This coming week my experience here in Saudi changes. Since Jan 14, 2010 until now (December 3, 2010), I've been living here without my wife and kids. I haven't been completely alone because I live with two roommates who have been my quasi-family, but as far as having my "own family" here, its been just me. On Wed the 8th of December my wife and kids will join me here in the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Being alone has given me an opportunity to do a lot of thinking, reflecting and growing, at least I hope I've grown somewhat.
I always knew that my life would eventually end up with me doing some sort of international work, but I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd end up in the Middle east let alone Saudi Arabia. This is truly an interesting land and people. But I'll save that blog for another day.
Over the last year I've experienced some of my life's highest highs and lowest lows, but none of those lows have been worse than the lows of 2009. That's a year I NEVER want to repeat.
What have I learned:
I've worked harder than I've ever worked before. I've done new things that I never thought I'd do. I've learned things about my career and myself that I never knew or even imagined. I've gained weight for the first time in 25 yrs. I have a soft mid-section like never before. I have had a full beard for the first time in my life. I've faced professional challenges that have hardened me and at the same time made me stronger and better at my business. I've come to realize that I have a lot to learn in my own progress. I've had to re-examine my faith and my beliefs, and I'm grateful to my friends Steve, Steve, Dan and Sean for making me stop, look, listen and learn. I've seen friends come and go. I've faced some tough conversations that I thought I'd never face. I've come to miss my old training career but I haven't regretted leaving it. I've forgiven people for things they never even knew they did wrong to me and I've forgiven myself for things that were weighing on my shoulders for far too long. I have solidified my love for my adopted hometown of Bellingham, WA and I've come to see my first hometown of Salt Lake City, UT as a place that I love and cherish but I don't want to go back to. I've become a long term investor in property and at the same time I've pretty much divested myself of most of my life's possession. Actually my wife did most of that, but in the end we don't "own" many "things" anymore. Except for my tool box..........I'm NOT giving that up. :-) I have had the blessing of getting to know a group of people from the Philippines that have shown me the wonderful people that come from the Philippines. Sulpicio De La Cruz is just one of the prime examples. What a wonderful man who has taught me more than you or he could imagine. I've come to realize that I can survive and move forward despite of myself. If you know me, you know I'm somewhat of an immature clown at times and that makes some people think I'm actually younger than I am. They have said, "you need to grow up". LOL
I know like never before that my wonderful partner, best friend, wife, lover, and eternal companion is the best part of my life. The two children that grace our life are truly gifts from God. My belief in God and in certain eternal concepts has been solidified.
Now this journey, is no longer my journey. Its now "our" journey. Mine, Cheryl's, Max's and Olivia's. I was the same age as Max and Olivia when I went to live in South America for the first time and so I know what awaits them. I'm excited, scared, and ready.
2010 has been a great year. I've learned and I've grown. I'm ready and willing to take on 2011.
Bring it on!
