Right now I have an overwhelming need to accomplish as much as possible - getting into a routine, having the kids on a schedule, making meals and prepping food (as much as one can from a welcome kit kitchen since we have nothing of our own), being social, getting the kids out, learning the area, getting out to the sites, etc., etc., etc….
Oh and it was really important that I go the US Embassy for the newcomer briefing and get my badge so I can do things on my own, like take the kids to the doctor and go to the commissary for groceries. The morning I went to the embassy was hard - making lunches and breakfasts, getting the kids ready for the day, only having 20 minutes to get myself ready and then leave them with our housekeeper who got The Gents to school. This is what a working mama who goes to an office everyday must feel. I hated leaving them.
The ride to the city center was interesting! I should have taken pictures. Buses were filled to the point that people were hanging out of open doorways. Cars are crammed so tightly on the road that someone could have swiped the backpack of one of the people standing in the bus doorway. I think drivers create an additional lane of traffic. There was a horse pulling a wagon on the road. We saw a couple of cattle in the back of a truck. We passed the cancer institute where the recent bombing took place. It was surreal to see the damage that was done. Oddly, the city kind of felt familiar because it reminded of Detroit in the early 2000s, before it got pretty again.
It was probably because I was trying to observe so much on the ride in and carry adult conversation with multiple people, but by the time we got to the briefing (JR got me breakfast and dropped me off like a sweet husband) I was ready for a nap. Apparently can’t I seem to handle going to an office setting. I’ll have to get myself reconditioned if I plan on working. After getting my ID I figured I should make use of the time there so I took the opportunity to visit HR to talk chat about potential work and visit the health unit to schedule an appointment for Pepa. I almost fell asleep in the cab on the way home. Honestly, I’m exhausted just recounting all of that.
Probably it’s because I’m not working that I feel the need to accomplish as much as possible and feel productive. Also not having our personal affects makes me want to do something, anything, to try to create some normalcy.
This past week was a lot though and it’s hitting me hard. I’m beat. I’m trying not to put pressure on myself about not having a job and my prospects looking bleak. I know, I’m fortunate to have this time to stay home with Pepa, as well as take the Gents to and from school, but I feel like I need to be doing MORE.
On the bright side I’m cooking a lot. The Gents are thriving at school. Their teacher is already noticing marked improvements in them both in their short time there. Pepa is full on walking now. I’m walking more than I have since living in Chicago and learning how to navigate Maadi. Oh and we have a really nice rooftop terrace, which needs to be cleaned every few days (dirt dust) which is about an hour long chore and a nice total body workout. JR got furniture for it so we have a lovely space for us to hang out. It’s my favorite spot during the day and evening. We got to see the pyramids! I’m making friends. I even went out for a girls night. I can walk Wally without being too nervous about the stray cats and dogs (that’s a whole other post). And the kiddos are getting back to swimming again over at Maadi House.
I don’t want to be premature, but we’re enjoying it here and it’s starting to feel like a home. I can’t complain. xo