, flew halfway around the world, reunited with the best guy in the world, shopped until I could puke, slept tons, cooked a couple of meals..nothing fancy but at least edible, drove in a foreign country without crashing, beat my second son at pool and Scrabble, played the longest game of UNO on record with Sallie and Robert, blogged for the first time, talked to numerous salesmen without understanding a word...and they are supposedly speaking English, had a guest over for dinner,....slept some more, and checked into schools.
Our first week in a nutshell. Today Ryan wants to explore...and not at a mall. Oh boy. Friday we move into our apt. Don't know when we will have internet. Ryan tests for school on Sunday. Please keep him in your prayers!
Lots of love,
Mattie
In this week I said good-bye to my oldest son, flew halfway around the world, reunited with the best guy in the world, shopped until I could puke, slept tons, cooked a couple of meals..nothing fancy but at least edible, drove in a foreign country without crashing, beat my second son at pool and Scrabble, played the longest game of UNO on record with Sallie and Robert, blogged for the first time, talked to numerous salesmen without understanding a word...and they are supposedly speaking English, had a guest over for dinner,....slept some more, and checked into schools.
Our first week in a nutshell. Today Ryan wants to explore...and not at a mall. Oh boy. Friday we move into our apt. Don't know when we will have internet. Ryan tests for school on Sunday. Please keep him in your prayers!
Lots of love,
Mattie
Monday, August 13, 2007
I'm Driving....
Yep...I am. Drove to the grocery store with the kids. Didn't have money to buy groceries so we toured and then I took them home. Mike called and said I could use my visa card. Drove back to the store and shopped. Got into check out line...forgot that I didn't have my Card with me. Drove back home...got the card....bought the groceries...drove home. Is it any wonder that I forgot two suitcases in Texas? On the positive side...didn't back into anything or lock my keys in the car. So I paid 70 dollars for about 40 dollars worth of food...oh well. At this stage in the game I am just glad we are eating! (and we recognize the food....) (have yet to try camel's milk...can't say it is high on the list)(have also not even seen a camel yet....)
Ok, so we are still furniture shopping. Thought we found our couch and stuff tonite but Mike thought we should bargain cuz they respect that kind of stuff...ummm..nope the guy didn't even bother to respond. Oops. We will probably go back and buy it anyway but it is kind of humbling. :)
Mike and I also went to one of the schools today. They have room for Ryan but not for Sallie and Robert. So we will try the other school on Wednesday. We will see.
Well, it is getting my bedtime. Thanks everyone for your support and love. By the way, looks like we may get our missing luggage sooner than we thought. Some friends of ours who we met thru the Hones are coming back at the end of August and have offered to help us. What a wonderful blessing. The Hones are getting the stuff to them. You know, this has sure been a group effort...in more ways than one. :)
Love, Mattie
Ok, so we are still furniture shopping. Thought we found our couch and stuff tonite but Mike thought we should bargain cuz they respect that kind of stuff...ummm..nope the guy didn't even bother to respond. Oops. We will probably go back and buy it anyway but it is kind of humbling. :)
Mike and I also went to one of the schools today. They have room for Ryan but not for Sallie and Robert. So we will try the other school on Wednesday. We will see.
Well, it is getting my bedtime. Thanks everyone for your support and love. By the way, looks like we may get our missing luggage sooner than we thought. Some friends of ours who we met thru the Hones are coming back at the end of August and have offered to help us. What a wonderful blessing. The Hones are getting the stuff to them. You know, this has sure been a group effort...in more ways than one. :)
Love, Mattie
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Day 2...Shopping
Although we didn't get to finish everything....we did have fun shopping. Ok, FUN may be a strong word here...but we were together and did get a lot of our stuff. We went to the UAE Walmart which is Carrefour and to IKEA. Both of these stores are in the Marina Mall. Huge, beautiful...and very North Dallas. :)
I'm not sure my kids will get the whole third world thing from living here...In many ways it's just like home....Jaguars, Porshes, Mercedes, expensive stores, beautiful buildings and so on....but then you hear the groaning cry of the Imam calling the faithful to prayer or you walk by another set of women dressed from head to toe in black...with only their eyes showing above their scarves.... And then I am reminded that God called us here.
Pictures from yesterday.....the Abu Dhabi Port with an oil platform right in front of me. Must be here for maintenance...huge. The skyline of the city as we looked at it from the other side of the bay...the most amazing buildings I have ever seen..they are really into architecture....The Marina Mall....Lunch with just Mike and me at the Expat hangout in the very Western type grocery store and drining the best Choc. Shake I have ever had.....Shopping for beds and spending all day to come home with nothing....Ryan asking for local food for dinner...He and Mike ate Swarmas..a sort of lamb wrap.
And then the last picture...but one I will hopefully never forget....Smiling at a Muslim woman wrapped in black and her total shock and double take when she saw me smile. It is very difficult to smile at someone wrapped in black with only eyes showing but I decided I needed to start somewhere. Perhaps a smile can communicate Christ's love.
Here's to a new day in Sandyland....Please keep us in your prayers.
With love,
Mattie
I'm not sure my kids will get the whole third world thing from living here...In many ways it's just like home....Jaguars, Porshes, Mercedes, expensive stores, beautiful buildings and so on....but then you hear the groaning cry of the Imam calling the faithful to prayer or you walk by another set of women dressed from head to toe in black...with only their eyes showing above their scarves.... And then I am reminded that God called us here.
Pictures from yesterday.....the Abu Dhabi Port with an oil platform right in front of me. Must be here for maintenance...huge. The skyline of the city as we looked at it from the other side of the bay...the most amazing buildings I have ever seen..they are really into architecture....The Marina Mall....Lunch with just Mike and me at the Expat hangout in the very Western type grocery store and drining the best Choc. Shake I have ever had.....Shopping for beds and spending all day to come home with nothing....Ryan asking for local food for dinner...He and Mike ate Swarmas..a sort of lamb wrap.
And then the last picture...but one I will hopefully never forget....Smiling at a Muslim woman wrapped in black and her total shock and double take when she saw me smile. It is very difficult to smile at someone wrapped in black with only eyes showing but I decided I needed to start somewhere. Perhaps a smile can communicate Christ's love.
Here's to a new day in Sandyland....Please keep us in your prayers.
With love,
Mattie
Friday, August 10, 2007
First Impressions
It is HOT here! As Ryan and I stood by the baggage waiting for Mike, Sallie and Robert to bring the car around...his exact words were..."Mom, I have never been this hot and it's midnite!" I must agree. :)
Trip over went well. The Dallas Frankfurt leg was a beating but we managed. Poor Ryan had to eat his knees for the 10 hours but other than that we did well. Sallie and Robert crashed in the airport and I had to literally shake them awake....I was jealous, what can I say?
Spent our first day...sleeping in. Then Mike and I ran back to the airport to pick up a forgotten suitcase. When we got out of the car to walk to the terminal I once again commented on the heat. Mike mentioned "Oh yeah, we always walk in the shade...." I quickly moved under the awning...and then laughed....still really, really hot(not sure what I was hoping for there...my normal optimism kicking in????) After picking up the suitcase we went back to the house where we are so thankful to be staying and picked up the kids.
We went to see our apt. It is great! Cheerful and although small compared to our home n Dallas, it will be just right for us. Marble floors and bright white and cream walls. Lots of light and from one window in the living room we can see the Persian Gulf. I find that amazing... The kitchen has plenty fo cabinet space which surprised surprised me and a nice dish washer...Yee Hah.
We visited the Abu Dhabi Mall. Pretty much find anythng you need. Which for that trip was clothes for Ryan as we left his suitcase in Bonnie's living room. Ummm, where were my friends with brains when I really needed them??? Hmmm? Good thing Bonnie is coming in Sept. Good grief. I am just glad I got here with all three kids..and so is Mike, by the way. It was wonderful to see his tall self when we walked out of the baggage area. Smiling and waving.
We had Pizza Hut and Baskin Robbins for a late lunch or early dinner. Mike said today it will be Indian Curry to give Robert a taste of reality. :) He talks big but I figure it will be Mcdonalds.....I'll let you know.
Gee, it's 5:30 am. Just finished trying to get the kids to go back to sleep...Robert just came in to sit with me. Ryan and Sallie are trying to sleep again. Ahhh yes. Jet lag is a beautiful thing. We've all been up since about 4am. Ugh.
I don't want to get all mushy but let me just say how much all of you mean to us. To know you are praying. The memories of all of you at the airport. The incredible help we had this summer. Ok, I am getting mushy but it has to be said. We love you all. Please keep praying. Today we shop for furniture. And you know how I lovvvveeeee shopping. Sigh. :)
Missing all of you, but glad to be here. Hardest thing? Missing Russell.
Love, Mattie (for the Abu Dhabi Hildebrands)
Trip over went well. The Dallas Frankfurt leg was a beating but we managed. Poor Ryan had to eat his knees for the 10 hours but other than that we did well. Sallie and Robert crashed in the airport and I had to literally shake them awake....I was jealous, what can I say?
Spent our first day...sleeping in. Then Mike and I ran back to the airport to pick up a forgotten suitcase. When we got out of the car to walk to the terminal I once again commented on the heat. Mike mentioned "Oh yeah, we always walk in the shade...." I quickly moved under the awning...and then laughed....still really, really hot(not sure what I was hoping for there...my normal optimism kicking in????) After picking up the suitcase we went back to the house where we are so thankful to be staying and picked up the kids.
We went to see our apt. It is great! Cheerful and although small compared to our home n Dallas, it will be just right for us. Marble floors and bright white and cream walls. Lots of light and from one window in the living room we can see the Persian Gulf. I find that amazing... The kitchen has plenty fo cabinet space which surprised surprised me and a nice dish washer...Yee Hah.
We visited the Abu Dhabi Mall. Pretty much find anythng you need. Which for that trip was clothes for Ryan as we left his suitcase in Bonnie's living room. Ummm, where were my friends with brains when I really needed them??? Hmmm? Good thing Bonnie is coming in Sept. Good grief. I am just glad I got here with all three kids..and so is Mike, by the way. It was wonderful to see his tall self when we walked out of the baggage area. Smiling and waving.
We had Pizza Hut and Baskin Robbins for a late lunch or early dinner. Mike said today it will be Indian Curry to give Robert a taste of reality. :) He talks big but I figure it will be Mcdonalds.....I'll let you know.
Gee, it's 5:30 am. Just finished trying to get the kids to go back to sleep...Robert just came in to sit with me. Ryan and Sallie are trying to sleep again. Ahhh yes. Jet lag is a beautiful thing. We've all been up since about 4am. Ugh.
I don't want to get all mushy but let me just say how much all of you mean to us. To know you are praying. The memories of all of you at the airport. The incredible help we had this summer. Ok, I am getting mushy but it has to be said. We love you all. Please keep praying. Today we shop for furniture. And you know how I lovvvveeeee shopping. Sigh. :)
Missing all of you, but glad to be here. Hardest thing? Missing Russell.
Love, Mattie (for the Abu Dhabi Hildebrands)
Thursday, August 9, 2007
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