Same but Different

I can't believe its almost April. Spring is flying by and summer will be here soon! These last few months have presented us with a time of waiting, questions, opportunity and answers. We've now been in Doha for 2 1/2 years. We've been expecting a time period of "unknown". Meaning, we just go on living unsure of where and when the next move might be. I find expats live in that season of unknown quite a bit. Its great for your faith and torture if you actually try to control what that next move might be.

So without further adieu...the Junods will be staying in Doha for at least 2 more years. Nick recently accepted an offer to take on a new role. We are very excited and of course I'm proud of Nick. This job will be in many ways quite different. He has been working in Accounting and Finance and will now be on the Commercial side of the business. So as Nick says, "instead of counting the beans, he's going to be figuring out how to make more beans". I can look back over the last few years and truly see how God's used situations and special people to give Nick opportunities and experiences he couldn't get anywhere but in Doha. We have been praying for God's direction and that His purpose would be made clear. He did just that and we'll be staying in the Middle East.

As hard as it is to believe, we do feel extremely safe here. There is no perfect place, as we experienced over Christmas. We continue to be careful here in Doha and also trust that our company has our best interest in mind. They go beyond what we even know to keep us well informed and protected. Hopefully as people watch and hear more news about unrest in the Middle East they will pray first for peace and that there would be awakening for God and Truth. Fear is a waste of time. What these people want and need is Hope! Qatar doesn't have unhappy nationals. They are well taken care of so the threat of violence or an uprising is unlikely. All that being said we are happy and even thankful to stay in Doha. Life here is simple, the school is awesome, Nick loves his job, we have a great church and we have wonderful friends. No doubt we always miss home and have moments of hating Doha but when it comes down to it, this is where we are supposed to be. Our Texas roots will ALWAYS bring us home to refuel and touch base with our precious family and friends. Once again we'll be headed home in June to escape the heat and give the kids a good dose of USA.

Before coming home for the summer, we are moving to a new villa and compound. Another change and such perfect timing. Although a hassle its a welcomed change for us. We're looking forward to a compound with more amenities and lots of young families. The boys will have lots of friends and we already know a handful of families that live there. Not to mention the compound is heavily populated with Texans.

So here's to some of the same but also a few changes! Thanks to our families who are so supportive. We know its a long way from home and grand babies! We promise to do our best and make this expat thing work!