One month left

We arrived in Oman on August 1st of last year, and we'll fly back to Georgia on June 1st, one month from today.  We've got lot's of mixed feelings at this point.  It's been a wonderful 8 months:  David has learned a lot while teaching at Sultan Qaboos University.  I've enjoyed being a full-time mom, and more recently I've had fun with our co-op preschool.  We've had a ton of fun traveling all over Oman and the UAE, and living just blocks from the beach!  We have made a lot of good friends here who we will miss dearly when we leave.

On the other hand... we are excited to return to our cute little house in Winterville.  I'm excited to have an attached kitchen and to not have to worry so much about keeping bugs out.  The kids will be thrilled to see their old toys and books, and I'll be glad to leave some junky toys behind!  And just think of all the cheap, kid-friendly foods that will be available-- cottage cheese, lunch meat, string cheese, applesauce, shredded mini-wheat, raisin bran (Walmart, I'm sorry for all those bad things I said about you!).  We are also very excited to be within 2-3 time zones with our family members for making phone calls and going on visits. 

Occasionally, the inconveniences living abroad can be frustrating.  This is especially true at the grocery store, where most of the items I want are available, but some are priced so high that I can't bring myself to buy them (think $5 tortillas, $12 ham lunch meat, $1.25 can of root beer).  HOWEVER, when items are close to expiry, I can find some great deals!  Last week I went crazy at the Sultan Center grocery store, piling my cart high with great cereals for less than a dollar a box.  We've now got more than enough cereal in our pantry to see us through the next 4 weeks!

 

Me in cereal heaven.   

Nothing takes the edge off living abroad like a box of Kashi for 65 cents!