Wow, The months seem to pass like days and years like months. It's been some time since I communicated with many of you. I hope all is well. While I don't post much to Facebook, often I do get updated on how some of you are doing. Its great to see how active everyone is and I can't help but smile when I see you having fun. Thank-you to those who send newsletters. It's good hearing how things are going with old friends. I just realized I will be sending this message to at lease one person on every continent except Antarctica. I don't know when I last connect with many of you, so here is a quick recap of places I've lived oversea. Adventures in Haiti for 3 years at Union School, Martine and I then went to Seoul Foreign School in South Korea for 5 years. With our 2 year old son Sebastien, we then went to the American International School/ Dhaka in Bangladesh for 6 years, we are now in our 3rd year at the Walworth Barbour American International School in Israel and will head for Cairo American College in Egypt next year. Martine will teach Middle School Spanish and I will continue in Technology as Department Head. Sebastien will enter Middle School, grade 6. For the most part life continues to keep us healthy as our overseas adventures continues.
The Years have given us opportunity to travel throughout the world. I am working on an online photo album to share with you snapshots of our travel throughout the Far East, South East Asia, Sub Continent Asia, the Middle east, and a few places in Europe and South America. Many photos were lost when our laptop was stolen a few years ago but I'm managing to put together a good representation. (I know, of all people, how could I not have them backed-up. :-( Lesson learned. These next few years I hope to add a bit of Africa. Once we are settle in Cairo feel free to contact us if you want to visit. We always have an open door to all family and friends.
We continue to explore the western US during long breaks. Southern California, New Mexico, Arizona, Southern Utah, Oregon are on my list of spots to hit during summer and winter break. I have been blessed to have some special friends, favorite activities and professional interest that bring me back to these locations. Let us know if you're ever in any of these areas and maybe we can connect.
Israel was been an easy place to live and tour as the infrastructure is similar to that in the states. You can take a day trip to just about anywhere in the county with the exception of places with reoccurring political situations, that I'm sure you're aware of from news coverage. The Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Sea of Galilee, Cesarea, Acca, Jafo and the Negev dessert are among the places we've visited. It is a land of extremes in environment and culture. A nice trip to Jordan and a long weekend at the Red Sea has highlighted our traveling in the Middle East so far. We hope to take in a few more sites before leaving this year. I do feel I have a better perspective of the events in Christ's life as I've visited many of places at which they took place. Many religious visitors find being here quit mystical. Roman ruins, Arab ruins, Judean ruins, synagogues, mosque, European Israelis, Arab Israelis, Yemen Israelis, Ethiopian Israelis are among the many that contribute to a culture more diverse than what is often presented in the news. When here, the beauty and harshness of the landscape, pride and passion of its people, sorrows of its past and hopes for its future all reflect the controversial nature of this location. Its been more interesting and challenging in some respects than any other place I've lived. I'm sure I will reflect on this experience with friends for many years in the future.
This year has had its ups and downs personally and professionally. Christmas this year was joyous with family and friends in New Mexico ( http://animoto.com/play/F1BHNRXHPhFYVIoXghRYww) and sorrowful with the passing of my Dad (http://jroberts28.blogspot.com) He has always been good to me and encourage me to follow through when I faced some doubt at the start my overseas adventure. I shall miss seeing him on my visits home but find comfort in knowing his legacy to me was to stay strong when facing doubts. Professional work has been very busy exploring some uncharted ground with a 1 to 1 student laptop program, an Accreditation for Growth visit and the emergence of web 2.0 tool use in education. Martine and Sebastien continue to do well. They are planning for the move and finishing up the school year.
I hope all is well with you, your family and friends. Drop us a note when you can or include us on your next family newsletter. Think Cairo and maybe visit sometime during the next few years. We are in Israel until mid June this year if you want to stop in. Be sure to visit " Gone Global" the home of this Newsletter at http://goneglobal.blogspot.com/ for previous newsletters, links to photo albums, slide shows and videos that I hope to soon post.
My memories of times spent with you brings me laughter and joy. I only hope the memories of time spent with me can tickle a smile and warm your hearts.
Until next time, "take time to be cheerful, valuing life brings happiness." (Ed Young.)
Steve
For The Roberts
