Another update

Today we should have experienced our first National Day. But because of the senseless deaths in Aleppo, HH al Thani cancelled all public celebrations for the entire weekend and today which is the actual day. No parades. No dancing. No fun. And I admire and appreciate his decision. He doesn't want his country to celebrate when there are innocent people, especially children being slaughtered just because they are muslim. I understand it. Can you imagine a 4th of July celebration being cancelled because Christians were being killed in Canada or somewhere? Of course not! It takes a lot to stand up for what you believe in and I think it's great that he did this.

Last time I checked on you guys we had just gotten us some wheels!! We have been doing lots of exploring and  stuff. It's great when you are able to drive yourself instead of waiting for the driver to come scoop you up. Our next excursion will be to explore The Pearl. Although we did go on this past Wednesday to the movies, we plan to go in the day time to really get the full effect. We were surrounded by Range Rovers and other luxury cars, so I can imagine how much more they will be in abundance in daylight hours.


We are looking forward to our first Christmas abroad!! Can not wait to see what our vacay has in store for us. This will be our first vacay without Mekai and in a country other than the U.S. Next year will be one for the books tho. We've already started planning and pricing plane tkts!!!  I can't give any details away, you'll just have to stay tuned to the blog this coming week for pictures to find out our destination. Let's just say we will be crossing off one of our bucket list spots!😊

G3 is making the transition to being an International Baccalaurette Scholar look easy. His grades were off the charts this first term and I am constantly getting emails regarding how much of a pleasure he is to have in class. I am thankful to be his mom. I am thankful that he continues to achieve greatness. Not because we as his parents expect it, but because he wants to excel and he know that it is important to do well. Ever since before he was old enough, he wanted to go to school. And once he started he hit the ground running. So much so, that he would have "mini school" during the summer. Like 1-3 grades, he would have his routine in the summer where he would devout serious time to doing something educational. This was his brain child. He did this all on his own. Just like he came up with his shirt and tie thing 3 days a week. I think he came up with that in 1st grade. He has been all about business when it comes to his academics. He's known for quite sometime that college is where he wants to go and by the looks of it he's on the right path. God has a plan for this young man and I'm excited to watch his star soar.


I'm still tryna figure out what my "thing" will be over here. Writing is still on the list but there is something else that I'd like to explore. Can't show my hand just yet, but I've got a couple ideas floatin around in my head. I'm praying for clarity and direction. It will be revealed in time. I don't want to get ahead of His plan or get ahead of myself. So, until I know for sure which way to go, I will be still.

Hope you enjoyed the latest installment. I know I need to do better and I will. I promise. Know that I love ya! Mean it!


                                                                                                                               T Elise

Restoration!

I really can't express enough how truly grateful we are for the many blessings that God continues to bestow upon the Caldwell/Sperling family. There was a time when we were without a vehicle for a while because of more bills than money and instead of paying a car note we had more pressing issues to worry about. Be it a busted water heater, needing to move out of one spot into another because of mold caused by flooding, and other things. But through all of that we remained prayerful, and we still we faithful tithers. Some folk may not understand that, and that's okay. We may have been without a car, but we were never without the hand of God on our lives. We were never without a way being made. We never went hungry. We always had clothes on our backs. Our NEEDS were met. ALWAYS! So I know without a shadow of a doubt honoring God with our 10% was (and is) the best thing we could have done during our driest seasons. So, as we are thankful for the blessing of being back on four wheels over here in Qatar, in a bigger vehicle, but most importantly employer paid, we are reminded of where we have come from. We in no way take this for granted. We know and believe that this entire journey is God ordained and blessed by Him for our sacrifice and never failing acknowledgment of how "He has been an ever present help in the time of trouble."  I'm thankful for a husband who has been the man I prayed for God to send to find me. He is the leader and king of our home. And I'm thankful. Yeah, I may post pics of Dwayne Johnson, but I know what side my bread is buttered on. I know who the real Big Daddy is. His name is GranVille Lewis Caldwell Jr. Hee hee hee!!!! I will share more on this subject at another time, because I believe that my story can help someone else who may be going through similar situations. I am in no way ashamed of what I've been through. I know full well who I am. Most importantly, I know full well WHOSE I AM!!! Know that I love ya! Mean it!

He Took the Manna Off the Menu

Unexpected/Uninvited small visitor!

 So yesterday was Saturday. We got up early and took a trip as a family to the grocery store/mall. It was cool having the fellas join me for a change, especially G3. You know he's getting to the age where he would much rather be alone in his room than hang out with his amazingly awesome parents.....actually come to think of it, he's always been a loner! Hee hee hee. I have no problem with it.  He is is own person. He knows what he likes and doesn't like. 

So we got home put away our things and got settled in for the rest of the day. I was stretched out on the couch, Ville was on the lap top sitting in the chair, and G3....was in his room! As I started to dose back off, I hear our door open......and in walks a rather small human. Blonde hair, blue eyes, looking down at the electronic device he held in his small palms. As the door was opening, I could see Ville rising from his seat at the same time saying, " Hey, can I-" When we both saw who was standing there we both were like WTH! ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW? DUDE! WHAT IS HAPPENING? He just stands there for a minute, looks at us and turns back around. CLEARLY, Lil Wolfgang (not his name) was in the wrong flat!! Ville follows him asking, "where's your dad?" I was to shocked to pay any attention to what his response was. My husband, "The Teacher" (always in teacher mode when kids are around) follows him out, down the hall to the other couple  of flats on the first floor. They eventually made it out the front doors, down the sidewalk and back down along the back walk path.  WHAT. IN. THE. WORLD.

DISCLAIMER: I am not my husband! Let me just put this out there. Those who know me WELL, and I mean REALLY WELL, know that I woulda sent him out my door and told him to go find his people on his own. I don't do kids. I'm not mean. I just don't do other peoples kids. My days at Alpha Montessori are in the PAST!! I loved it while it lasted it, but I am a different person now. I have patience for a choice few of children that are not mine. Chances are they are only the ones who belong to those who follow this blog. Don't get me wrong, Tam love the kids......just not all the kids! You feel me? 

So, I'm standing outside waiting for him to return. He comes walking down the side walk, grinning and shaking his head and says, " you betta blog about this!" Turns out Lil Wolfgang (again, NOT his name) had walked away from a cookout his parents were attending at a flat not far from ours. Upon seeing Ville walking behind him they say, " Oh, there you are!" Ville was like, "yeah, he kinda wandered into our place mistakenly." They were like, "oh okay." UMMMMMMMMM.......................OH. OKAY? That's it? No, thank you so much? ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW? YOUR KID WANDERED WHO KNOWS HOW LONG AROUND THE COMPOUND AND YOU ONLY SAY, OH. OKAY?  You CLEARLY did not even notice he was really missing. 

Now, I'm glad to know and am very appreciative of the fact that our place of residence is very safe. Secure. Gated. 24 hour security. Obviously, we had our door unlocked, which helped facilitate this entire escapade! But DOGGONE IT!!! WATCH YOUR DARN KIDS!!!! I am amused, but annoyed at the same time. This is definitely the most bizarre incident since we got here. 

At the end of the day, Lil Wolfgang made it back safely to where he had wandered (unnoticed) away from and we had a good laugh. Here's hoping if that happens again, that this is the same outcome! Watch your kids people!!  Watch 'em!!

Know that I love ya! Mean it!

Reflections/Observations/STRUGGLES

Hey darlin's! I'm doin absolutely fabulous and I pray that you all are as well.

Things are still going well. I reflect daily on all the blessings that God has so graciously given to us and most times I am at a loss of words. Just this week alone we have had His word manifest in our lives. He is a RESTORER!! No doubt about it. Things that had been taken, are now being given back. "......some 30, some 60, some 100 times as much as had been planted"[Matthew 13:8] Without a doubt this was a great leap of faith for us and as we are blessed we will bless as well.

Now for a lil interesting sidebar.....you know how when you go to the salon (hair, nail. ..) you chit-chat with the stylist or nail tech? Because 9 times out of 10 you already know them? You're a regular? Right? Yeahhhhhhhh,  not so much here. I mean DEAD SILENCE!! I had to put my headphones back in while she did my nails. I think because there is such a difference in "class designation" labor workers are looked down upon. Not just construction or maintenance,  but also grocery store cashiers, nail techs, taxi drivers, nannies, housekeepers.  These are the lowest of the low here. They even make the nanny dress a certain way. It's pretty darn sad to me. But at the nail salon, the patrons hardly said 2 words to these chicks. Some were being worked on by 2 people at a time. I don't know if my chick was afraid at first or what, but I made her talk to me. I make it my priority to smile at them and acknowledge them as much as I can. ESPECIALLY the ladies I see in the mall. Who knows what they experience on a daily basis. It's taking a bit of getting used to, to say the least.

Still meeting new faces. Still getting to know the country little by little. Here are a few snap shots of our compound.  Enjoy.  Know that I love ya! Mean it!

Oh yeah, PLEASE keep your girl in prayer. I am still tryna get this sleep thing worked out. On a mission to get both an Aloe Vera and Lavender plant to put in the bedroom. Heard they both emit oxygen at night to add in sleep.... well see. I'll keep you posted....falling asleep as I type right now!!
#STRUGGLIFE

Just checkin in on ya!!!!!

Hey everybody!! It has been FOREVER......I KNOW!! I sincerely apologize for not updating like I promised I would.  A whole heck of a lot has transpired since my last post, so let's get to it.

We are adjusting well to our new home! G3 loves his school. He received a Chromebook for his personal use.....which he loves. He gets to bring it home everyday and I believe he even gets to keep it through the summer! Talk about FANTASTIC!!   I was able to spend the day with him last week attending classes with him and eating lunch together. He seems to be flowing nicely with the new environment and classmates. He has always been able to entertain himself without the need for others, and he is true to himself here at QA. He does interact with the other students, but he hasn't found a certain group to hang with. And his dad and I are okay with that.  His teacher all had glowing observations to report to me. Not sure if they felt they had to because Ville works there or not. But they did. I know my son. And I know that his education is his top priority. He's gonna do what needs to be done.  Most of his classes are male only. I think he has maybe 2 or 3 that have female students joining him. He has a swim class twice a week after school. And he plays soccer with  Dads and Lads every Friday with his father. All in all he is adjusting well and he has a smile on his face. That's all we can ask.

Ville has mostly male only classes as well, but he does teach 2 classes with females. Just like in America, the girls have to be reminded not to visit so much with their neighbors and to put the cell phones away! Teenage girls are pretty much the same wherever you go. They males are your typical guys. All in all the knucklehead here is nothing compared to the knucklehead in CMS. He has found a group of American teachers and admin to hang out with once a week as well. They do morning breakfast together on Friday's. He too seems to be making the adjustment to a new school, coworkers, admin, and culture. I wish I could share with you guys about one of his students, but I can't. Just know that this world is definitely not as big as we think it is!!!!!!!

I have been doing my own exploring!! I have attended two meetings with the Qatar Expat Women's Group. Most are from countries other than the US which is interesting. I have made at least 2 connections with ladies I've met there which is really cool.  They meet every Monday at one of the hotels near downtown.  There is a overnight desert trip planned for November that I am looking forward to attending.  They set up a huge tent. Feed us dinner, take us on a camel ride, go 4 wheeling in the desert. We will sleep under the stars and wake up to the sunrise on the beach! How darn cool is that? I can't wait!!  I have also gotten to know one of Ville's coworkers pretty well as well as his former coworker from Harding. (we have her to thank for helping facilitate this move over here) They both are really genuine people and I have a great time with them! Look at me.....makin friends and stuff!  AND, I'm starting to put together the skeleton for a book.........I know right?!

What I know for sure is, this so far is a wonderful adventure.  We live in this big world that is just waiting to be explored. At least once a week I will be talking to Ville and say, "Babe, we live in a completely different country!" Or he will say, " I bet you didn't have this on your radar 15 years ago!"  Heck, I didn't have HIM on my radar 15 years ago. I am truly thankful for all we have been blessed to experience. I know without a shadow of a doubt that God has His hands all in an through this. I have no regrets. Are there somethings that I miss about home? Of course. But I will eat, see, and do all those things summer 2017. A lot of people may not understand why we chose to take this opportunity and they may question why. And to that I say, "why not?"  This is our life and we aren't asking anyone for permission to live it. They don't have to like it. We're okay with that. Just know that we are fine.  My biggest worry right now is getting my RP (residence permit) so I can go attend happy hour at the hotels!!  We are tryna stack and save as much as we can. Travel as much as we can. And take full advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity.  That's it. That's all.  Numerous times a day I say, "Thank you Lord."  And he knows that that thank you covers so many things. So, if you have any concerns, please trust and believe that The Caldwell's are doin just fine. If anything changes I will let you know. Until next time.....Know that I love ya! Mean it!

Lunchin chronicles!

Hey everyone!  There has been lots going on. So much to get you all caught up on. I try and post on my Facebook often, most times neglecting my blog. My apologies.

I wanted to share with you my receipt from lunch yesterday afternoon at the mall. When I say everything in Qatar is expensive. ....I mean it. Just take a look at how much my burger and fries set me back....BWAAAHAHAHAHAH!
At least it was good!! And these are not in US dollars, this is in Qatari Riyals.
Know that I love ya! Mean it!

New Student Orientation

Welcome To Qatar by Jane Dutton

Why is Mekai not with you all?

I've had a number of folk ask why Mekai isn't with us........so I said I would share the entire experience, so here ya go,

Mekai never was totally on board to go with us. I guess now I understand it more, but at first I was like, "are you kidding me? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to live abroad!" But she just wasn't totally feeling it. At any rate, we were making plans for her to join us.  Because she is not me and Ville's daughter together, just mine, I had to provide proof of the divorce so they could put her down as Vile's stepdaughter.Fast forward to August 10 or 11, we get the email from HR that they were not going to grant her a residence visa because she was no longer a minor, and she was not me and Ville's child together. Talk about a sucker punch to my face!!!! I was sick to my stomach. What the heck was she going to do? We were informed that she is eligible to visit as much and as often as she wanted....just couldn't live with us.  But like I said the other day, God has had His hand all in and through this whole thing. 

Not knowing until that Friday, she had gone out and looked at off campus housing at UNCC  on Thursday....because she DIDN'T WANT TO GO!  She would still be able to keep her job. One that she truly enjoys. She has 3 roommates. Her bedroom has it's own bathroom. She will enroll at CPCC soon to get her credits and then transfer to UNCC. See, it all worked out in the end. This is her opportunity to show us what she's made of. She wanted this independence, so here it is.  Her support system is absolutely fabulous. Made possible by family in Charlotte, Flint, Atlanta, Texas, Minnesota and Alabama. Will she make mistakes? Most assuredly she will. But can she bounce back form them? Absolutely!!  As long as she keeps God as her focus, and casts all her cares on Him, I know she will be just fine.  I miss her everyday. But we talk a number of times each day. She even has a special young man that I TOTALLY appove of that has been helping with this transition.

So even though things didn't workout the way I thought they would, the worked out the way they were destined to. Can't wait til Christmas!!!!Know that I love ya! Mean it!

First night in Doha

Well, we made it! God's hand guided us from Charlotte to JFK, to Doha, Qatar.  He is faithful to His children. As I lay here writing this I know without a shadow of a doubt that He has /had everything worked out. I see His hand through every step we've taken. From the moment we prayed and asked for doors to be opened for us back in January, to the job offer, to stepping foot in our new apartment! All I've done since boarding the flight from Charlotte til now is say to myself, "Lord, I thank you!" He does ALL THINGS well. My heart is so full. So much appreciation. So much humility. So many, many blessings. Tonight, we rest. We are thankful.

A slight change of plans......

WOW!!!! What a difference a couple days makes!! I said I was going to share the entire experience with you guys so I have some new developments. We're still going........it's just gonna take a bit more time for me and the children. Qatari laws are SO STRICIT!!! Ville's visa should be done soon. Ours......not so much. They have changed somethings over the last few months which were not required before, so it has added delays on everything. What we are looking at now is that he may fly over on the 17 for sure because new teachers start on the 21, and we will join him once our paperwork is finalized. Talk about sad. That is an understatement. We wanted to all fly over as a family. But in my husbands words, "everything will work out the way it is supposed to babe." So, I need to practice patience right?

In the mean time, we are still preparing. Furniture is being picked up. As well as everthing else that won't be making the flight over. God has it all worked out. He is in control and His plan is best. What I won't do is let setbacks get me down. Imma still smile and expect the best. There are other developments that are brewing as well.....but I can't get into all that right now. I will share when the time is right. I appreciate you all. Thanks for sharing in on our adventure.   

Know that I love ya! Mean it!

Getting started

Welp, today is the day that I have finally found a few quiet minutes to sit down and at least get one post in!! Welcome to the beginning of my 2 year adventure!! Doha, Qatar will be our new place of residence. We are "nervescited" (nervous and excited) but we are ready to go and see what this world has in store for our family. Please come back occasionally for new posts and updates on our adventures. Hope to post at least once a week or whenever the mood strikes me. I want you to be able to experience Doha right along with us. I hope you enjoy reading and sharing with me, Ville, G3, and Mekai!

Know that I love ya! Mean it!