"Facebook Groups Turned Facebook Family"

It was when I realized that after being transparent on Facebook about how I was feeling and what I was experiencing during all of this decision making, that Facebook it actually useful for more than just taking my thumb and scrolling up and down a screen out of pure boredom.  I was added to a closed group of "hopefuls" for 2016, but the group represented so much more than the title referenced. This group was for the following:
1) Those in search of overseas employment
2) Those going through the interview process of teaching abroad
3) Those who had acquired a position and waiting for their "golden ticket" (a termed that reference the receipt of you plane ticket to the UAE)
4) Those who were veterans offering advice and suggestions
5) Those who were recruiters looking for teachers
6) Those currently living and teaching abroad as newbies
You didn't even have to be apart of the ADEC recruit to be apart of this group; many private school teachers used this public forum as a way of networking their school needs and experiences from another perspective as well. 
  

This group helped me to realize that I WAS NOT ALONE! It taught me the importance of networking. I was able to learn so much more than had I researched on my own. Many in the group were also friendly and willing to help with any and everything as it pertained to teaching and living in the UAE. Through conversation and care, they reminded me of all the benefits I would have when deciding to take this job. They also helped me to realize that with the right frame of mind and spirit, I could overcome any challenge set before me when taking on such a big responsibility.

My mind was OFFICIALLY made up. I had decided in my mind that I was headed to Abu Dhabi. Time to put my thoughts into action; the challenge of the entire document process was back on.