Leaving Georgia in 51 Days

I'm leaving Georgia in 51 days and after some deep thought, I know I'm not planning on coming back here to live.  I truly believe my time in Georgia has come to an end as I prepare to move on to Abu Dhabi.  When people ask me when I'm coming back, it's been so easy to tell them I'm not.  I've lived in Georgia for 12 years and I'm done.

I finally made my announcement that I'm moving to Abu Dhabi to my students at school.  I made a movie for all four classes to see each class period.  I did it using Windows Movie Maker and it was really cool how it turned out.  I used my humor as well as some great photos of Abu Dhabi, so the kids would have a clear picture of where I am going to live very soon.  Most students were excited and wanted to come with me.  A few of my students got sad, upset, and started to cry.  I reassured them that I wasn't going anywhere right now and it was all going to be okay because I would check up on them while I'm gone.  This seemed to make them feel better.  I'll admit I got a little teary eyed when I saw this.  Kids.

I do know that my purpose here has been fulfilled.  Mission accomplished.  I know in my spirit that I have been given the go ahead to move forward, move upward, with no regrets, no ties, no hang ups, just freedom to take this opportunity and experience the Good Life.  It truly feels right and I feel a sense of liberation inside.  I have been feeling like it was time to leave Georgia for over a year now.  I just wasn't clear about what my next move was supposed to be.  I had this conversation with some colleagues last November.  I just kept saying that I just didn't know what I was going to do yet, but I knew I was going to experience a career change of some kind.  Three months later, in February, I was interviewing to teach in Abu Dhabi.  Now I know without of a doubt that this is it.

I plan to go live with my sister in Raleigh, NC once I leave Georgia at the end of June.  This is where I will be starting July 31, until I leave for Abu Dhabi in mid-August.  We've been told that EMTs will all leave in mid-August in 3-4 days.  Sounds good to me.  Worst case scenario, I'll go be a substitute teacher at my niece and nephew's elementary school until I fly out on the big bird across the pond.