It's a Matter of Perspective

It really is.  A matter of perspective, I mean.   Mike and I have spent the last several months trying to figure out our next move.  When he was laid off suddenly in June, after just renewing his contract for another year,  we were reeling with what to do.   It was Ramadan. Nothing happens for that month. Then it would be Eid.  Another two weeks of no activity in this area of the world.  And so on.  Literally we were crazy trying to make plans and job hunt and juggle life. I'm not going to go into all the crazy details. It will wear me out. But let me just say, with Robert going into his senior year,  the cost of living being exorbitant here,  versus the job market more active here,  and so on and so on..we have been living in a perpetual state of "if we do this, then this... if we do that, then that..."  etc.   Nothing was a no brainer decision. Every choice had a "But what about that?" tacked on the end of it. In the last couple of weeks it's been more like, "..ok, time has run out, let's just go.  "  Set some dates, started the liquidation of our stuff,  and started the grieving.   Must be time to go. God, your ways are perfect.  We are sad and still unsure of what is next but, God, you know.  We look to you and trust your ways and your plans and your goodness.   Most of that was just last week.  And then last night we had a huge scare.  I mean,  totally changed our perspective.

Mike calls a number that was left on our US number answering machine.  A guy starts talking and next thing we hear is "back taxes. tried contacting you. immediate payment. frozen bank accounts. cancelled drivers licenses."    Let me tell you. We were freaking out.  Mike is very diligent about our taxes over here.  He works hard to make sure they are filed and filed correctly..but international taxes with property and stuff is very confusing and there could always be things that are missed.  Anyway,  we were both shaking. Mike asking questions and explaining.  The guy gets his supervisor.  Who has the same foreign accent...  Our hearts are racing. We are in the middle of thinking we are moving back to the US and here we think we may be arrested when we step on US soil.   I know by now you realize it was a phone scam.  Easy to see from there..but when you are over here., far away and you have already dealt with a LOT for several months, it wasn't quite so easy to see.    "Of course, we want to make it right.  " "Yes, sir, we will take care of it. I will need the documentation and the paperwork so I can look it over. " Click.   Call back, no answer. Meanwhile, I am googling phone scams and I find ALL those articles on what's been going on. Sheesh.  We were able to reach our CPA in Carrollton and talk to him. He assured us that we are ok and also said that he had 3 other clients who had been scammed with this.

After our hearts slowed down, and our hands stopped shaking, we looked at each other and said."You know, things aren't so bad.  30 minutes ago I was going to jail and my bank accounts were frozen."

We are breathing easier this morning, and thankful that everything is ok.  It's a matter of perspective, for sure. :)    

One More Time!

Thanksgiving 2015.. Muscat, Oman.  Russell and Taitha flew in from Abu Dhabi and we all stayed with Jeff and Mary.   This was our 9th Thanksgiving in the Middle East and I think we have spent all but two with Jeff and Mary.  That's pretty good statistics for this transient place.  When Mary pulled out the table cloth that I had made for  our second Thanksgiving dinner in '08, I couldn't stop smiling. All the wonderful friends who we have been blessed to share the table with..well, it was a nice memory.   I remember that year, I think Katie and I were in charge of table decor and we scoured Abu Dhabi for the look we wanted.  

Our visit in Muscat was filled with good food, great friends and family and even some adventure.  We hiked  thru Wadi Shab to see the waterfall and it was fun.  It was also my limit on how hard I want to hike. But it was worth it. For sure.  And although one person twisted his ankle...it wasn't me.  I'm just glad the old lady wasn't the injury. :)   Beautiful cliffs,  clear blue skies, and a fresh water swim in the wadi to get to the waterfall made the sore muscles a day later all worth it.  

Grabbed a final Tex Mex lunch before we flew back to Doha on Sunday. 

 
Thankful indeed, for a wonderful holiday trip.  Precious family and friends near and far.  And  an amazing God who is always with us.

Happy Thanksgiving, 2015!

Beware the Rain

Everyone was talking about the rain that was headed to Doha last week.  Honestly we listened but..really, rain? I mean how bad could it be? Last time I ever take that lightly, that's for sure. Robert and I left for school and before we had been gone 20 minutes Robert gets a text from Mike ".How is the rain?""Just sprinkles. Nothing really."    Robert chats back and forth with Mike for a bit and goes on and on about the flooding. Still on sprinkles for us.  I make sure Mike gets some pictures.  Although the commute took a few minutes longer than usual, it still wasn't bad.  And then I headed home...  Mike calls me, "Can you pull over to the side and I will come get you in the Expedition?" "No, but really it's raining now but the road isn't bad." "It's a mess over by the house. " "Well, I am coming up to the roundabout on Al Bustan.  I think I am ok. "  Wrong.  I couldn't see from where I was at that minute but 10 seconds later as I pulled into line behind the car headed into the roundabout I could see the water collecting on the other side of the median. Then a car stalled. The water was washing over the hubcaps and sloshing even higher as cars maneuvered passed.  The water on my side was rising as the rain continued and I waited for my turn to go.   Mike called. "You ok?" "Ummm, no, meet me at Java U. I will park and you come get me. Gotta go. Moving again. "  By this time I could hear the waves slapping the doors and under the car.  I imagined my blue honda civic floating into the Landcruisers next to me.  "God. Get me home. Please God. Get me home. "  Just let me get thru this roundabout. Slosh, slosh, slosh. All the video clips of cars floating down streets running thru my mind. "Please. Please. Move cars. Move. "  Finally it was my turn. The cars coming around were sending up spray right to the windshield.   15 minutes later I made it to Java U. I was shaking.  The coffee shop was full of wet customers. Most of them were there after picking up their kids from the school around the corner. The school was flooded so they closed it.   Mike made it to the coffee shop and as we drank our coffee we talked about my adventure.  Ding. Text from Robert. "School closed. Can you come get me? " So off we went. This time in Mike's car. Much better.  Finally, we arrived back home with Robert.  I had been gone for 4 hours.  On a 25 minute commute. Next time they warn me about the rain here..I'm gonna take Mike's car. Or he's going to do the driving.   Just glad it only rains about 3 times a year.      

This is our garage. Mike took this less than 20 minutes after we left. It was dry. (dates are wrong on the photos. i should fix that....) 

Tea Time

What a great weekend!

Groovin' to Lecrae on the way to the retreat!

 Dear friends who moved to Germany a year and a half ago stayed with us, and brought lots of laughter and great stories.  Robert , Emily and Ashton all got to spend time together at the youth retreat in the desert, and Mike and I got to hang out with Rob and Heather.  It's been crazy quiet here this year with so many of Robert's friends gone..either having graduated or moved away, that Mike and I couldn't stop smiling at all the noise  coming from upstairs. We have missed the laughter and energy.

The guest speaker at the Retreat was the Christian rapper Lecrae.   Although Mike and I weren't familiar with his music, the teens sure were!  We got a crash course in a couple of his songs as we drove them to the meeting point in Doha.   Although I am not a fan of rap, I have to say, his lyrics were terrific.  Loud and poundy but but terrific.  :)  He also preached at church on Friday and did several evening events as well.

Rob getting Moroccan tea lessons from Mike.

The last few months have been difficult, so this weekend came at a good time.  It was refreshing and relaxing.  And on top of the great fellowship...the weather in Doha has turned.   Time for coffee and tea on the patio... in fact, I'm typing out here right now.  Our favorite time of year and our favorite room in the house!  

Morning patio time!

I'm Still Here vs. Binge Parenting

It's come to my attention that  parenting from halfway around the world has different challenges than say...parenting from the same time zone.  For example, I have a tendency when I finally get to see Ryan or Sallie, who both live in Texas, to perhaps revert to parenting them like I did when they were, I don't know, 12.  It was blatantly pointed out to me, in the best way possible, when we were in New Orleans with Ryan.  We shared a room with him, which actually was fun, at least for us.  We loved getting to see him more than we would had we been in separate rooms.  On the down side, if he wanted to go meet old high school friends, or do something after we headed to bed, then we knew he was not back in the room and started to worry.  The following week was Russell and Talitha's reception in Dallas.  Ryan double checked to make sure he had his own room.  Ok, he is almost 25 years old so this is an understandable question, especially after four days of sharing in NO.  He tried to ask nicely, but Mike and I were on to him.  "Yes. We got you your own room. Why? Don't you like sharing with your Mom and Dad???"  Slightly smirking, "Well, you know, after parenting from halfway around the world, when all of a sudden you a separated by only a lamp.... It's like binge parenting."   It still makes me laugh.

On the other hand, I realized something else this morning when I went to make sure Robert was up and getting ready for school.  He is number 4.  Our last to experience his senior year. The last one in the nest.   I think we are looking at a different issue here.   One of my favorite sit coms, The Middle, actually says it best.  3 kids. 2 have left for the State college only an hour away.  1 left at home.   In the first two episodes Mom and Dad are so worn out with getting the first 2 out of the nest that number 3, Brick,  is off the radar.  "You know I'm still here, right? You still have to parent me."  I laughed so hard I nearly cried.  Robert wakes up this morning and says, "So can you wash my sheets today?"  "Sure buddy, (didn't I just do that? oh wait, hmmm) whenever you want just throw them down the stairs."     My kids are good sports.  To say the least. :)

And then there is learning how to relate to and NOT parent  the first married couple in the family... Thankfully, they are amazing kids/adults and only one time zone away!    No matter how you look at it,  we are always learning how to parent. I wish my folks had told me that.  :)

          

Bathing Frustrations

After living here  8 years we still find things to laugh about and things that surprise us and yes, frustrate the heck out of us.  Take, for example, our recent bathtub adventure.  Mike was getting ready for work a few  months ago and fell thru the bottom of the bathtub.  How does one do that?  Well, it's not as hard as it sounds when the equipment in question is "rigged" to fit on top of the shower floor with some kind of metal base that the tub sat on. After time, things rust. That morning was the last day for that tub, and Mike's foot went right through it.  Thank Heaven he wasn't hurt but he could have been.  And so began the saga of getting it fixed.

At least three times guys came over and measured and conferred.  Then came the wait for the ok from the property owner. Then came the..".do you want the tub replaced or a shower put back in?"Just the shower ,please. The tub was going to cost us money.  Finally, they came and removed the old bathtub. A week later they came with the very heavy, large glass shower doors.  Holes were drilled. I didn't see the first glass wall piece go in but I was there for the door.  It was so dirty that the sand came off in chunks in my kitchen... Sigh. My idea to wash it off first was not well received.  The door was installed.  The guys left and nothing was cleaned. So I called again.  Please send someone to clean the mess.  They did. He showed up,with an itty bitty rag and a squeegee. Nope, not gonna happen.  You will need a bucket and soap and and.... He came back again.  Finally, after two weeks of installation, etc. and three months of waiting, Mike has his shower back.  Here's how that first morning went... " So, honey, are you glad to,have your shower back?" " the door won't close. They put it on upside down." And I couldn't stop laughing.  So they reworked whatever and now it almost closes.... But Mike has a shower. And I have another story. :)

I wrote this blog several months ago but forgot to publish it. :) So here's an update. I am happy to report the shower is working great.  We have since had other issues we are dealing with, but the shower is not one of them!  As Sallie recently reminded us via skype. "It's ok Mom and Dad, these are faith opportunities. "And she's right.  Mike and I are thankful we have kids who are growing in their faith and are able to encourage us on our journey.

Onward!  

Gowns, Gowns, Gowns

The Kansaas Clan Arrives in Carrollton..and we head out for Tex Mex. Of course!

The Reception

Brad and Sharon

The reception in Texas went off beautifully.  With many of our Kansas family driving down to celebrate, as well as all the dear friends from Texas...well, it was a blast.  Our 8 years away just kind of disappeared with each hug and smile coming through the door.  The best part was seeing Russell and Talitha having fun. I loved Russell's comment..."Mom, it was a wedding without the hard stuff." (Plus he liked showing off his sweet bride. )   Brad and Sharon were a godsend. Seeing to every detail and making sure it was perfect.  We all need friends like the Kerrs..and The Mike Hildebrands are blessed to have many friends like them!

Robert was glad to see us back in Doha. We missed him, too.  He had a great time with our friend,Jen,and the rest of the folks who helped out with driving and details.  Again...friends make life so much better!  He told me on the way to school today that he was being measured for his cap and gown.  So many gowns recently.  Lindsay's gown in New Orleans, shimmery and elegant. Taltiha's classy, stylish reception dress, reflective of her beautiful gown last January.  And now this, Robert's graduation gown.  

I'm not sure I'm ready for this next gown. It's happening so fast it seems. But I know we will have fun these next few months and I will figure out the empty nest thing from halfway around the world...later.

Good Times in September

Looks like there will be only one blog entry in September.  To summarize the highlights... Robert started his senior year at ACS, Mike and I flew to Dallas, Mike, Talitha, Ryan and I flew to New Orleans to celebrate my nephew's marriage to Lindsay.

First of all, I can't believe Robert is a senior!  He's been in class for three weeks now and so far he's having a great year.  His favorite thing this year is seniors have permission to leave campus so he can walk to the mall for lunch.  That's especially nice with the cool weather on its way.  

I flew to Dallas first and then on to New Orleans to have extra time with my sister, my brother in law and my niece.  Mike and Talitha and Ryan came in on Friday and we spent the weekend with family celebrating!  New Orleans is a fantastic city but it's especially fun when you get to show it to your terrific, new South African daughter in law who is so easy to travel with! Selfishly we were glad that Russell had school commitments in Austin because we had Talitha all to ourselves.  It was also fun to catch up with old friends, some of whom I had to wen in over 25 years.  Martin and Lindsay's wedding was beautiful and I really hope we get to spend time with them when things aren't so crazy busy! 

We are back in Dallas now. Tomorrow many of our Kansas family members will be arriving for the Texas reception we are having for Russell and Talitha.  So many special people are coming that we are going to want to spend days with everyone. The time is too short but we plan on making the most of it.  We can't wait to introduce our family and friends to the newest Mrs. Hildebrand!

Talitha and Russell ready for Texas!

Ryan in New Orleans-happy boy!

My sister-the radiant Mother of the Groom, and my nephew- It was a magical evening.   

The Return Migration

The end of August . No break in the heat. No decisions made about our future.  No idea what we are doing.  BUT Robert's home! People have returned!  Robert arrived August 24 but the previous week people were trickling in from their summer adventures. Mike and I were so happy.  Early in that week my friends Janet and Molly stopped by and while they were sharing all about the big family wedding that summer, our friend Clint popped in.  I just couldn't stop smiling.  To be fair, Mike and I actually had a nice summer. People cycled in and out and we were not totally without good friends here. The difference though, is striking. Might be one couple at lunch one week and then they are gone but someone else is back for a bit.  The quiet is actually nice..for awhile. :)  

Church yesterday was challenging for several reasons.  The flip side of friends and others returning is the traffic goes to defcon 4 and it's crazy! Additionally, this summer new security measures have been placed at the Religious Complex ( and in mall parking garages) to prevent bad things like what has happened in Saudi and Kuwait.  There is one parking lot open and we have to go thru metal detectors before entering the complex. Then it's a further hike to our actual church. Dripping sweat by the time we get there...  So that's been a bit of a challenge these last two months as well.  Maybe we will take a driver next week and then the walk in 115 degree, scorching heat won't be so intense.  Still it's good to see the building filling back up. 

Robert's buddies are coming over today! Noise! Shoes at the door! Laughter! 

Welcome home, Everyone!

Peaks and Valleys

I can't believe how fast this summer has gone.  Although it has not been easy with the unknown still l ahead of us and Mike's job search not exactly working out like we planned, I still will cherish many memories from these last two months.  Years ago my friend, Cindy, said to me "Mattie, I used to think of life and marriage in peaks and valleys but the older I get the more I realize that life is peaks and valleys at the same time."  Maybe that's another way of saying, like Paul, Ive learned to be content in whatever circumstances.  Or perhaps that phrase my momma told me as a kid, Count your many blessings, count them one by one.  Because, when I look for them they are there. The peaks right along with the valleys, the good circumstances mixed in the middle of the hard ones.  

My English students this summer.  I hope I never forget my female Iraqi student, arriving faithfully everyday to improve her English.  Her goal to some way get into college, despite the waiting lists in Qatar, and her not being Qatari.  She smiles everyday, even when she hears again that she didn't get in.  Last week she told me how she takes the lessons we do in class and then teaches them long distance every evening to her friend still in Baghdad.  She wants to learn English, too.  I hope I never forget her words to me..before this I hate English now I speak all the time. I love it.  And I will keep the hat she knit for me,  forever.

I will remember moving our good friend, Curt, into his family's  new place because  they really needed a different place.  It was the hottest day of the summer and we were hauling stuff from one villa to the other.   Mike and I laughing at trying to even remember the last time we physically moved someone!  But glad, so glad to be able to help just a little bit.  While we were doing that his wife and daughters were showing Robert and his best friend, Adrian,  Columbus, Ohio.  How that blessed us to know Robert was having a fun week with good friends.

I will remember the lunches and movies with the few of us still in town.  Seeing Russell and Talitha, Pattie and Barry,  Elmarie and Kobus in Abu Dhabi, thankful to be so close we can see them.  The quiet evenings with Mike playing two handed Spades and going round and around about our next steps.  But always, at the end of the day, knowing that God has a plan. He will show us what is next.

No,  this particular  summer valley isn't quite over yet but that's ok. We will be ok.  He knows the plans ahead of us.  We are just waiting to see what they are. :)  And in the meantime,  it's been a good summer.  

Eid Mubarak-Abu Dhabi Style

Fun to celebrate Pattie's birthday with her. The four of us took a boat across the water and ate at The Meat Co. Brought back lots of fun memories as it was a favorite place for birthday dinners. 

In a spur of the moment decision, we decided to spend Eid in Abu Dhabi.  Pattie and Barry were going to be there as well, so being with them, and with Russell and Talitha ,clinched it for us.  We bought inexpensive plane tickets and made our plans.  Also motivating us was 7 days in Doha wondering about a job... Pretty sure we would have driven each other crazy.

Our visit was great.  Lots of time with Russell and Talitha is always special, even in the high humidity and hot weather.  We got to see a new park that opened. Our friend, Milt, worked on that project for several years and it was nice to see the fruit of his labor.  Along with seeing the kids and the Gardebleds, we also had lunch at The British Club with Talitha's folks.  The Club was opened in 1962..and nothing else was around!  Fun to spend time with Russell's fantastic in laws and deepen our friendship with them as well.  I'm glad we are getting to know them better and are able to see them on our visits!

When we go to Abu Dhabi it feels like going home. It's nice to know our way around and  revisit favorite haunts.  It's also fun to hit the new restaurants and malls that have opened since we left.

Russell and Talitha spent the day with us at the park and we all enjoyed just hanging out.  It's such a blessing to be living close to them at least for now.  (Being in Abu Dhabi though also makes me pensive as wherever we went I thought of other times and people that we miss.  Especially our other kids!) 

Mike and I are back in Doha now.  There are a few of us left after the summer exodus. :) Went to church today, had lunch with the summer survivors, and now we are hanging at the house. It's good to be home. 

Keep Smiling

Today is the last day of Ramadan.  Tomorrow begins Eid al Fitr.  Most of Doha will be heading out for the break. This includes Mike and me. Although we are staying close to home, we decided that we have to get out of here..so off to Abu Dhabi we go.  It is our favorite, spontaneous escape place.  Funny how when we lived there we always wanted to get away.  Ironic. :)  We can't go far as Mike is still searching for a job and we don't want to spend a lot of money.   Abu Dhabi is a cheap flight and we get to see Russell and Talitha, too!   There are  friends who haven't left for the summer or moved away that we might get to visit AND Barry and Pattie will be in from Riyadh, too. It will be a regular party and we are needing a party ....      The job search has been tedious and at times discouraging, but we continue to pray and are hopeful that we will at least get to stay for one more year. We would really like for Robert to have his senior year here.

To cheer us up Russell and Talitha came to see us last weekend.  A group of us went to see Jurassic World. Then we ate at Which Wich(new to Doha).  After dinner some of us walked around the Marina. It was such a fun evening and a great weekend.  All of us are getting excited about Russell and Talitha's upcoming visit to Texas. He can't wait to show her off. :) Their visit did cheer us up. Mike and I are blessed with 4..no 5 of the best kids ever.  We have so much to be thankful for.  It may be hard right now but we know how blessed we really are.  And tomorrow we get to see them again!  That puts a smile on my face.

 

Laughing and Crying

Despite the mass exodus of many friends from Doha this summer, some for a couple of months and some permanently, we managed to have a fun 4 th of July.  The men kept Mike company in the blistering heat and humidity while he grilled the burgers. We women had the easier job of getting things ready in the kitchen.  No fireworks but lots of laughter and talking.  It was nice to laugh and hang out, especially as we are losing many of our community to lay offs this year.

Due to the economy right now there have been sweeping lay offs across all sectors this spring. Many of our friends aren't ready to leave but it seems this is the way it is.  We continue to pray for them as they job hunt or return to the U.S. without options.  Even friends who have been in the region decades have not seen the extremes we are seeing right now.  It's been really sad. Mike and I are on pins and needles ourselves right now.  Not sure if we will be here next year or not.  It's very tenuous for many of us.  

In the meantime, we pray and enjoy the friends who are here.

One last goodbye dinner for the Germans(second couple from the left) They will be missed. Thankful they live in Houston so we will see them again. 

Rolling with Ramadan

She exited the plane with the words..."and remember no eating, drinking or smoking in public from sunrise to sunset, " ringing in her ears.  Marganne came to visit right in the middle of Ramadan.  In two short days she experienced Doha full on.

My compound is decorated for Ramadan. 

 Traffic, sandstorm the whole time, heat, and no restaurants open in the day.  Summer can be intense over here, but summer with Ramadan is a whole different thing. It was so fun to have her here. Even though she was here during the harder time she got to see why we like it here, too.

A trip to Doha is not complete without a visit to a mall, especially one all decked out.   

She met a few of our terrific friends( who haven't left for the summer). She ate at some fun restaurants (after sunset, of course).

Jet lag kicked in after a great dinner at our favorite Persian restaurant with some good friends. 

 And for 48 hours lived a bit of life with me.  (Meanwhile, Mike was in Dallas driving her car and hanging out with our terrific Texas friends. He gets back on Wednesday. In fact, he returns to Doha on the same plane that Marganne is taking to Dallas. Makes my head spin.) Since I'm not going to Texas until August, it was fun to have a taste of home even though it was way too short!

See you in August! So glad you dropped by! :) 

Wrapping it Up

Max, Jaeden, Robert and Tejas. Last discipleship group before summer break. 

Hanging out at the Museum of Islamic Art

The sun was just coming up as we piled into the car on Monday to head to the airport.  I'd been up since 3 am. dreading the day.  Robert climbed up front with Mike so he could plug  his music from his phone and Sallie and I sat in the back.  She leaned her head down against my arm and I just sat there stroking her hair.  These two weeks with her flew by and I was barely holding it together.  And this time Robert was heading out with her.  Mike and I avoided talking about the looming departures all weekend before they left.

We did things differently this summer. Sending Robert ahead with Sallie, me staying here with Mike for the summer, this is a first.  Once I get used to the cave like quiet and no more taking to or picking up from school crazy drives...I'm sure it will be nice.  Not really. But I'm still glad to be here with Mike.  Summers apart get awfully long and this one has started out particularly challenging.   There have been sweeping lay offs across Doha.  Many of our friends have found themselves jobless and are packing up to leave. Mike is also needing a new project to go to as his is wrapping up and he is to be off it by the end of June.  We are praying for a position here but so far it's pretty quiet.  

Yes, we will miss her. She makes us laugh. 

After we hugged the kids and sent them thru customs we had coffee and waited for some friends who were on their way with their college kids as well. Daniel, one of Robert's closest friends, just graduated and Mike and I wanted to give him one last hug as well. Lori was barely holding it together but we all got thru it without embarrassing the kids too much.  

And we will miss Robert and his buddies making noise upstairs. Laughing, and hanging out. It is just way tooooo quiet. 

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

June.  End of school. Birthday fun.

Birthday Lunch

Goodbyes. Less traffic. Ramadan. Heat. Squeezing fun into every last minute.  Squeezing Sallie when she got off the plane.

Slower pace ahead. Maybe too slow.... That's what I'm thinking about as I think of June.

Friends gathering to say goodbye to the Gehmans

This year I will stay here with Mike until August then head to Dallas to be with Robert and Sallie. Robert will return to Doha on August 23rd but I will be there until October.  Mike joins us mid September when we will gomto New Orleams to attend my nephews wedding. It's a crazy way to do things but well, it is what it is. Sallie and Robert leave Monday and Mike and I are dreading it.

Belated birthday dinner. Wanted to wait until Sallie got here! Steak dinner at a great Argentine Restaurant. Bored the  kids with childhood stories. :) 

  In the meantime we have had lots of goodbyes this month and lots of socializing before great friends leave..either for good or for the summer.

Daniel, second from left, graduated this year. Joey far right, moving back to Houston. Friends for life.

 Although this is usual for the summer season in the Gulf region,,it's also been more intense this year.  Lots of long time friends are leaving due to the economy here in the region. It's been a dark time for many reasons.  Several friends are still in the waiting mode to hear if they are being laid off.  Lots of prayer.

Grace Youth Group 2015. New faces will come. Others will be gone. Everchanging. Always special. 

Time in Thailand

Last week Mike and I left Doha for Thailand.  I was excited as this was my first time in Thailand.  On top of that we were going to see dear friends who live in Chiang Rai then meet up with more dear friends in Phuket.  Today our trip is fast winding down.  It's been great.  We needed some time out of the desert and boy! This is not desert. Most of the time I feel like we are part of the Jurassic Park movie set. It's green everywhere! Bull frogs, lizards, flowers and more flowers. It's beautiful. As it is the beginning of rainy season we have had lots of that as well.  But the Hones are from Phoenix and all of us are enjoying the rain. :).

I'm so glad we visited Chiang Rai.  Harry and Pattie have been in Thailand for 9 years and to finally see what they have built here. It was great.  They have a goat farm that is serving the community there and they are working hard to grow this business and reach out to more and more people.  The potential,is exciting to see. And although I was very hesitant to drink the milk, I will say it was excellent. I can be a milk snob but this was out of the park. I think ice cream should come soon.  We had 3 and a half days with the Brittans and everyday was special. Really glad we made it out there and hope to return soon.

Our time in Phuket with David and Mary has been great, too.  We were neighbors in Dallas before moving to the Middle East and it is like no time has passed.  Lots of laughter, playing cards, and heart to heart talks have made this vacation fantastic.  All of this in a beautiful place. We are grateful to have this chance and to be with dear friends.  And it's a great way to celebrate 32 years of marriage!

Our time in Phuket with David and Mary Hone was relaxing and a wonderful place to spend our anniversary. Although Mike questioned our sanity when we entered the Tiger's den....