Off to Oman Today!

Unbelievable. 12 months has passed before my very eyes. I look back, a lot has happened to me, I went through various emotions, experiences and wonders. My stay has certainly been worthwhile.

No, I'm not talking about the work experience although it was an interesting experience. I just feel there was a form of growth that took place. Areas in my life that required growth. I have a better introspection to some horizons in life that I didn't dare to explore.

I feel a lot of anxiety. Not sure why? Perhaps it's that travel anxiety building up again. I'm incredibly excited to go home and see my family and my new born neice who I'm yet to meet. I can't wait to get off the plane once we land in Muscat, on bended knees and kiss the soil of Oman with absolute joy. I won't do that though, they might think I've gone mad.

My other dilemma is that I've been offered a pretty good job with a very generous compensation package but when I start rationalizing it, I wonder if it's worth being away from my family? I could do it for 1.5 years but I'm not sure. I've always experienced homesickness since the age of 17 when I first left Oman for the US. I thought being older and mature now that things would be different but the nostalgia is nothing but more intense.

I'm sad in many ways to say goodbye to two very good friends I've made. Both started crying to me today not to leave and to reconsider the job offer, that we only live once and that I should embrace this opportunity. I don't know what to do but for now, I want to thank Leila and Tala for making what I thought "hell" a little heaven for me. I'd also like to thank Gulcin and Winnelle and oh ofcourse Elham for spending a month with me in D.C. (it was a blast).

Thanks for being my family in the US. InshaAllah, we will reunite in the near future!