Saudi Summer Arrived Too Early

I was trying so hard to have a good attitude about the heat and not complain until I checked in thinking it was probably about 100 F today. I was totally wrong. It's only April 12 and it hit 108 F today!!! Moving out of Saudi sounds like a great idea now.

It's Hot

We can't leave the front and back doors open all day every day anymore. After over 3 years in Singapore it has been amazing to be cold, have a winter and leave my doors and windows wide open for gorgeous fresh air to fill my home. I'm sad to say goodbye to nature as it gets hotter and hotter here until it's unbearable. Part of me wants to leave now while I can't remember how horrid the 144 F heat index days were when we arrived last August.

We Have to Move. Again.

Wednesday was announced that ExxonMobil will relocate all children out of Saudi Arabia. Many of you have been aware that we have been locked down in our compound more than we ever dreamed. It’s been on and off since September. In December/January we were down for 5 weeks – our friends were for 48 hours. This time we locked down again first of March and basically understand that we will not be released again. We will just move.

 

You should know that corporate made this decision based heavily on events in 2004 when they were not fully prepared. There was an event then and they had to evacuate everyone in hours. They are the only company planning this move right now. All our friends and neighbors thus far are staying and we are lead to believe there is no discussion of leaving at all right now though no other company is locked down like we are.

 

Men and wives are able to stay because our housing compound is very secure, we travel in armored vehicles with GPS tracking at all times and the plant where the men work is secure. The issue is the school location.

 

All families with children will return to their home countries and we have now confirmed that we will be heading to Houston.  The company would like us to go immediately but will allow us to stay together here as a family until June at the latest. We do not feel at risk in any way at home. We will see what the school has to offer to support our kids for completion of their current grades in school with me as the teacher. I am looking at home school programs. We cannot buy a house fast enough to enroll the kids before the last couple days of the year in Houston because they end the year in May.

 

Don’t worry. We are being watched over by Exxon and from above. We have been stretched spiritually here in ways we have never known and learned to trust the Lord and it has been a great experience. We love Saudi!

 

We will let you know when we know any more information.

Saudi Arabia is Awesome

Driving through old Jubail my kids made up a new song. They have been singing the "Everything is Awesome" song from the Lego Movie. The new song written by Jacob is constant repeat of the words "Saudi Arabia is awesome!" I hope that means he is happy about the move.