I live with four amazing people on a separate compound than most at school. The five of us have been like family these past two years. We would have specified family dinners when we could all get together, hang out by the pool, grab breakfast on the weekends and so much more. Three of the five of us are leaving this year to new adventures. Our little family is breaking up and I am going to miss them beyond words.
I have a few friends from school who I have great relationships with. I have been on fun trips, crazy car rides, shopping weekends, birthday fun, movie nights, and more with them. I know that I can talk to them about almost anything and I know that I will not be judged. I can talk about God with them and discuss what amazing things he is doing in our lives.
I have friends who are from all over the world and who have the heart to teach internationally like me. Some of them are TCK's, some have taught internationally before, others on adventures of their own, or they call this sandy place home. We are all connected in one way or another and I love it.
This past weekend I finalized everything that I needed to do in order to leave the Middle East. I cleaned out my villa and sold everything I needed to sell. It is crazy how much stress you can have when moving. You do not even think about the craziness and what all has to be done until it happens. One of the nights our compounds had a combined goodbye party for a few of the teachers leaving the school.
Julie, one of my closest friends wrote a goodbye speech for me with help from a couple of other close friends. It's funny how you never think someone knows you until you listen to it. These ladies have done such an amazing job and I think it deserves to be read.
"Kim’s off on a new adventure. She is casting off the Saudi sand and heading to Northern China along with her trusty sidekick Angel.
In the short two years, we have spent together at DEMS and living on Sara Village, I have gotten to know this girl quite well. Raised as a full-blooded Texan in the sands of Saudi Arabia, this girl is fearless. For example, she jumped on the opportunity last year to get her license within the first month it was legal and got herself a car. When she sets her mind to it, this girl can get anything done and accomplished. Although she does have her own type of kryptonite...cinnamon! Unfortunately, she has come into contact quite often with this notorious evildoer this past year which resulted in a few scary moments and hospital visits. However, she showed her strength and battled the cinnamon, and took it down with her trusty weapon of choice, Benedryl. Let us not talk about her most recent visit to the hospital when fracturing her arm when tripping over a student...oops!
She is focused and driven, though finding that a current part of her faith journey is to let God be in control - and it’s hard sometimes!
As a true TCK, third culture kid, Kim created a book to share her experiences as a way to reach out to other TCKs around the globe. If writing a book wasn’t enough, she has taken sharing her story to the blog-o-sphere.
Man though, this girl can talk. Even when strictly told by the doctor to stop talking, this girl just couldn’t do it. However, if she didn’t talk, it just wouldn’t be Kim. She is your textbook extrovert. Loves being surrounded by people. She is ever willing to help anyone out and welcomes everyone with open arms - you’ll have to decide if it is Texan or Saudi hospitality that has left the most impact, though I suspect it is being a part of a culture like in this room - full of expats, for most of her life.
If you look up the word “Generous” in the dictionary, you are very likely to find a picture of Kimberlyn. She is always willing to share any knowledge that she has about almost any topic and where to find the best shopping deals. She was the reason I transitioned so well into this adventure. She gave so freely of her time and energy at the beginning of my time in Saudi that I can’t imagine where I’d be without her.
Kim, Jennifer, Kristi, Jessica, everyone here and me, want to wish you all the best in your next adventure in the cold of China. Go walk the Great Wall, visit the Terra cotta Warriors, learn all about the ancient culture of the Chinese because when I come to visit you, you are my guide. Show your Texas hospitality and charm, and win them all over. Keep in touch, and I/we will miss you!
My Sara Village family is breaking up… are you sure you want to go? You realize you are leaving me with Ian and Ashton, and Amy and James, and Julia, and...oh! Ok...fine. Just don’t forget us. "
Thank you, Julie, Jess, Jennifer, and Kristi for writing such sweet words. You have all left an impact on my life. I know that this is not just goodbye but see you soon. I look forward to seeing each of you in China (or a new country). I know I have made a lifelong friend in each of you and I will hold that dearly in my heart. Ma Salama Sadiqs!
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