Guess who’s moving again?
Moi. 
I’m off to another adventure..again.
I can’t really believe it even though my suitcases are packed and the plane ticket is sitting in my folder. I’ve accepted a job in Dubai. So for the next few months, I will be living in Dubai and checking it out. I don’t know if this move is permanent. I’ve been given some time to think it over while I’m there. I know adjusting to a new country and new job will be a challenge but I pray it all works out. I like living in Atlanta and I thought I would be living here for a few more years. But we plan and Allah…well, you know. I certainly didn’t plan on moving half way around the world. But whether I spend three months or three years in Dubai, there will be some tremendous benefit in it.
The job offer was too good to pass up. Out of the 50 something jobs that I applied for, one responded and the pay was not enough. Such is the state of America’s economy and it’s bad all over the nation. So I have to take this opportunity as there are no other offers out there. I do take heart in the fact that I’ve been to Dubai before. I know my employer and I have some contacts there. Insha’Allah, I will meet some nice people and make friends.
My primary concerns are getting some financial security and obtaining religious knowledge. I hope I can find some tajweed classes or start an Islamic studies program in Sharjah, the emirate next door to Dubai. I’ve been keeping it all quiet but since I’m leaving in Friday, I figure it was time to blog about it. The reality of this move won’t hit until I’m there, standing at the airport counter with my luggage. I made a prayer last Ramadan to travel more and to experience Ramadan in a Muslim country. I didn’t think they would be answered so quickly! Ramadans and Eids in America are cool, but it would be nice to compare the experiences.
Subhan’Allah…..I’m traveling again! I’m possibly moving to another country. Good grief, this is something. I can’t believe this is happening. I’m hoping that the pre-travel jitters will go away and that I look at all future experiences as an adventure–good and bad. So, I’ll be blogging from there, of course. For a moment, I was thinking about either quiting the blog or going on a blog break. Not an opinion! I will need to write in order to deal with everything that will happen there. But just think…if it doesn’t work out, then at least I tried it. If it does work out, I’ll officially be an expat.
So JD , maybe I will make to Singapore after all. LOL!
iMuslim said,
July 8, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Wow! Exciting stuff! I know (well, know of) a few peeps who have moved to Dubai… they’re kinda in and out of Dubai regularly.
What will you be doing there exactly? I pray that you’ll enjoy it. Don’t worry about how long you’re staying for… just keep it relaxed, and have a good time… work hard, play hard, and pray even harder, hehe.
I look forward to reading your Dubai travel blog, insha’Allah. May Allah grant you a safe journey. Ameen.
working said,
July 8, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Best of luck! Please keep us posted on how you’re doing.
Yusuf Smith said,
July 8, 2008 at 10:15 pm
As-Salaamu ‘alaikum,
I really wasn’t expecting this! Alhamdu lillah that you’ve got a job and that it’s in a Muslim country. Are you going to be making any stops on the way?
altaf said,
July 8, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Salaam,
safe journey – I am sorta exploring coming to Dubai – to do a photo documentary of labor/working conditions esp. of those from south and east asian backgrounds – but i’ve known a few who tried, and did not quite make it …..
naeem said,
July 9, 2008 at 4:55 am
AA- IzzyMo,
That’s great news! I hope and pray it all works out.
BTW, did you consider the high cost of living in your calculations? My recent visit a few months back really opened my eyes to the exorbitant cost of real estate….
JDsg said,
July 9, 2008 at 5:01 am
Congrats on the new job; I hope you enjoy life as an expat. It’ll be interesting to see how long culture shock sets in for you. (We *all* get it.) Milady & I have discussed moving to the M.E. for a year or two although, at this point, I’m not sure if we will anytime soon, especially with the baby coming within the month, insha’allah. Still, if you find any jobs there for me, let me know.
My contract ends in September.
gess said,
July 9, 2008 at 9:42 am
As’salamu Aleikum Izzy Mo,
Congratulations to your new job
I know you will like the Ramadan in Dubai. Hearing the Adan (prayer call) and fasting Ramadan are the only thing I miss about living in a Muslim country.
Mabrook, and may Allah(swt) make your journey safe, ameen
Ann said,
July 9, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Assalaamu alaikum,
Insha’allah it will be a beneficial experience, no matter how long you stay. (When I came here, I planned to stay a year, and saw it as an adventure. That was 17 years ago.) And insha’allah I’ll see you while you’re in the area.
Ann said,
July 9, 2008 at 2:54 pm
P.S. and instead of a “nomad”, you can call yourself a “bedouin” now.
muslimahlocs said,
July 9, 2008 at 10:36 pm
mabrook sister. all the best in dubai. i have a sudanese girlfriend who lives there and loves it. may Allah may your travels and time there easy for you. make dua for our ummah while you are travelling.
Samira said,
July 9, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Assalaamualaikum-
I will make dua for you! I’m going to take it back to the 90s and say Yo go Girl! It is wonderful to see a young sister open to experiencing the world. Insha’Allah this will be a rewarding opportunity!
For My Ukhti-Wukhti « Aaminah Hernández said,
July 10, 2008 at 1:24 am
[...] by now you have probably read that my dear friend and sister is moving to Dubai, mashaAllah. This is such an exciting opportunity for her and I am looking forward to [...]
fahad said,
July 10, 2008 at 3:39 am
Well, at least you get to brush up on your arabic!
Baraka said,
July 10, 2008 at 4:12 am
Salaam dear Izzy,
What a wonderful adventure!
Insh’Allah may it be full of goodness for you!
Looking forward to your updates from Dubai!
Love,
Baraka
izzymo said,
July 10, 2008 at 5:47 am
Walaikum salaam and WOW! Thank you, everyone, for your well wishes and duas.
iMuslim: Cool, you know some folks in Dubai, eh? Can you send me some contacts? I’ll be working for an IT company so it seems like it’s in my alley–office work and computers–that’s me.
Working:
Of course! This blog will help me work out any annoyances I might face out there.
Yusuf: How do you think I feel? This job offer was a total curveball. I have a straight flight to Dubai but I hope being in the Eastern hemisphere will give me more time to travel.
Altaf: Please keep in touch and let me know when you are coming.
Naeem: Thanks, brother. Yeah, it’s been factored in. I asked them about the rental prop. because I knew that if I couldn’t afford that, I wasn’t going anywhere. I’m so not looking forward to the high costs!
JD: I’ll let you know about any jobs and I do hope I enjoy being an expat.
Finally, I’m going to an expat! Each American Muslim should do it at least once, I guess. LOL! The main thing I’m thinking about is homesickness. Insha’Allah, I’ll go through my culture shock/homesicknesses funk and then get over it.
Gess: Aww, thank you, sis. I will enjoy being to pray whereever I feel like.
Ann: We have to hook up. We must! I was supposed to see you last time so you have to clue me into all the cool things about Kuwait. I know a brother who lives there but he’s says it’s boring. But he believes that because he sees Kuwait as a family-oriented society and he’s single. But I know you like it so insha’Allah, we will meet! Oh, call me the Southern-fried Creole Bedouin!
Muslimahlocs: I’ll be making dua. Most people I know like it so here’s to hoping.
Fahad: Ha, I better! I better go over and get some Arabi, ya’ani! ROFL!
Baraka: Please email me about the book project and I will definitely keep in touch.
kkl said,
July 10, 2008 at 9:10 am
I am normally a ‘lurker’ here.. but just had to congratulate you on the new move to Dubai. Good luck and may Allah bless!
Shaik Abdul Khafid said,
July 10, 2008 at 11:47 am
Mabruuk on everything insha’Allah! Do come to Singapore!
Nzingha said,
July 10, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Congrats!! If you have to move to any ME country as a woman alone I think Dubai is the best place. A bit expensive and crowded
But inshallah you’ll experience all the best. I’ll be there in a few weeks @ wild wadi and ski dubai with the kiddos
sabiwabi said,
July 11, 2008 at 12:17 am
Mabruk!
I am sure you will have a blast! I always wanted to check out Dubai. Soak it up! My prayers will be with you. Oh, and I expect some great pictures!
Salaam
Fairuza
izzymo said,
July 11, 2008 at 6:03 am
Salaamz everyone
kkl: Aaaww, thanks so much.
Thanks for stopping by, friendly lurker. LOL
Shaik: Insha’Allah, I can make it. And thanks.
Nzingha: You’re coming to Dubai?!?!?! We have to meet up! We are both Louisiana girls so we are obligated to meet! I’ll email you for your contact info.
Sabiwabi (Fairuza): Thank you. I’m getting pre-flight jitters but insha’Allah, I’ll be okay. And of course, obligatory pics shall come!
Leila said,
July 13, 2008 at 9:47 am
my best wishes darling !!:) take care of yourself and enjoy every moment!
lots of du’as and love from Bosnia
Dahlia said,
July 13, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Congratulations!
Vicky said,
July 14, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Mabrouk, Izzy! You make me jealous – I miss life in the Middle East. I will keep you in my prayers as you settle in.
rissa said,
July 15, 2008 at 2:51 pm
salams!
forgive the fact that i can’t capitalize letters…i’m writing from my phone. i already told you on facebook..i’m happy you got the job in dubai and pray everything goes great there! i just want to share my experience of when i lived in egypt for a few months. at first..i was just amazed i made it there..lol. then i just started to absorb everything.. there was a lot to absorb. after one month i actually started to feel homesick…and that went on until right before i left. right before i headed to the airport i started to feel real sad. i then knew that i was going to miss the place. when i got back … it was really weird .. i had dreams about egypt almost every night for a few wks. i missed egypt. i’ve been wanting to go back and inshallah i will in a few months. well, i’m writing from my mobile.lol. my thumb is starting to hurt..so it’s time to wrap this up. i do look fwd to your future posts. 