It’s Friday the 13th and it’s been one year since I came to Saudi Arabia and one month since I started this blog. Thanks for helping me reach nearly 1,000 visitors, 2,000 views, 31 countries, and six continents in just one month!
A special thanks to all of you who have supported me and cheered me on from my first teaching assignment three years ago in China. You add fuel to my fire in the most amazing way. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I can’t write about all of the things that I’ve learned in this past year, but here are a few that came to mind.
What I’ve learned:
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits from Red Lobster are treasured wherever you are. Thank you, Riyadh, for giving me a taste of home.
2. The sand dunes here are just like the Windows desktop screensavers, but even better.
Sandboarding in Riyadh last year.
3. Water is more expensive than gas ‘round these parts. Hearing about it is one thing, seeing my friend fill up for just a few bucks blew me away.
4. You can’t just go to the store or restaurant all willy-nilly. This must be planned around prayer times.
5. I am so inspired by the talent, creativity, and work ethic of my students. Some of my freshmen college students are already entrepreneurs. Remarkable!
I could’ve sat there for hours. The Edge of the World was breathtaking!
6. The Edge of the World reminds of Shadowland in the most beautiful way.
With a couple of my amazing friends, April and Trai from the States at the Edge of the World.
7. There are opportunities for Christian foreigners to congregate and worship here without fear.
I’m so grateful to have such an incredible church family out here in Saudi Arabia!
8. The women here are striking and extremely curvaceous. The most remarkable thing, though, has been engaging with them by hearing what’s really on their hearts and minds. 1 Pet 3:3-4
Inside of the Ritz-Carlton last year in Riyadh.
9. Do not go to a wedding on time in Saudi Arabia. Arrive three hours later than they tell you. Trust me.
Birthday celebrations are extra special when living abroad. Some friends and I were celebrating my friend Nicola’s birthday at the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh last year.
10. Many expats increase in three areas while living here. They increase in their wages, in their wardrobe, and in their waistline.
Trying on an abaya for the first time in Bahrain before heading to Saudi Arabia. The hijab is worn around the head, the abaya is worn over the body.
11. Most stores don’t provide dressing rooms for women. You can go to the restroom and try on your clothes after you buy them and return them if they don’t fit.
12. Moving here was the best decision I made in 2014. Thanks, Dad & Billy for the extra nudge.
With my fellow teaching friends in the desert last year.
13. Seeing my Muslim students and colleagues praying throughout the day reminds me to pray without ceasing.
Celebrating Saudi National Day last year with some friends.
What questions do you have for me about my time in Saudi Arabia? What have you learned while living here?
sevenby30 
Those shrimp look sooooooooooo good!! Kari and I were looking at your pix and she pointed you out. Sand boarding looks sooooooooooo good!! Great post, kiddo! Proud of you!
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Hahaha! The shrimp was extra good, Kre! Kiss Kari for me. 🙂 Sandboarding was a blast! Thank you for reading and commenting, Kre! Love you!
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Nice article, a lot of diversity in your experiences! Loved the pics!
Blessings
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Thanks for your encouragement and nudge, Daddio! I
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Great collection and compilation – The abaya in Bahrain makes you look exactly some of the true Saudi’s here.. God Bless.
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Thank you so much! I’m missing the niqab, but I figured this would invite folks to my reality. Thanks for commenting, Noel! God bless you too!
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A very good summary of life in Saudi Karissa, “Bulls Eye”…….I have learnt to appreciate my own country so much more everytime I go home!
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Thank you, Elder Michiel! That’s something I’ve learned too! We have so much to be grateful for!
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Truly amazing.So beatiful a blog Karissa. You are such an inspiration to many.May the Almighty grant you the grace to stay humble and just be you cause you’re soo COOL hun.Wherever you’ll be at, know that you’re loved and prayed for always. Keep it extremely up.Awesome!!!
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Hahaha! So cool! 🙂 Thanks a million, Joyce! I am so blessed by knowing you and I know that God has HUGE things prepared for you. Keep exploring His will. XOXO
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You are so blessed and highly favoured .You are fulfilling purpose and you have a great future.We love you and you’ve been such a blessing..Keep up the good work Darling.
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Thank you so much, Lady Treasure! I truly appreciate your support and love. It means so much to me! I’m blessed to know you and your beautiful family. 😉
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Happy Saudiversary!!! Love the pictures!!! I’ve never lived out a more planned out social life!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!! This is awesome, keep speaking life to those young women, their time is coming!!!
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Thank you so much, April! Thanks for being such an important part of my journey here. It was definitely part of His divine and masterful plan for us to meet. You are an inspiration to me and so many others. May God richly bless you!
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Please come to Austin, your beautiful.
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Thank you! I hope to visit Austin one day. That’s a place I’ve yet to see.
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