The main thing I learned is patience. We live such a fastpace life in the US but you cannot do that in the Middle East. Well, not quite. You have to be patient with the traffic, the store clerks (I don't speak their language and at least they are trying to speak mine!). Also, attitude is so important. I learned that quickly the first time we went to Saudi Arabia. I had to have a good attitude and make the best of my situation. Saudi was our first overseas assignment (baptism by fire). In the end our time there was very enjoyable for the most part. It couldn't have been that bad because we went back for another 4 years.
I was in Doha for two weeks this month. I was visiting my husband and checking things out (schools, shopping, medical, etc.) before I move there later this year. I really enjoyed it. Needless to say much, much better then Saudi. Granted I was only there for two weeks, but I had a good feeling while I was there.
As hard as it has been to move our children from pillar to post - I think they have truly benefited from their experiences. They don't stereotype people because of thier race, culture or religion. This is the most important thing of all. I feel it has made them better human beings.
The main thing I learned is patience. We live such a fastpace life in the US but you cannot do that in the Middle East. Well, not quite. You have to be patient with the traffic, the store clerks (I don't speak their language and at least they are trying to speak mine!). Also, attitude is so important. I learned that quickly the first time we went to Saudi Arabia. I had to have a good attitude and make the best of my situation. Saudi was our first overseas assignment (baptism by fire). In the end our time there was very enjoyable for the most part. It couldn't have been that bad because we went back for another 4 years.
I was in Doha for two weeks this month. I was visiting my husband and checking things out (schools, shopping, medical, etc.) before I move there later this year. I really enjoyed it. Needless to say much, much better then Saudi. Granted I was only there for two weeks, but I had a good feeling while I was there.
As hard as it has been to move our children from pillar to post - I think they have truly benefited from their experiences. They don't stereotype people because of thier race, culture or religion. This is the most important thing of all. I feel it has made them better human beings.