Wow, I can't believe that I have been in Kuwait for 10 months. Where has the time gone?!?! Well this my last post from Kuwait, I thought I would do a review of the past year, and of my most recent adventures into theater.
10 months ago I was crying my eyes out like a small child as I got ready to uproot my entire life, and everything I knew to move to Kuwait for my career. Don't get me wrong I was so excited to start this new adventure as this is something I have always wanted to do. But I was terrified of moving so far away from me entire life and support system. After a lot of tears and many long hours of travel and missed connections I arrived to start my life in Kuwait. It was blistering hot but I quickly adjusted and as most of you know I made friends fast.
Being the first music teacher here at AUSK was and is the coolest thing I have done in my professional career. Having someone trust you as a educator and an expert in what you do was and continues to be the most refreshing and exciting part of my job. I am respected and trusted which is wonderful.
The beginning of the year was a bit rough as opening any school can be, but with a little teamwork we made it happen. September came and went and flew by in a flash because so much was going on and were still getting settled. Once October rolled around we started to get settled and got into a routine, this was when I first got homesick. I didn't expect it to happen as I am a very adaptable person. But I just missed home and missing things like my mom's birthday and Thanksgiving was hard for me.
Once Thanksgiving came and went (which we did not have off from school) December was here and going for christmas was insight. Now If you have been reading my blog then you know that I told my parents I was not coming home for christmas and that I was traveling, when in fact that I was surprising them for christmas.
Needless to say my parents were very surprised and excited to have me home. It was way too short and the 10 days flew by in a flash. I arrived back in Kuwait in January ready to tackle the second half of the year with excitement.
My next big adventure came in February came as Kuwait celebrated Liberation Day and National Day. Some friends and I took an amazing trip to Jordan and saw some of the most beautiful sights. I had some amazing company and it was one of the highlights of the year. After spending 4 great days in Jordan we had to return to Kuwait.
As some of you know right before I left for Jordan I auditioned for Shrek the musical, and got a part in the ensemble playing Papa Bear and general ensemble. I had never auditioned and was super nervous but I have always wanted to do it. I had my first rehearsal after my Jordan trip and was welcomed with open arms. My birthday also happened to coincide right after vacation. Usually I would go to dinner with some friends, and then go bowling. This year I did go to dinner with some friends but it was low key and while it was a lot of fun. It was my first birthday away from my family.
So the last 3 months have been spent tutoring, having play rehearsal, and working. It has been a whirlwind 3 months and I can't believe that June is here. I have made some amazing new friends from the play and it was exhausting and tiring and fun and just a roller coaster.
Which brings me to the Shrek. I spent 9 days in a row in tech rehearsals and performing. We did 5 shows 2 weeks ago and 5 shows last weekend. There were so many complications, and long nights. Most nights I didn't en up getting home between 11-12. And still had to go to school the next day. The first 5 shows went well, and we even took 30 students from school to the show. They loved it and had so much fun. The last 5 shows went well also, and we capped off the run with a wonderful cast party.
Here is a link to a website of some pictures from the show.
http://stagedinkuwait.com/archives/2507/shrek-in-pictures/
Which brings me to present day. This year has been a lot of ups and downs, some good things and some bad things but it was definitely an adventure. I have 3 days of school left then I am off to London for 4 days with a friend before my final stop in NH for the summer. I can't wait to be home and see all my family and friends.
I want to say that I am so thankful each and every day for being given this amazing experience. I would of never been able to see all these amazing places and meet such wonderful people. Stay tuned for next post from the good ole U.SA. Thanks for reading!!!
