Ah the April month of 2022, a change - welcome to solo parenting !!

March sumamries :) Navigating Uncertainty

A Journey of School Choices and New Beginnings..a summary of March !!

Our journey took an unexpected turn in Nov ..well not unexpected, we knew ahead of that B would have to leave, but we thought he would be able to find a job. In Feb we all had COVID, and right after that B, attended an interview in Abu Dhabi, a city that holds a special place in my heart. A place that I used to call "home" since childhood, a place that we left for PDO. I hoped those interviews would lead to something concrete, something to ease the uncertainty that weighed heavily on our shoulders. But despite securing the job offer, and despite them being so interested in the fact that the MD called him in person, and was ready to make amends in the offer, B ultimately decided it wasn't the right fit for him. His decision left me facing the same uncertainties, grappling with questions about the future.

As I sought solace in prayer, pouring out my fears and frustrations to not any human ears ( I used to cry, wail, seek, and ask God during my drives), B remained composed and hopeful amidst the uncertainty. His resilience was a source of strength for me, even as I struggled with doubts and worries. Every day, I returned home from work to see his smile, his unshaken belief that things would work out for good, and that God has a plan. Yet, behind that smile, I knew he carried the weight of uncertainty, the burden of providing for our family in uncertain times.

But even in the turmoil, in December we had received a glimmer of hope—in the form of a a job offer for B, a rotational position in Iraq. But it was bittersweet, that I was hopeful something else would work out. But by March, we realized that the practical thing to do was embrace this new opening - bringing both relief and apprehension. Yes, the opportunity promises financial stability and the means to afford schooling for our children, it also means long separations, solo parenting, and adjusting to a new reality!!! The visa took time to come and we needed a temporary arrangement, which was answered in the form of a Dubai stay for a few weeks until Basra! The timing was just right, it would allow us to pay BSM fees for this term. While others may have had saved up the money from leaving PDO, we had to use it for school!! But thankful to God for the resource, we cannot move schools or places before the end of the year! 

Our eldest, facing his GCSEs soon, bears the brunt of our uncertainty. It hurts me to see him struggle, unable to ask for the extra support he needs. But life's challenges are not meant to be easy, and as difficult as it is, I know that facing hardships builds resilience and character. This was not only our journey but also A's journey of life, as early in his 15s to learn lessons the hard way!! But it ached deep inside!!! Concerns about our son's German proficiency prompted us to seek private tutoring, adding another dimension to our journey of discovery and adaptation.

As we navigate this uncertain path, we're faced with decisions about our children's education. We've to explore various school options, weighing the pros and cons, hoping to find the best fit for each of them. It's a daunting task, but one we undertake with hope and determination, trusting that God will guide us through this journey of school choices and new beginnings.

Beaconhouse, though conveniently near our home, raises concerns about whether our children would thrive there, particularly our eldest after GCSE. On the other hand, KGIS offers promising features such as a small school environment and the convenience of providing meals, but a few red flags give me pause.

AGS, a school we hadn't initially considered due to its distance from our home. However, the warm welcome from the staff and the enticing discount for PDO families intrigued me. We were particularly drawn to the idea of the taster day after A's exams, and interview with the Head of Secondary, which seemed like a refreshing approach to education.

We visited the Srilankan school also closer to home, and we may face a new challenge on the home front...may have to move. Also, they cannot promise seats for all 3 ...and I'm not sure if I am ready for 2 schools and be a solo parent! 

Amid these decisions and adjustments, one day reached out to BSM about school fee payment. Tears welled up as I was talking to the officer, grappling with the reality of our situation, all they said they could do was offer an installment plan and no other empathy was extended. I was reminded of the kindness and generosity we've extended to others in the past. It also exposed me to the reality of the fact what a hypocrite I am....we are taught to "expect nothing in return" yet in my difficult moments I was expecting someone to be kind to me!!. It's a humbling reminder that I have a long way to "grow in HIM"!!

As we navigate this period of transition and change, I'm reminded of the resilience and strength that lies within us. Together, we'll face challenges that come our way, embracing new beginnings with hope, courage, and a steadfast belief in our God.

written somewhere in March......!! 

A web journal

23rd March 2022
Has been a tough few months, with hopes at high, with emotions at peak. There is barely anything that humans can do to help but yet we break down sometimes and want to pick back up!!

Though it's just best to keep a journal as a gratitude post...

• Losing a job is not an easy thing being, but seeing God's provision in keeping the family together is a blessing
• Not getting a monthly paycheque is challenging but not being in debt is a blessing 
• Not getting a job is totally frustrating but being able to hold into God is promising 
• Not getting tutoring support is heartbreaking but having a God who gives intelligence is life-changing 
• Not getting fees discounts is saddening but being able to stagger it is a blessing 
• Not getting a regular tutor is sad but seeing a provision for the impossible is miraculous

With upcoming GCSEs, we decided to find some tutors for Maths & Found a tutor who was charging me a rate at a 70% discount of her usual rates that too 22 years experienced Maths tutor who is an assessor. Thank God for he knows where to lead us to 

I'm thankful for a lot of things, it broke me to bits this morning as I picked up the call to ask the school for a discount. I was sure that they wouldn't entertain any requests. But, luckily for me, no one was in my room when I called but I was still kinda whimpering ..and thought I can't be the sob story every day I decided to do a gratitude post. 

23rd March evening

After the thankful post, heard an option for an intermediary arrangement till Basra works out ....from April. God is good.....

24th March

Have no words but thank you..today someone reached out to me, low-cost tutor support for ben and Abbie. Mr Nasir reached back with a proposal. 

Also, the Overnight camp that I didn't sign up for due to costs came down 70% lower with another option, change of venue to school God is good!! thank God for all this 

25th march 

dad's angiography was done and it said he has 3 blocks 2 can be resolved using angioplasty and one cannot. feeling helpless esp for amma's sake..prayer is the only solution. Had to cook food for a family that was leaving . the plan was to share my meal prep with them and make biriyani for the night. My cooking wasn't any good ....as got worried after hearing about dad. God can turn things around. He is a healer 

26th March 

Busy still getting used to the fact that dad is not so well healthwise. But then again got busy with Betty & Laiju visiting today. It was good to see them after a long time. Got busy with baking a brownie and protein balls and got some sweet bread . Did a quick visit to Easy Life and got the boys bottles for water. Lunch was left over biriyani, and Abbie had to be dropped for H's bday at PDO club. Dropped her off in a zap and came back in time for my lesson. Busy day!!

27th March 

28 march 

31st march Prayer meetings begin tommorrow fasting prayer