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Saturday, December 22: Today, I tendered my 6-month resignation to the University of Nizwa. My last day of work here will be on Wednesday, June 26, 2013.
The reasons I am leaving are numerous. Basically, the main reason is that I’m homesick. I miss my family and friends and my home in America. I want to be close to my children. I want to work on my marriage, and I can’t do that living abroad. I miss the work environment I had in the community college in Virginia. I miss feeling connected to my people back home.
entrance to the University of Nizwa
Finally, it is simply time to move on to a new phase in my life. I have been thinking a lot about what I want to accomplish next. I am thinking seriously, as I always do, about my resolutions for the New Year of 2013. Thirteen has always been a lucky number for me, so I have high hopes for the new year.
Stay tuned for my post on New Year’s Day, where I will spell out in great detail, as I always do, my New Year’s resolutions. (Maybe too much detail for my readers!!) I always take this process seriously. As I remember someone saying once, you have to create the life you intend. Or something along those lines. Nothing will happen unless I make it happen. A little luck thrown in is always a good thing as well!
“Edward: You know what the difference is between a dream and a goal? he used to say to me. A plan.” ― Jodi Picoult, Lone Wolf
I will miss a lot about Oman. I love the country and I’ve explored many hidden places that even Omanis don’t take the time to explore. I will continue to do this over the next 6 months.
I get a new vocabulary word in my email inbox every day from Dictionary.dom. The word I received today is this:
decathect \dee-kuh-THEKT\, verb: To withdraw one’s feelings of attachment from (a person, idea, or object), as in anticipation of a future loss.
This word applies to what I will have to do when I leave Oman and the amazing people I have met here.
I’ve learned a lot while I’ve been here. I’ve learned something about who I am. I’ve learned to enjoy my solitude. I love the sense of adventure that has grown in me. I’ve learned to be independent. I’ve learned about the kind of people I like to seek out and spend time with. I’ve learned what feels good about a work environment, and what doesn’t. I’ve learned more about what I am seeking.
When I leave Oman, I will write a final reflection piece about what I’ve learned about myself and about coping in a foreign land. Until then, I hope you’ll continue to join me for the final leg of my journey in Oman.
“If you have a goal, write it down. If you do not write it down, you do not have a goal – you have a wish.”
― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
“There is always a gap between intention and action..”
― Paulo Coelho
sometimes clarity comes in one huge burst of insight, and other times it takes its sweet time. enjoy your last six months, and that light’s shining brightly at the end of your tunnel! congratulations! z
Thanks so much, Lisa!! I am so ready for the next chapter in my life, whatever that may bring. Thanks for the song, too! 🙂 Happiest of holidays to you!
Love this, Lisa!! Bob Seger is the best. Thanks for the encouragement that comes with this song. I think I’m on my way, baby!! Nice change, nice change, nice change. Shining brightly. 🙂
Cathy I will keep you in my prayers. Glad you are going to work on your marriage and reconnect with family and friends! I pray that you enjoy your time there and that the time goes fast, so that your new adventure can get started and you can get settled back home! Take care girlfriend and have a.wonderful Christmas!
Thank you, Theresa. I so look forward to returning home and connecting with my whole family. You have a merry Christmas and a happy new year, Theresa. Thanks so much for your prayers. 🙂
Best wishes to you. These last six months will go fast and I hope you get to make the most of them.
Thanks so much, eternal traveler! 🙂
I believe your new adventure will be living at home. You’ve given this a lot of thought and I wish you the best of plans.In the meantime, enjoy the time you have there. You’ve learned and experienced much about life and yourself. The best to you and Merry Christmas.
Thank you Lynne; I think it WILL be my next adventure, going back to the USA. I have given it a lot of thought, and I’m glad I’ve finally made the decision. We’ll see what life holds in the coming year. I will definitely try to enjoy the rest of my time here. And I’ll really miss this journey of living and working abroad. It’s been an experience not many people get to have in their lives! Merry Christmas to you, Lynne! 🙂
Check out Feather River College in Quincy, CA (Sierra Nevadas). They have two management openings. I’ve applied for one. You might like what you see–both in the job description and the area.
Wow, Natalia, thanks for that suggestion!! I will definitely look this up and check out these openings. 🙂
Congratulations on your decision and Merry Christmas!!
Wish I could step in an fill your position!!
Thanks Kathryn! I’m sure they’d love to have you! Go for it!
Thanks for the new vocabulary word. Although I have engaged in this behavior, I never knew there was a word for it!
Good for you for taking on this great adventure in Oman. As Amelia Earhart said, ‘When a great adventure is offered, you don’t refuse it.” Now it’s time to come home. 😉
I didn’t know there was a word for it either, Ruth. It was serendipity I guess that it happened to show up in my inbox at the same time I was writing that post. Isn’t that strange how things work sometimes? It has certainly been a grand adventure, but you’re right, it is time for me to go home. I love that Amelia Earhart quote! 🙂
I missed this post over the busyness of Christmas. I’m sure you’ve made the right decision, Cathy. Everything works itself out in the end, and you’ve had an experience which very few people ever will. 🙂
I know about missing blogs, Sylvia. I’m looking forward to my life slowing down a bit so I can catch up myself. I know it is the right decision to leave Oman; what my next step will be is still uncertain…. I hope it will be another grand adventure!