​Scenes from near and far

For over two decades, I was extremely fortunate to work in South Korea, Turkey, the UAE, and Bahrain ... and return to Canada and the States each summer. Now based in Canada + Upstate NY, I wanted to share some snapshots of life abroad and at home.
The Gulf countries support + accommodate foreign workers in many ways: providing eating options for non-Muslim (below) and even non-Muslim opportunities for worship, such as the Anglican church where my husband worked (far right).
Always befriend the grocer



​Always, and I mean always befriend the grocer.
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Korean students are serious about learning - and having fun. My smart + sweet student NaJung is no exception. This is from 1998!
​Of course... I always try to find a wee slice of home when I'm overseas. This is a tiled mosaic in Cardiff, Wales where Jon was doing his theology studies. Heyohhhh.
Speaking of home... these are my folks, Boyd and Wilma, and my big sis Kelly.

​And here's my co-pilot Jon and our intrepid companion Willy... all geared up for a road trip!
 Abu Dhabi sunset
The beautiful Abu Dhabi nightscape, and below, some fabulous undergrads at Bahrain Polytechnic.
This was my first coed group of undergrads after 15 years of gender segregated teaching in the Gulf. LOVED working with these future engineers at Bahrain Polytechnic! 
​Below, the unique entrance to Higher Colleges of Technology, Ras Al Khaimah women's campus.
Turkey... oh Turkey. You ruined me for all other countries. Sukru Bey of Bilkent University in Ankara always took care of me. And the Aya Sofia in Istanbul, below, never ever failed to stop me dead in my tracks.
This is the view from my porch in Canada, speaking of stopping me dead in my tracks. What a lucky lucky person I am.

Hey, Willy. Could you show the nice people how we feel about where we live?
My husband, Rev. Jon Lavelle, holding court at St. Luke's Church, Ras al Khaimah, UAE. 
Meeting hundreds of students while promoting Canada and University of Waterloo was humbling. This is a group of highly motivated Ghanaian girls I met in 2012 when I was working for U. of Waterloo's Dubai campus.
​One of the best parts of living in the Gulf - road side attractions (click on the image for a closer look).
Below, a common sight, female students heading to class in Al Ain (2002).
Sights and sounds of the Musandam Peninsula, Oman.
An important cultural lesson for us all... there is no such thing as bad weather... only bad clothes. So get out there and play like my two nephews + our boy Willy every chance you get!