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| Sallie and I visited Mary, Kyra and Jeff in Oman. They moved there in they January. We miss them. |
Along with the arrival of Spring in Abu Dhabi came sandstorms, a trip to Oman, an almost trip to Oman, visitors, and an internship for Ryan. Sallie and I went to see the Kenneys in Oman a couple of weeks ago. Mary and Kyra were invited to an Omani wedding and we tagged along. It was Sallie's first Arab wedding. The glamour, loud music, and festive dancing had all of us smiling and commenting on how different weddings are in this part of the world. Not to mention the absence of any men. At all.
Our "almost trip to Oman" didn't happen two days after Ryan got here. He arrived on Monday, as did our dear friend Lolo(Sallie's very close friend from forever). Mike took a few days off so we could all relax at the Kenneys, and Ryan and Lolo could see Oman. However, at the border we were stopped. Ryan and Mike spent an hour discussing the problem with the border agents. Apparently, on Ryan's last exit they did not enter it in the computer, eventhough the passport had the stamp in it. And on his reentry the same thing happened. So, they told Mike we owed 6000 dirhams because Ryan had not left the country and stayed too long." Umm, nope. There is the stamp. He left. Not our problem." That however, did not mean they would let us go to Oman. So, after being in the car about 3 hours, we ended up back in Al Ain and went to the zoo. :) Lolo didn't get to see Oman but she did get to visit an Emirati zoo.
Laurel's visit was too fast but so fun. She got to meet all of Sallie's good friends, visit her youth group, and do life with her. It is special when lifelong friends come here and share our lives with us. Helps make connections in our hearts with both of our worlds. Our very good friends, Gary, Candice and Joel arrived from the States Thurs.
just before Laurel flew home on Sunday. Again, reconnecting and being with them is a blessing. They lived in Abu Dhabi a year ago, but only for 5 months. In a short time they left deep impressions. Great to have them here for a few days. They are trying to squeeze in all their favorite haunts and restaurants as well as time with friends.
And today, Ryan started at the Fairmount Bab al Bahr. We are excited to hear how the first day goes. Thankful he had a few days to recover from jet lag.
So, spring has spring here in the Arab world. This weekend we will have our Good Friday/ Easter Sunday church service.
Thankful for His Resurrection and forgiveness. Thankful for His many blessings in our lives, this Springtime and always.
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| At the Al Ain Zoo |
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| Sallie and Lolo at Ski Dubai |
