How Are You?

Last week was rough traffic wise.  My friend Joy texted me with, "I'm OK but just got hit on my way home."  My friend Lori also got hit while driving home.  She was fine, but disappointed because it ruined her 8 year streak of no accidents over here! Lori was rear ended by a Sudanese man who told her to follow him to the police station so they could get their police reports taken care of. Only he didn't know where the station was and they meandered for quite awhile before Lori made him follow her.  Made for a long day for Lori but eventually they got the required documents. (In order to have any repair work done on your car over here a police report is required.  Even if it is damage from driving too fast over a speed bump or dune bashing in the desert and losing a bumper...) It can be quite draining to locate the correct police station and then communicate the problem.

Joy's story was a bit different. An Iraqi woman hit her and they remained at the location until the police arrived and until Joy's husband arrived with an Arabic speaking coworker.  Apparently, as told to Joy, the woman repeatedly argued with the officer that it wasn't her fault because..."I didn't see her."  Over and over again she tried to convince the officer and ,according to the translator , he told her several different times that she was crazy.  I'm pretty sure he used different words but then maybe not.  Finally the woman  stopped arguing, kissed Joy on the cheek and said, "you take me home now."  Really, I cannot make this up. (Joy and Curt did take her home. They are very nice people.)

My friend Jen also needed a police report recently. Her dad, while visiting, noticed a strange sound when they were driving and told her to get it looked at.  So off she went to the police station.  After finding the correct one, she went to the counter and was greeted with "How are you?" Jen smiled and began describing her problem. "How are you?"  Oops. Limited English. Looking at the guy one chair over, "Can you help me?" "

Yes, madam.  One car or two car accident?

 Ummm. One car

Tomorrow, madam. 10 am.

Oh no. but I am a teacher. Can you help me today?

Tomorrow.

But I have the children. Please can you help today? Is there anyone who can give me the paper today? I cannot come tomorrow. I have school. Is anyone here today?

And then she hears... How are you ?  Big smile from the first guy. Who then proceeded to fill out the paperwork. Hooray! No return trip necessary or time off work. The next morning
Jen's phone dings with a message... How are you?  

Thankful that no one had an accident like this one...but it happens here, a lot!

Pot Stickers on The Pearl

               

I confess.  I did not really care about learning how to make pot stickers but the added fun of doing it with 9 lighteharted ladies was too great a temptation, and in an apartment with a lovely view as a bonus!  Sheryl, originally from Hong Kong, was our instructor. We folded little wrappers and dropped spoonfuls of filling in each one.  Sheryl made the filling beforehand, but she gave us the recipe.  In less than 20 minutes we prepared  over a hundred pot stickers and put them in the pans to fry and steam.  As I said in a previous blog..my new normal. Time to try new things.  Well, for me, even showing up to learn a new cooking technique is a new thing.  I actually came thinking I would just chat and watch, but as the preparation was on the veranda with the gorgeous view, I really had no choice.  No, I don't think I will make,them again...but I will remember a relaxing afternoon with good friends, good food, and a beautiful view of the Pearl.

This and That

Mike surprised me on Valentine's Day with red roses.  He had our friend Curt drop them by.  It made me smile.  We are making the best of our time apart, and although it is not easy, we will be ok.  I dropped by our old compound yesterday to swim and visit with my neighbours. It was fun to catch up and hang out in the hood. :)  Lots of changes for sure.  I found out that two more families are relocating from there.  The price of oil has affected  many jobs over here.  It's hard to hear of so many people leaving, and many with no chance to finish the school year.  Sometimes the constant gloomy news gets me down, but we are muddling through.

On the bright side, Robert had a fun weekend with friends.  Friday he watched the Regional school basketball tournament with his buddies and Saturday he spent the day at  a new arcade here in Doha.  He was invited by a classmate and as it was the opening promotional, he was able to go for free! There isn't a lot to do here for teenagers so this place, Megalopolis, is pretty big news.  Flight simulators, mini golf, arcade games,  and karaoke were some of the activities available.  For the next few months Robert also has access to a piano..so we are having it tuned and he asked for piano lessons.  He has had them on and off for years but this time HE is asking so we are going to go for it.  
As i look out the window at the garden in our new temporary home, I thank God for His provision and love.  Sometimes I wish we were all back in Texas as I miss my family there and it is hard to be separated.  Difficult things are going on, but I know that God is at work and He hears my prayers in every situation.  I'm thankful for the the family and friends who pray for us and encourage us every step of the way...on this side of the ocean and on that side!