We've been here 3 months now and I have been running a bit dry on fun things to tell you, but today my cup is full. We just returned from an overnight family retreat at the beautiful Mafraq(think Aflac) Hotel outside of Abu Dhabi. We picked up Mike from work yesterday and then Robert, Sallie, Mike and I headed out of town. We arrived at a very nice, clean hotel about 40 minutes later and checked into our room. The kids immediately changed and headed to the pool while Mike and I relaxed on the balcony...That is until we heard this loud roar and looked over the balcony...where we saw two employees in masks spraying DDT all over the plants and bushes by the pool..where all the kids were swimming...and the food was set out. Oh boy. Yes, I figure they had most of the day to do it but dinnertime was when they got around to it. I actually went to the front desk to ask them to stop but when asked, the workers said they had to do it THEN. Ok, whatever. :) Soon the huge cloud dissipated and only a few of the heartiest mosquitoes survived. :)( Tom Wright...this is your town...no rules, no regulations, just kill 'em dead no matter what!!) :)
After the cloud cleared Mike and I went to sit by the pool and talk. As soon as we sat down...the pool guys turned on the music right by our chairs and blasted it! We just stared at each other and Mike grinned and said...They really don't want us here. Sheesh. All we wanted was a few minutes to catch up. We really didn't feel like we were asking for much. Dinner was delicious, though. We have had some of the best steak here and the potatoes were delicious.
Today was spent doing the Walk Thru the Old Testament. We did this years ago at Bent Tree but it was certainly different doing it with people from all over the world. We finished early and spent a couple of hours by the pool...Robert and Sallie enjoyed swimming with their new friends and I found a lady who is going to teach me Arabic. Actually, she'll be coming on Wed. to teach Sallie, Robert and me. I am excited. I also met a lady from Puerto Rico and her husband from Honduras. It was fun to talk together in Spanish. They have been here a year. He is from Siguatepecque where both Russell and Ryan have been. It was fun.
Ryan, you'll notice, wasn't with us on this little jaunt. He had a community service project at the school last nite and then today he was the teacher for the youth group. They are studying the 10 commandments. He said it went well. Dylan sent him some stuff to use. Email is great.
I have begun my search for Christmas decorations. There seems to be a good selection here.
Love,
Mattie
