this time last year…..

I left my kids at home (Thailand at the time) and made the trip to the other side of the world. The “pre-assignment” trip is what they call it.

I told myself when I made that trip to come here with an open mind and from all accounts of what I was told – to not have high expectations of the place!!

Well it’s been almost 11 months now and to be very honest with you – it ain’t that bad. It really isnt!  Yeah the winters are harsh and  the school is a little too small for my liking (but my kids love it so I have to be ok with it!) and we can’t always find what we want at the grocery stores. But otherwise it really isn’t that bad.

In fact after 11 months here what I’m most thankful for is the people I’ve met..Both the local and the other expatriates.   it really is the people that that make this a not so bad place to live.   I’ve met some wonderful  people, and I hope to see these new friendships that I’ve made blossom. 

Tomorrow I’m hosting a couple who are here on their pre-assignment trip.  I hope I’m able to answer their questions and share with them that living here can be a wonderful experience.

weekends are for……….

being busy.

A birthday party, a farewell party, and celebrating the kids and another school year at the school’s award ceremony.  It’s the last weekend before school’s out and so it was busy.  

I’m looking forward to just sitting on my bench and smelling the roses. 

I hope you had a great weekend.

only 5 days left

the girls first school year here in Atyrau is coming to an end.  I can’t believe it.  It only seems like yesterday was their first day at school and now they only have 5 left.

 

The girls amazed me at how quick they were able to adjust from a school of almost 1000 kids to only having 65 here at their new one. I’m so proud of them.  I’ll admit that it took me a little more time to get used to such a small school.   There are times when I wonder if hubby and I are doing right by them by having them in such a small school. But then at some weird level I feel like my kids will somehow be better in life because of it.  Apart from the core subjects that they have to cover there are so many social and life skills that they need to learn because of the size of the school.

Well school’s almost out and we are ready for Summer!!

corner view–in the sky

Corner View is a weekly appointment - each Wednesday - created by Jane, and hosted by Francesca.  It’s where bloggers from all corners of the world share their view on a pre-arranged theme.

this weeks theme is “in the sky”.

before I leave my corner of the world  I hope to make it into this mosque.  It’s just across the road from where we live.

I always see it busy on Friday’s where there is a call to prayer.

for more “sky views” start with Francesca.

Race Day

we spent the morning watching the kids do the school’s annual triathlon.  The weather was wonderful and the community support was great

Renee and Tanysha and all the other kids did really well.  I’m amazed at how ‘physically fit’ the kids are.  Well apart from the physical aspect of the race there were so many other life lessons learned today! 

They all did such an awesome job!

The girls received their medals and certificates for completing the race successfully.

We shall all sleep well tonight!

Enjoy your Saturday.