Nattaproblem

Growing up with a Buddhist mother and a Christian father, I learned to incorporate diversity into my life philosophy from an early age. That skill helps me navigate through many conversations with and between people of various biases and backgrounds. It’s no surprise that I welcomed the opportunity to perform on my violin in my compound in Dammam, Saudi Arabia for the Christmas celebration.

The teachers at my international school represent so many countries. The diverse representation within the staff alone is indicative of how “international” our school really is despite teaching an American curriculum. This challenges even the most cognitively flexible brain, because they are hired to teach an American curriculum with an Arabic-speaking culture. Not to leap too far into the cerebral end of things, but it is an appropriate observation to then link English colonization with fortune; that’s how the cookie crumbles. Opportunities to teach abroad are afforded to those whose citizenship belongs to a country that uses English within it’s educational system.

In this particular school, we have teachers and administrators from the UK, South Africa, USA, Ireland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Germany, India and thanks to yours truly, also Thailand (hip-hip to dual citizenship). Why am I talking about all of this? Because this holiday season was the first time I celebrated Christmas in a predominantly Muslim state, surrounded by other Muslims, while abiding by the rules of COVID. It was also the first Christmas that I played my violin for coworkers and friends to celebrate community, friendship and God. People showed up to celebrate life and appreciate one another’s differences during the holiday season and participated is a musical program; I was incredibly honored and blessed despite being away from family.

The concert I played included Hallelujah, Silent Night, the Prayer and Let it Go (from Disney’s Frozen) among several other standards. I walked around to different tables while playing silent night and enjoyed the camaraderie and cheer that was circulating around the room with every note. The food was delicious, the acoustics were unexpectedly sonorous and the reception was very positive. I could not have been more thankful for such a wonderful experience.

Getting ready to ring in the new year, I must extend my thanks to the wonderful friends I’ve made in 2020. They have supported me throughout the quarantine, and helped feed my soul and spirit while I was overwhelmed with the thoughts that I had during the coronavirus quarantine. When you have so much time to yourself, you think of the parts of this universe that are often taken for granted and learn to be that much more thankful for being alive here and now.

I hope to start 2021 by applying the newfound strength that I have found within me to the future endeavors and goals that I have. Saudi Arabia has been kind to me and I will be starting the year off with a nice trip to see historical and natural wonders of the country so stay tuned. May everybody who is reading this have a wonderful and prosperous new year, and remember to keep it simple, stay courageous and live life to the fullest like it’s nattaproblem.

Cheers to all,

Nattapon Jontom Abbett