Leo is going to be my buddy in the UAE. I had wanted something more relevant to the Middle East - a stuffed camel, maybe? - but Leo is who Sophie and Alex picked, so there you go. Leo is part of the preparations I've done to include Alex (1st grade, 6 years old) and Sophie (preK, 4 years old) and all their classmates in my trip.
Preparing the children started as soon as I knew I would be joining the Corporate Service Corps. I talked to them about work-related traveling, something they are very familiar with since Steve travels frequently and I do (very) occasionally. Once I knew where I was going, we looked at maps and photos of the UAE online and talked with increasing regularity about how things would be different when Mommy is away. Then, I also spoke with Alex's teacher and guidance counselor and Sophie's teachers and Directors about my trip and put together plans with them to follow me in the classrooms.
Back to Leo. Each day I'm gone, I'm going to take two photos of Leo: a close-up, so the children can guess where Leo might be, and a broad shot to show where he actually is with a little explanation. I'm hoping to get him in the desert, Burj Al Arab (hotel in Dubai), the Grand Mosque, Al Ain oasis, on a camel... you get the idea. With any luck, he won't get eaten by a camel. I'm calling this the "Where is Leo the Lobster?" daily photo. These will be emailed directly to the teachers, Directors and guidance counselor to display on a projector in the classrooms. I love these women for being so enthusiastic and willing to help (thanks, everyone!).
The classrooms are also going to follow me on the blog. If I manage to be as organized as I'd like to be, I'm going to try to coordinate my blog entries with Where's Leo? photos so I can provide a little cultural lesson for the children, as well as my friends and family (or anyone else who happens to stop by). I am planning to emphasize photos and videos instead of text, unlike what I've been doing here in the good ol' USA. I'm sure you're relieved about that little tidbit, right?
I've stocked the fridge and freezer with healthy food, in an effort to reduce the amount of times Steve needs to do that most vile of activities - go to the grocery store with both of them (shudder). And, I put together an entire box of Love Notes, one for Soph and one for Alex, each day I'm gone. There are some extra ones and stickers in case they need a little extra love too. And finally, I'm planning to get really good at Skype, which I hope will make all the difference for me and for them. #ibmcsc uae
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.