Today, all over the world, Muslims begin their month long daylight fast-Ramadan. People will greet each other with Ramadan Kareem..meaning Generous Ramadan. It is a time for generosity to others. Robert and I will only be here for 3 days of it as our flight to Dallas is Wednesday. Even so, we felt the anticipation all around us, as well as the looming dread for many. Traffic gets better and worse. As the day starts later for many, the drive into work for Mike today took less than 20 minutes-versus the usual 50 or so. The rush on the grocery stores surpasses the US equal at Thanksgiving or even, dare I say it, Black Friday. Cars patrolling the parking gatages and parked along the walls, food sold out on the shelves, and so on. No eating or drinking during daylight hours, which for the Gulf Region is about 14 or so. But after evening prayer time...families and friends gather all over the city to break the fast together.
Last night I went out to the pool for one last chat with my friends who are out there every evening smoking Shisha.(I call them the Shisha Ladies.) I had a Key Lime Pie to share with them. (The pie,lest you think I have transformed in someway to a pie baker... was a gift from our friends Andy and Colleen.).The group has shrunk as many have left for summer. But three of us sat and chatted. It was a sweet time. I asked my friends what Ramadan meant to them personally. Is it just a tradition like many think of Christmas.. a holiday of family and friends but one which has lost its spiritual significance? Or do they see it as a special time to seek God ? Both shared how for them it is truly a time of spiritual renewal and they get frustrated with the many who don't keep a right attitude of reverence. We talked for quite awhile, enjoying the pie and sharing our religious perspectives with each other. I was happy to leave the pie with them as I returned to the house. I love Andy's pies..but oh my gosh, the calories!!! :) It was a nice evening.
I came back to the villa to find Mike and Russell visiting on the back patio. Russell was on a visa run from Abu Dhabi and we gladly spent a few days with him. Robert and I were thinking the week would drag by until we leave for Dallas..So Russell came and spiced things up. While here, Russell received the news that he has a job in Dubai! Great news. It is nice having him over in this part of the world. If only we didn't miss Sallie and Ryan so much. Splintered might describe how we feel many days. But also, we know we are blessed. We have great kids and enjoy them whenever we can be together!
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| Enjoying early morning visit on the patio. Fan going full blast but still breathable. |
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| Last lunch in public . Mr. Taco is a favorite for the Hildebrands. |
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| Others like Mr. Taco as well. The mall was hopping! |
