It has been decided we will be leaving Jordan. However opening a design bureau in the U.S. has been ruled out by the company's owner. He is concerned with the short term political and economic uncertainties facing the United States at this time.
If I were if I were a betting man, like the big guys! I would be leaning towards the UK, Spain, or Germany. So other than the fact that we are leaving, everything else is uncertain right now. Zahir is not happy but he's putting a brave face on in front of me.
Chase
So sorry to hear this. Bullies should never win. But your and Z’s safety is the most important thing!
ReplyDeleteI know you love Jordan, but let’s hope that wherever you guys go, it will be an amazing place. Can I just recommend The Netherlands ;-). Good luck with the next move. Thinking of you guys!
Hopefully you find a welcoming new home that is safe and allows you to be yourselves openly.
ReplyDeleteWhere did you end up? This is a cliffhanger! I hope things are going well.
ReplyDeleteSorry Em,
DeleteWe ended up in London. You can imagine there were a lot of security issues. Departure was also complicated by a coup attempt on our King. We went dark for a while. I am so sorry if I concerned you.
We are living in a flat again. If not for the building concierge there is NO way I can do the marketing. I feel really isolated. Z doesn't even want me going to the gym if he isn't there with me. Zahir prefers I work from home unless we have a meeting with a client.
On top of all that, people here don't know my sign, so I am having to learn another new language BSL. For now IF I have to use my fingers to communicate with the locals, I have to spell out every single word letter by letter and HOPE they can keep up. At least until I understand British Sign. Talk about two peoples being divided by four versions of a common language, two spoken two gestural.. A few shop clerks wouldn't even look as I spelled out my needs on my tablet. They said "I" was being rude! I though the English were supposed to be nice. I am NOT loving London right now.
In July I will have a presurgical meeting with another specialist. He says he thinks can return 30-50 percent of my vocal ability. I know that doesn't sound like much but I am losing what little I have. If I do nothing, one day I won't be able to utter anything more than guttural sounds. Had a lot of tears when I was told that. Unlike the Doc in Atlanta, this one didn't blow sunshine up my butt.
It comes down to setting realistic goals for a new normal. Better 30% than nothing. Zahir prefers I am silent most times to preserve my limited speaking window for when I/we need it. He is not being mean, it has become the only way to manage the inflammation compounding my recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. I am lucky, he knows sign and can read my face and mood like a book. He tries so hard to keep me "up" emotionally.