A baby...A widow...A Spiritual Declaration

Jennifer recently visited one of her co-workers at the hospital who had a new baby.  After hearing the story, I told Jennifer she has to share it for the blog.  Here's her story: 

My school librarian had a baby boy on Friday.  On Sunday, I decided that this was my chance to experience the birth of a child and go visit her at the hospital.  She had the baby naturally and was still in the hospital on Sunday.  She thought she might go home on Monday, inshallah.  She was in the VIP suite at the hospital.  When we walked into the room, there was a large table full of perfumes and oils.  They sprayed or spread at least three different ones on me.  To the right of that room was another room that had three large benches and gifts in it.  The room could hold about 20 people comfortably even with the gifts in it.  There was a fresh fruit basket the size of a coffee table.  Lots of chocolates were there too.  There were numerous fresh flower arrangements spread all throughout the whole suite.  As I entered the main room the baby was in a bassinet next to her bed.  I said hello and how handsome he was and I was quickly whisped away into another side room.  Apparently it was lunch time even though it was 2:15 in the afternoon.  I tried to get out of eating but it didn’t work.  This room had a glass table that sat 10 people.  There was an outrageous amount of food waiting to be served.  Her sister made me a plate that was full of goat, rice, and boiled eggs.  There was also a nice salad.  The salad and rice was all I ate.  There was fresh juice, soda, and water.  The soda was hot so her sister sent a helper to get some ice.  There were at least four helpers, probably nannies or cleaners in the room to assist her or her guests as needed.  After eating, I went back into the main room and visited with her and her mom.  There was dessert in little cups that she insisted I bring home to my kids and husband.  There were chocolate trays that came around and date cookies too.  She even had American candy to share.  She was proud of that.  About an hour later I was ready to go but I had to wait on the driver to bring take away trays for the food.  Once he finally got there with the trays, I was told to go in the room and get some food for my family.  I made one with a salad and one with rice and goat.  I knew the salad would get eaten.  No neighbors wanted the goat and rice.  She did not like the decorations of the room so she had curtains made.  She rented silver chairs and had those for visitors to sit in.  She also had a matching comforter set made for the baby and her.  It was like nothing I have ever seen before.  So glad I went.  I think it was special for both of us.  I have been told that they will have a viewing of the baby at their house too.  I hope I can get an invite to that. 

 

These little items were given out to the visitors at the hospital.

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Something I learned this week was about funerals.  A student and I were talking about this tradition called “nine nights” in Jamaica.  He’s doing a research paper about the culture of Jamaica and needed help summarizing some information he read but didn’t quite understand (a moment that is rare here!).  In Jamaica they have a wake for 9 nights when someone dies.  On the 9^th night , they have the funeral.  So that led to me asking some questions about Muslim funerals.  I was telling him how a typical American wake/funeral went.  Then I was asking him if what I knew about Muslim funerals was accurate.  He tells me this:  When a Muslim dies, it is typical to bury then within 2 days.  He said if they have to travel then a week is okay.  For example (just he says this all the time – For example…) if he died, his parents would bring him back to Sudan for burial and would need more time than just 2 days.  Then he said they just bury straight into the ground.  Then we got talking about the women and when her husband dies she has to stay home for around 4 months.  She shouldn’t leave her home.  She stays home and mourns.  He said after the 4 months passes, she can go out and marry again.  Not before.  I asked what happened when if a man’s wife dies. He said he just goes on with life but doesn’t have to stay home for the 4 months.  I think the women even stays home from work for 4 months too.  I asked him why and he said he doesn’t know – that he’s not interested in marriage so he doesn’t worry about it.  And he grins and get back to work.

In other news…I was reminded today how confused, sad, and distant I felt at the end of August when we arrived back here in the UAE. While the homesickness bug has always bitten me, this time it was the WORST!

I wasn't sure what I was doing so far away from home. Why did we leave our families and start some new life here in the Middle East. Even though I was able to easily remind myself of the reasons we moved here, at this point in this experience I was 200% regretting continuing it. For what seemed like eternity (which was probably 4-5 nights in reality), I spent nights sleeping an hour here and an hour there. Sleeping in between tears, in between phone calls back to America with friends and family, and in between talking things through with my wife. Looking back on that time seems so odd and foreign to me.

Every night Jennifer and I would pray for everything that was bothering me, and praying that God would bring me through these issues that were making me crazy!

And while I've never been an outspoken spiritual person - I know God and I know that God is always in control . And when life feels as though it is falling apart, God is still in control. When I had to come to grips with the fact that I lost my sister, I still knew God was in control. And while I couldn't give my kids any answers to, "Why God felt like it was Frannie's time", I just know His time is His time, whether we are ready or not.

I surely was not ready. I just knew that we'd be old siblings making fun of our elderly parents and their crazy mannerisms that most elderly people develop. But God is in control and I won't have that opportunity.

But I do know that thanks to God I was able to get out of that slump that I was certain would drive me back home in September. Thanks to God my parents were able to travel and spend Time with us over New Years! And thanks to God this trimester has been the easiest one - with 2/3 of my students actually cooperating and being somewhat manageable! And thanks to God while I still miss my sister and parents dearly, I have been able to not let any sadness consume me to the point where I lose sleep, or get into another slump.

Today two things reminded me of all this. At church we were singing, "you are an everlasting God....An everlasting God....you do not faint....you won't grow weary." And then one of the leaders of worship was sharing that when she was at this conference in Lebanon, the leader there was saying the well-known phrase, "God is good!" And the people respond, "All the time"! And then she said the leader asked, "But what about when it feels like God is not good?" And this took me right back to that long international flight home where you're stuck in this brick of a seat, surrounded by snoring people, kids slumped all over you sleeping, flight attendants who are tired of dealing with grouchy passengers, movies you aren't interested in, and then your mind takes over. I sat there that day questioning why this was happening to me. Questioning why this was happening to my parents. Questioning why we didn’t have time to really say goodbye like so many others get to do with their loved ones. But then I remind myself that God is in control, and even though my family was falling apart, God is still good. I think maybe (when I am able to convince myself of it) it was better to have a sudden death than watching someone suffer as they wither away. None are easy but surely one is the lesser of two evils. Either way - God is Good.  God is still in control. 

Here are a few pics of various things....

 

We always get so excited when we see camels in trucks!

Caralyn siting like a lady - singing her some music. 

I'm sure she was singing Wilson Phillip's "Hold On".  She always asks to hear that song now.

We've all been reading in the evening before bedtime.

Some are more interested than others.

 

Stay Tuned...

Best.Holiday.Ever

It’s been awhile since I’ve written and a lot has happened.  Nothing too crazy – but some amazing adventures!  Where do I start…

After our trimester ended we jetted off to Africa for a 12 day holiday!  A trip of a lifetime!  I normally feel inclined to do all my own research using Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet.  However - this trip I decided to use a travel agent.  I met someone through a neighbor here in the UAE who went to South Africa a year ago and when I saw her pics - I knew this had to be a great company to go through.  So a big thanks to Tobe!  And of course an even bigger thanks to Candace at Go2Africa.com.  This company was nothing but cooperative and offered so much advice to tailor a trip to meet exactly what our family wanted!  After many suggestions and tips, we set up what we thought (and it was!) was the best trip for us!!! We flew to Cape Town and enjoyed several days there before heading to our safari.  While we were in Cape Town there were a few things we wanted to do.  I say we, but I think it might have just been ME!  Jennifer loves her some animals so I knew the aquarium and the beach penguins would be her thing! 

Our first day we hit up the Two Oceans aquarium which was probably the best aquarium we’ve ever been to!  Many animals we’ve never seen or heard of!  The kids really enjoyed this.  Then we shopped at a few open air markets and such.  We stayed at a very nice boutique like hotel. We had our own apartment. The weather was perfect - slightly warm in the afternoon - but it cooled off enough to enjoy.  We had AC in our room, but the kids didn't but they managed.  We even bought a few fans to help them out.  I remember what it was like as a kid living in a house that was too hot!  My sister and I always complained about how hot our rooms were!  (I'm sure my mom will roll her eyes when she reads this!)  Anywho....This accomadation - The More Quarters - was awesome.  They were so caring and always ready to help us.  The front desk person would follow us up to breakfast and ask how our night was and check to see if we needed anything or any help setting any tours up.  It was worth every rand we spent!  (Rand is the money in South Africa)

Day 2 was the most exciting, I think.  We took a tour of the Langa Township.  We decided to use a tour group that is actually made up of Langa people!  Our guide grew up in Langa, was educated in Langa, and went to University in Cape Town but I think before he finished he joined a few people and started a tour company.  We walked all through Langa and learned about life there. The most interesting thing was our guide NEVER talked about Apartheid and how they were segregated. I suppose he just assumed we knew all about it.  We started the tour way in the back in this area that reminded me of some project housing you’d see in a movie.  He shouted a little and kids slowly came out and put on some gum boots (we call them rain boots).  This group is called HAPPY FEET.  They’re a dance troupe.  They practice afterschool and it keeps them out of trouble.  Our guide is also one of the founding members.  They just celebrated their 5^th year anniversary. It was amazing to see all ages of kids dance, step, and chant!  Once they did a few songs and dances, we handed out things we brought for the kids.  We thought it would be good for our kids to be able to give to kids who might not have the things they love and take for granted.  We gave out coloring books, pencils, colored pencils, sharpeners, toy cars, and maybe some other items I can’t remember.  The thing these kids liked the most were the harmonicas!  Right away, they opened them and started playing them.  It was an awesome sight to see them smile and compare their gifts with their friends.  After Happy Feet, we walked through the various “classes” of housing and even went in several houses.  From the 3 bedroom apartment with 11 families living in them (three families in each room! Can you imagine!!!), to the single family home, to the shack made from metal walls and roof.  It was shocking to see.  Many of these people refuse to leave Langa as it’s their roots and many of the people living in the shacks choose to live in this area for their own privacy.  They have electricity, cable, and everything they need in their shack. What memories!  After the long walk through Langa – we checked out some performance at the African Dance Theater.  I wasn’t sure what to think of this as we had no idea where it was, or what to expect.  There were less than 20 people in this theater (which wasn’t even that big!).  This dance company performs a huge variety of dances and what was even more fascinating was that they started with the traditional Zulu dances and then all the way to the modern style.  The best part was the miners.  They were so creative!  At the end they had one person representing each era and they all danced together.  I was impressed.  We enjoyed dinner that night at the V&A Waterfront – some nice fresh fish at the marina!  Amazing!

The next day we hired a driver for a ½ day tour to drive us to a few places.  We went to Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope (which is not the “southern tip” of Africa as most people think), and then to Boulder Beach to see the penguins! The drive was very scenic as we drove along the coast and saw amazing views of the ocean!!!  We didn't expect to see some wild baboons just trotting down the mountain and walking about 10 feet away from the street. There are people who are "watchers" and just look out for baboons to warn the people nearby.  It was interesting.  We wandered down to Boulder Beach to see some beach penguins.  These penguins were adorable.  They just hang out on the beach. They’re protected as you can only see them from the deck that stretches out over the area where they are.  The kids laughed and laughed at the penguins!  We even caught some mating, I think.  After our tour and a nice drive around some vineyards, we took the Big Bus Tour around Cape Town and after a crazy winding drive up the mountain, we decided to take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain.  Table Mountain is just that - it looks like a table.  It's like a large plateau style mountain top.  And this cable car made me nervous.  It's interesting how so many things don't appear safe to me if they're not in the USA.  So we decide to take the cable car to the top even after the ticket agent says, "make sure you listen to any announcements as we might be closing soon because the winds are reaching speeds that are unsafe."  Sure - let's go!  And then we find out this cable car carries up to 60 something people.  YIKES!  And after about 10 seconds of travelling we heard an announcement.  "Please let go of the hand rails on the outside, as the floor will begin rotating"  Uh....WHAAAAT? It was crazy. I was getting more nervous the father we were away from the starting point.  But we survived and saw some awesome views of the city!  The clouds were rolling over the tops and the wind was unreal.  And it was so cold at the top!  The kids teeth were chattering they were so cold!  Once we reached the bottom we saw they closed it down because of winds speeds. Just in time!

After Cape Town we flew to Johannesburg where a driver took us on a four drive to the Madikwe Safari Lodge.  We opted for this reserve since it’s outside of the malaria belt (unlike Krueger) and much smaller and we figured more intimate.  Our lodge itself was very small with only like 16 accommodations.  We had our own private hut like place. What we didn’t expect was that we’d have to be escorted to our place every night after dinner in case there were animals around.  Uh….WHAT?  There were never any issues but you don’t leave unless when it’s dark unless you’re escorted!  They give us a cell phone to use if we need help.  At 5 AM – yes that’s correct – 5AM – we get our wake up call for the morning safari drive.  We meet for some muffins, coffee, juice, and to be with nature at sunrise!  It sucked hearing that knock, waking up, and being alert enough to walk!  But we managed every morning.  The early morning and late afternoon are the best times for viewing. We’d spend 3 or so hours on the jeep driving all around seeing the animals of Africa.  Then we’d take a nap and meet up at the main area around 4:45, have our afternoon drive, and then dinner.  It seemed like it’d be relaxing and boring, but time really flew by!  It was over before we knew it!  We had the best time with Jacques, our safari guide.  It was just the four of us and Jacques!  While we were there we saw giraffes, zebras, elephants, gazelles, impalas (there are more impalas than people on the entire continent I think!), white rhinos, black rhinos, hippos, wildebeest, crocs, warthogs, baboons, ginnea foul, lions, African wild dogs, banded mongoose, black mamba, scrap hare, leopard (only through a zoomed picture since she was too far up the mountain), African wild cat, and a jackal.  I don’t think we forgot anything.  We didn’t see the “Big 5” but we did see 4 of the 5.  The cape buffalo aren’t animals that you see often.  We had an amazing time doing the safari.  I never thought I’d actually be in SOUTH AFRICA on a safari!!!  Jennifer did get scared several times – especially with the elephants. They would make these crazy sounds and sort of stomp around and open their ears and get ready.  But once Jacques would talk to them (like they were his own kids, mind you!) they’d sort of just keep eating or playing and move along.  The black hippo, however, didn’t just walk away.  When he saw us, he immediately charged our jeep. It did freak all of us out I think. But Jacques, being quick, stood up and shouted “STOP!” and maybe something else and he actually did stop charging.  He stared at us for a minute and then slowly walked off.  It was crazy.  Jacques said he’d charge back if he kept coming.  This all occurred probably 10 feet in front of us.  YIKES!  And the most thrilling part was the lions!  We were all staked out waiting for them to cross our paths. The rangers all communicate about where animals are located and you basically get on a waiting list to get in line to see them if you’re close enough.  So we’re waiting and sure enough – they just walk out of the wooded area, cross the road, and then stop right next to our jeep.  We’re talking maybe 3 feet away – if even that far away!  They just sat and laid down and nuzzled the ground and each other.  They were two brothers.  After about 5 minutes of that – or maybe it wasn’t that long but felt like an hour – they just got up and kept walking together.  We never did see lions after that. Our last morning there – we got up at the usual 5AM. We were greeted by security to escorted us to the main meeting area, which wasn’t normal in the morning.  And it’s not dark after 5AM either in South Africa.  So we were escorted because an elephant was inside the lodge fencing.  Jennifer was thrilled!  NOT!  We go on about our routine and as we crossed the fence (right where our hut was!) there was this male elephant just hanging out.  He was right by our balcony where our private pool was. Jennifer would have freaked out if she opened the curtains that morning and saw the elephant!  But he later walked out and everything was fine.  We saw so many great things and made so many awesome memories!!! 

The last leg of our trip was spent at Sun City.  Sun City is a resort area.  It’s actually a historic area – as it was where many wealthy people went to gamble and drink during the apartheid era.  Now it’s, I’m guessing, one off the most popular destinations in South Africa for holidays.  Here there are several hotels, a water park, a huge entertainment complex, a croc sanctuary, a culture center, and restaurants. It was nice to relax and have no real schedule.  We enjoyed the pool, the waterpark, and got some culture while we were there!  The culture performance was awesome!  They taught us about the seven original tribes of South Africa. Cole even got to do some sword fighting. Caralyn could have done some dancing, but of course, she was too shy to participate.  We spent Christmas at Sun City and it was VERY odd not being at home like we’re used to.  It didn’t really feel like Christmas.  But we did see some vervet monkeys come into a restaurant take some fruit and a sugar packet! It was a sight to see. There are wild monkeys that roam the area. They do have animal watchers but some still sneak in!  One day at the pool a few just snatched up some food someone had out and off they went! 

We headed back to Dubai on the 27^th and met up with our family!  We had my parents, some of my wife’s family (mother, aunt, and cousin) with us for 10 days or so.  It was busy busy busy!  We went to Abu Dhabi, spent days in Dubai, and even went to Muscat, Oman for a few days.  We had a great time with our family!  We had to get back to work just to rest from such a busy 3 week break!  Having family leave is never - EVER - pleasant.  It's just not nice.  But after several days of moping around, I was over it, and back into the groove of life here.
We’ve been back into the school routine for 6 weeks now.  My school life hasn't actually been bad. My 10th graders are actually cooperative now.  Can't quite say the same for my 11th graders. I think many of my 10th graders are better since several failed and I suppose they've learned to just cooperate?  But we are looking forward to our next holiday!  At the end of March we’re travelling to Singapore where we will spend Easter at church with pastor who married us – and actually was Jennifer’s pastor at the church she grew up in.  After Singapore we’ll head to Kuala Lumpur and then spend the last 5 days on a small island in the Maldives!  We’ll sit on the beach and play for days.  A few months after we got here, we read an article on the Maldives and really wanted to go there.  We didn’t think we’d actually make it there but in no time we’ll be there!  It’ll be so much fun!

A few weeks ago Jennifer and I submitted our resignations.  Is it bad to feel so liberated after resigning?!?!?!  We’re finishing out the school year which ends July 4^th.  Independence Day in America!  A coincidence?  Don’t think so!  We’ll head back to Houston and inshallah pick up where we left off.  I have every intention of getting back at my old school and hope there’s a job for me!  

There are many other stories I think would be great to share but I think I’ve written enough.  Over the last 2 ½ months I’ve taken over 2000 pictures, but of course can only include a few.  Enjoy.

Never thought I'd be in Nelson Mandela Land!  NEVER!  After many years of teaching lessons on the Apartheid - never thought I'd see this place!  Still can't believe we actually spend a vacation in South Africa.

Table Mountain in the backround.  Our hotel was just to the right of this photo.

This was near the Marina.  The V&A Waterfront it's called.  These buildings are prime real estate - supposedly many Hollywood actors have places here - and the canal tour we took said Oprah is said to have one here. Beautiful scenery though!

Happy Feet Dancers! 

 

 

Our Langa Township tour guide.  I wish I could remember his name.  He was awesome.  He just loved on our kids!  And they loved on him!  This photo was in a metal shack.  This was the bedroom - I think two beds are in here. She has a make-shift closet under the TV there. 

Our Happy Feet Dance friends!  They loved their gifts.  

This was more than interesting.  Here they take the goat heads and boil them in water and crack the skulls open and use the brain as the meat for dinner.  Lots of bones laying around, and they use these irons sitting in the coals to burn off the hair of the skull prior to boiling.  I've never seen so many flies in one place either!

The shack section of Langa

The miners dance from the African Dance Theater

I believe this is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Cape Town - but can't remember the name of it. 

 

Boulder Beach - the penguins!!!!!!

One of the baboons we saw

View of Capt Town from Table Mountain.  If you've every seen Charlie's Cake Angels on Food Network - they are not far from Table Mountain.

 

  

 

Our lodging at the Madikwe Safari Lodge

 

A black mamba. The deadliest snake on the planet!  Jacques about peed on himself when he saw this!  He grabbed his camera but the snake took off.

The dung beetle.  Fascinating!  The female is the one on the ball.  She holds on while the male pushes the ball they've created to a safe place.  When they find this place, the female lays her eggs in the ball. 

Love this pic.  The black/white with the green is very nice!  This zebra closest is just dirty.

adorable!

Cole loved the safari!!!

This was the living room like area at the main part of the lodge - all open to nature!  We meet here to go on our game drives.  It's so quiet and peaceful here.  Amazing.

Our first night was interesting.  We didn't have the typical dinner.  It was a boma dinner.  Boma means open-air meeting area in Afrikaans.  To the right is the open fire cooking area.  We dined with Jacques our ranger.  We enjoyed some very nice ox tail.  Although Jacques said it was beef not ox.  It was nice - except the floor is just a sand pit.

 

 

Jacques!  He's from Durban (city in SA).  He doesn't carry a rifle or anything - which made me nervous the first day.   But we felt totally safe with him. 

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G photo!!!

A huge termite mound!  They were all over.  And they always point north.  I was hoping Jacques would poke a hole to see some termites come out - but he's 100% into his environment and so it didn't happen.  We're just visitors!

One day after lunch - the kids made cookies.  They enjoyed that.  And it gave us a break!

African Wild Dogs!  There were about 5 or 6 of them just trotting by.  They were so cute.  It was interesting how many animals never really look at the people - they just go along like we're not there.

beautiful!

Merry Christmas from Africa!

Our lodge had this small pool outside.  The kids enjoyed playing - well - when bugs weren't around. 

a nice heart shaped tree!

Our infamous rhino!  Jennifer's friend!

More of Jennifer's friends!  These were actually calm and didn't seem to mind us. 

They played and played.

Did you know the hippos are the 2nd most popular killer after malaria?  Jacques said people never realize how dangerous and aggressive hippos are.  And we drove in this river - an area that was rocky enough so it was too deep here.  There were 4 or 5 of them just lounging. 

This is the area around Sun City - just outside our hotel.  Very nice!!!

Cascades Hotel - Sun City

The Cultural Center - we learned about the tribes of South Africa. 

 

The Valley Of Waves - a nice waterpark.  Caralyn actually rode a few slides! 

 Cole did one.  He said they were too scary!

This was one of the monkeys who got some loot from the restaurant.  The manager attempted to use a chair to scare off the monkey and his friend, but it didn't work.  They were not afraid!

A few pics from our families' visit!

My parents at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.  Love this photo!!!

After visiting the mosque and lunch - we met up with two brother who are patients of the doctor my mom works for in Houston.  We had tea/coffee/water at Emirates Palace.  It was nice!

 

Our happy family! 

Some of us went to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat, Oman.  I thought it was just another mosque but it was so much different than the one in AD.  Lots of decorations all over - inside and out.  Our driver - Asadi - brought me a dishdash (kandora) to wear!  He said I looked Omani!

 

She was so proud of herself!

At the desert safari!  Everyone survived with no motion sickness - but my mother wasn't sure she wasn't going to be sick!  HA HA HA!  Always lots of fun!

Jennifer's counsin - Krista.  This was at the Old Souq in Dubai.

Where do I start with this one.  The first thing that comes to my mind is I hear my sister saying, "Oh my God - how embarrassing Dad!"  So we take this nice yacht dinner cruise through the Dubai Marina.  The cruise was good, food was good, and company was great!  We have never done this so it was new for all of us.  Beautiful weather and sights!  Towards the end this belly dancer comes out.  And after a few dances she attempts to get people to dance with her. I wasn't about to come but we finally convinced her to get my dad up there.  And I knew after a time or two of asking he'd go and embarrass himself.  He had everyone laughing.  Anyone who knows my father - isn't surprised to see what we call "Vacation Les" out there! 

And my father and his sweaters.  Anywhere we went he had some sweater tied around his neck.  A fashion statement I guess.  I have a video - I'll attempt to post. Inshallah!

 

 

Beautiful Dubai Fountain.  During the month of January they were showing their New Years Eve fountain show twice each night.  We got to see it!  Both time this evening! It was not just the fountains, but some dancers with some digital show, and a fire and water show. 

 

 

At the Palm Jumeirah!  Just across the street from Atlantis!

 

 

 

Stay Tuned...