Well, we are not in Saudi yet. Let’s just put that bluntly. We expected to arrive there 3 weeks ago, but the recruiting company has pushed back my flight, basically saying, “We’re glad the visa came through! Hang out until we contact you with flight information.” Maybe not in those particular words, but they implied it. We pressed them further for a timeline (we had to figure out what to do until we fly, yo!), and they have confirmed the end of February.
So. What do we do for 2 months? We don’t have an apartment or jobs, and limbo has become our new norm. Go team.
The Plan
Fortunately, we were at my parents’ house when we learned of the delay, and they have happily allowed us to stay with them somewhat indefinitely. I joke that one of their millennial children had to come home and live with them or they wouldn’t be proper boomer parents. In reality, I’m sure my mom, in particular, is grateful we’re still safe at home.
While we wait, Husband has the opportunity to complete several coding projects he’s had to neglect over the years. He is also learning some construction from Dad so that his next home improvement projects will result in something actually safe (and maybe even pretty!). Mom has enjoyed (I hope?) guiding me in a sewing project so that I can become a good Saudi wife. According to Husband’s mother, all good wives know how to sew whether they need it or not. I have also gotten a temporary position teaching English online to hone my skills and keep me busy.
Moral
We have learned our lesson. Do not assume that the recruiting company will do things according to their original timeline. We suspect that they gave us the end of December time to push us to get visa paperwork done quickly, but we had pre-gathered much of the necessary pieces. They certainly could not have expected the visa to arrive before Christmas–far quicker than most teachers’.
Now for us to learn patience and enjoy the unexpected time with family AND SNOW!!!
Here’s a mini photo album of our snowy adventures:
Rats!! I typed a big long comment, only to have it totally erased during the subscription process. Just know we all miss both of you and are happy to know that you are still safe. Wish you were with us. Also, you would love the green hills and snow covered local mountains. We finally had significant measurable rain.
Learn all you can about sewing; it’s a great tool to have in your domestic quiver. You’ll be surprised at how useful it can be…not to mention the money you can save when alterations need to be made to slacks, dresses, skirts, etc. Even the simple task of sewing on buttons. And… Right now I could use a “coder”. We just bought a new computer with Win 10 Home Ed’n. It’s driving me crazy. Might as well be written in a foreign language. (Did I just make a computer joke???) I’ll have to ask the other “techies” we all know how to conquer this mysterious new world. Keep in touch. Much love to both of you. Dorcas
February is over. Did anything happen? Ie, did you in fact board a plane and go to Saudi?