Unrest

Hi all!

I've had a number of people write to me in the past few days who are concerned about Jordan and I's safety in light of recent events.  When I posted a few days ago, unrest and protests were mostly confined to Northern Africa (Libya, Egypt, Tunisia) and didn't seem to be widespread.  Over the weekend, however, there were protests all over the Middle East which is certainly worthy of consideration and attention and should not be brushed aside.  It is true that right now Jordan and I live in an area of the world that, at times, can be heated and violent.  That said, Kuwait still seems to be a very safe place.  A few notes that might reassure you about where Jordan and I teach and live:

1. We live about 30 minutes outside of the city center, far from the US Embassy or any official government buildings.  Most protests this weekend were targeted at US embassies around Northern Africa and the Middle East and, in fact, an American school like ours was attacked and badly damaged in Tunisia.  That said, this school was adjacent to the embassy and thus an easy target for violence.  
2. We live in a walled compound that is guarded by security guards 24 hours a day.  No one enters or leaves the building without first checking in with security.  Additionally, the only people who live in our apartment compound are teachers from the school.  As you can imagine, there's little confusion about who is supposed to be there and who isn't.  :)
3. We work at a school that has a closed campus.  The school itself is inside a walled area that is guarded by security guards.  They check in each car that enters and inspect every vehicle that enters the campus.  The school, while closer to the downtown area, is still a 10-15 minute drive from the city center and the US Embassy.
4. We are registered with the US Embassy in Kuwait.  They have our names and cell phone numbers (and email addresses!) so that if there is something to note, we will be alerted.
5. Our Superintendent is informed daily of any security threats from the US Embassy.  She passes on any relevant information to us.
6. Kuwait is generally peaceful with very little unrest.  I don't know enough about the situation to really explain why--it's just what I've heard since I've been here.  I believe it.

I know it's not enough to ease everyone's mind, but know that we are aware of the situation and will be sure to let you know if and when there's anything legitimate to warrant concern. Here, too, is a link to the US Embassy in Kuwait where emergency notices to US travelers and expatriots are posted.  If there's anything to know, they'd know it (and post it!):

US Embassy in Kuwait

In the meantime, know that we are safe, happy, and secure.  There are a lot of us here and we are being well taken care of!  So try not to worry too much.  :)  Love and miss everyone back home..