Living in new lands brings about new experiences in sight, sounds, and of course...smell. Clearly we cannot have each of you smell the salty sea or breathe in the sandy air which C&E encounter each day. However, we can do our very best in giving you glimpses of what they have seen or ideas of what they have heard. The following is a list compiled of daily life scenes and sounds of C&E's new surroundings. (On a side note: they have now been married FOUR months!)
Sounds:
-cars honking a nano second after instersection lights change from red to green...it doesn't matter if the car is 20th in line!
-call to prayer from the mosque that is only one block from our flat...we hear this 5 times a day beginning at 4am. Don't kid yourself-it's loud enough to wake you up in the middle of the night.
-languages from around the world..German, French, Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Mayalayam (for the Thomas family!), Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Chinese, Italian, Russian, etc. Pick any language and you will more than likely hear it sometime throughout the day. That doesn't include the different dialects of English--American, Australian, British, Irish, Scottish, New Zealand (the Kiwi's) and South African.
-kids laughing at the malls
-songs to our Father during Friday fellowship
-BBC, EuroNews, and Al Jazeera TV
-E playing the piano for fellowship gatherings
-clothes washer going at least once a day
-the work crew working by 6am at the new apartment building going up next door
-students talking in C's class
Scenes:
-sand
-building workers wearing no hard hats and flip flops on contruction sites (in some cases)
- contruction on many major thourough fares
-new sky scrapers in the downtown area
-people of all ages talking on mobile phones
-new apartment buildings contructed in many areas
-mulitple Land Cruisers at intersections
-roundabouts :)
-the other night at one of the many malls, we saw 3 Lambourgines and one Bentley in less than an hour
-women completely covered
-men dressed in the traditional white robes, called a thobe, and a head covering; it in prestigious to wear the national dress and even little boys at the malls are seen wearing it
-more sand
-American restuarants...seriously, I've never seen more Baskin Robbins in one city in my entire life!
-fresh bread stores
-long lines at any offical place you visit (phone company, bank, electric/water, etc.)
-large mosques, small mosques, and what I call "mini-mosques". The mini is set up in new developement areas and is similar to a portable school room building. A loud speaker is attached on the outside and a 'steeple' point is on top to signify it as a mosque.
- The Red Crescent as opposed to the Red Cross
-ice skating rinks
-motor cycles weaving in between traffic and horrific speeds
-futbol matches (soccer games)
-fellowship times with 250 + people
-the sun--everyday all day beginning at 5:15am and setting in the evenings around 5:30pm
-something we have NOT seen much of: CAR SEATS! Little babies in the front seat with NO seat belt or safety seat
-Land Cruisers cutting you off at all intersections without even a nod from the driver.
-sand...everywhere you can imagine
-most buildings and business closed by 12:30 or 1:00pm for Ramadan. Everything remains closed (including banks, restaruants, businesses, grocery stores, etc.) until approx 7p or 8p each night. This will change once Ramadan ends in mid-October
-waterfront lined with buildings, boat docks, and restaurants
-people from all nations
-large villas
-our couches covered in orange material against our pale yellow/cream painted walls. OUCH! This will change in time. :)
-sheets from the US that don't fit the 180cm x 200cm mattresses
-cramped workers camps
-a maid's quarter in a home is about the size of a large walk-in closet in the US.
-turkey 'strips' at the local markets as opposed to turkey 'bacon'
-Ramadan reminders not to eat or drink anything in public....it's agains the law during the month of fasting. Don't worry, we can eat all we want in homes at any time of the day.
Quick blessings to pass along:
-we will get a phone line in mid-October (yes...it takes that long)
-we should get a vehicle this week
-a family moving out of the country gave us 5 bags FULL of spices and mixes for our kitchen. Oddly enough, it's equivalent to the food we left to friends back in the States.
-C has been asked by students to attend a few futbol matches
-C's grandma has fallen asleep in this world to awaken with her Father...she's healed and completely whole before the Father.
-E has been asked to tutor local children after Ramadan and possibly teach a small conversation class of local women twice a week.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Pearl of Great Price
Enjoy the view of C&E's new downtown area. The sunsets paint a new expression each evening and they were able to capture just one. All of the pictures were taken just as the sun was setting on the city. Notice that there is a Chili's and a Dairy Queen in this city. Now they are closer to a "Blizzard" than when they were living in the States.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Wednesday is More than Half
For the majority of the Lopez Living readers, Wednesday is typically considered mid-week. Half down, half to go. Not in this part of the world. As C & E were in the car on the way to work, E realized that tomorrow is Thursday...which is the beginning of the weekend. C still has to work on Thursday, but he noticed last week that the majority of the teachers were gone by 2pm. Thursday night the city is packed with cars filled with people of all nations. People might head to the various malls and cinemas or over to a friend's home for a long evening meal. As of now, C & E do not have plans for their weekend, but it will more than likely include REST!
Since the last time the couple checked in with Lopez Living, they have found a flat! It's a 3 bedroom flat with 2 1/2 baths. The living room and bedrooms are very large, and so they swallow all of the provided furniture. The kitchen is decent, although they are asking for the clothes washer to be moved into the guest bathroom. That's actually typical in this part of the world for the clothes washer to be hooked up in the kitchen. The ovens, or 'cookers' as they are called here, are ones usually used in small condos in the States. The couple is looking into purchasing a new cooker before moving in. They can't actually move into the new flat until October 1st. No worries. They will not be staying at their cramped, but nice, hotel until that time. The real estate agent found them a nicely furnished 2 bedroom flat to move into until the 1st. With the help from an amazing couple, they were able to move in late Monday night.
The downside of the temporary housing is that it is a bit further from the academy than they would like and there is no telephone or Internet access. The phone is okay, because they both have mobile phones to communicate with one another and new friends. The Internet is a bummer for E because she has to go to Internet cafes or visit other homes for access. C has it everyday at work, so he is good to go!
Now from her own view point, here are some words from E:
--I am thankful that I have been in this part of the world several times before moving. If not, I would have probably pulled out all of my hair by now. It definitely takes patience and a 'manana' (or tomorrow) mentality to survive. Take for instance my temporary drivers license. A man from C's school took both he and I to the local Dept. of Transportation in order to fill out all of the proper paper work. This included submitting multiple passport photos and having the document typed in another language. Once all of that was done, I had to take an eye exam. Let's just say that I said a little prayer before going in because even with my glasses, I still have trouble seeing at times. After passing the exam we went to another location to turn in all of the stamped paperwork. Then we were thrown into a volley between two workers because neither one of them could (or maybe just would) read my driver's US license because it was in English. This women waved us off as if we were flies and said to come back tomorrow and maybe someone would be there to translate my driver's license into their language. Apparently, a native speaker has to translate on the official document my driver's license from English to their language. Nice. The man who drove us yesterday said that he would call sometime between 9am and 12pm today to take me. I'm not holding my breath.
Last week I ended up at one of the various malls for lunch. What's different about the Food Court in this part of the world is the "Ladies Section". Most public areas, including restaurants, sports clubs, and parks, have a section for women only. A very nice Persian restaurant adjacent to our hotel even had a separate entrance on the side for women. Women unescorted by men are usually found in the Ladies Section. That's where I ended up enjoying my lamb shwarma and mutable. Besides some Asian girls, I was the only one not completely covered. I felt kinda lonely until a precious little boy playing with a balloon tried to get me to play with him. I love it when the Father sends me a gentle reminder in the midst of awkward moments.
The local women completely cover their bodies in an abaya. Many of which or ornately designed with beading and sequence. These women are not hurting financially and even though they are completely covered, they are covered in style. The only part of their body which can be seen is their eyes. Some women even wear a thin black cloth covering their entire face. Unusual in other parts of the mslm world, but typical here. You might wonder what to do when you see one of these women walking towards you. I generally smile and make eye contact--when you can see their eyes. It's amazing to watch their eyes widen with my genuine contact with them. I would assume that many western women turn away or stare awkwardly at them as they pass in the malls and on the streets.
C has introduced me to many colleagues from the academy and I always remind myself not to stick out my hand like I typically would in the States. It is not appropriate for a man and woman to touch unless you are related. Therefore, our natural instinct of reaching out and shaking hands with a new person is offensive and culturally not acceptable. Now, if the man extends his hand first, then it's okay. But that is not very common.
I was doing good with this until C introduced me to a man who had been raised in the States, but has in the past decade moved his life and beliefs to this region. When I stuck out my hand he waved me off. Ouch! At first I was embarrassed by my cultural mistake, then I was ticked off because the guy was an American and should know better. Of course I would naturally shake the hand of another American! But, in the end, I'm a woman and what I think or believe in this region doesn't make a dent within the male dominated society.
Yesterday I spent 3 hours at a local Carrefour (found everywhere in this region) to purchase all the household items needed to set up house. After filling up my cart with only household items, I realized that I didn't have room for groceries. I paid for the items in my cart and then headed back into the store for the food items. For those of you in the South, I cracked up when I found several "Kroger" brand items. While shopping I ran into a mom with 2 kids who had just arrived from Houston. We both shared our arrival experiences and helped each other find a few items in the massive store. It's comforting to hear an accent so close to home.
I would like to say that I have the most amazing husband! Saturday I was sick...we are talking REAL sick. One of our new friends offered to drive us around to search for housing. There is a reason most people drive 4wd and SUV's here. Many times a paved road ends and you are required to create your own. So, each time that happened, my stomach churned just a wee bit more. By the time we decided to quit our search we took another roundabout and I had it. Don't worry, you are not going to read something gross! For the sake of young readers, I'll just say that I lost my lunch on the side of the road. C was right there holding me up and then washed off my feet. (note to self: do not wear flip flops while stomach is queasy.) He took care of me the rest of the day AND did all of our laundry at a friend's home. WOW! Much love to you Mr. Man!
Points to Ponder:
--C's students arrive on Sunday. Ask for quick memory with names/faces and that he will feel confident in the classroom.
--C's relationship with fellow teachers will continue to deepen.
--Thanks: great time of fellowship last Friday! Wonderful opportunities to plug in with like-minded people.
--Thanks: no driving accidents...continue to lift that up!
--E will discover more opportunities to meet women
--C&E: continue in their personal study time; work together in all situations; find favor in purchasing a vehicle at the end of the month.
PS--we do have pictures of the area and will get them up when possible
Since the last time the couple checked in with Lopez Living, they have found a flat! It's a 3 bedroom flat with 2 1/2 baths. The living room and bedrooms are very large, and so they swallow all of the provided furniture. The kitchen is decent, although they are asking for the clothes washer to be moved into the guest bathroom. That's actually typical in this part of the world for the clothes washer to be hooked up in the kitchen. The ovens, or 'cookers' as they are called here, are ones usually used in small condos in the States. The couple is looking into purchasing a new cooker before moving in. They can't actually move into the new flat until October 1st. No worries. They will not be staying at their cramped, but nice, hotel until that time. The real estate agent found them a nicely furnished 2 bedroom flat to move into until the 1st. With the help from an amazing couple, they were able to move in late Monday night.
The downside of the temporary housing is that it is a bit further from the academy than they would like and there is no telephone or Internet access. The phone is okay, because they both have mobile phones to communicate with one another and new friends. The Internet is a bummer for E because she has to go to Internet cafes or visit other homes for access. C has it everyday at work, so he is good to go!
Now from her own view point, here are some words from E:
--I am thankful that I have been in this part of the world several times before moving. If not, I would have probably pulled out all of my hair by now. It definitely takes patience and a 'manana' (or tomorrow) mentality to survive. Take for instance my temporary drivers license. A man from C's school took both he and I to the local Dept. of Transportation in order to fill out all of the proper paper work. This included submitting multiple passport photos and having the document typed in another language. Once all of that was done, I had to take an eye exam. Let's just say that I said a little prayer before going in because even with my glasses, I still have trouble seeing at times. After passing the exam we went to another location to turn in all of the stamped paperwork. Then we were thrown into a volley between two workers because neither one of them could (or maybe just would) read my driver's US license because it was in English. This women waved us off as if we were flies and said to come back tomorrow and maybe someone would be there to translate my driver's license into their language. Apparently, a native speaker has to translate on the official document my driver's license from English to their language. Nice. The man who drove us yesterday said that he would call sometime between 9am and 12pm today to take me. I'm not holding my breath.
Last week I ended up at one of the various malls for lunch. What's different about the Food Court in this part of the world is the "Ladies Section". Most public areas, including restaurants, sports clubs, and parks, have a section for women only. A very nice Persian restaurant adjacent to our hotel even had a separate entrance on the side for women. Women unescorted by men are usually found in the Ladies Section. That's where I ended up enjoying my lamb shwarma and mutable. Besides some Asian girls, I was the only one not completely covered. I felt kinda lonely until a precious little boy playing with a balloon tried to get me to play with him. I love it when the Father sends me a gentle reminder in the midst of awkward moments.
The local women completely cover their bodies in an abaya. Many of which or ornately designed with beading and sequence. These women are not hurting financially and even though they are completely covered, they are covered in style. The only part of their body which can be seen is their eyes. Some women even wear a thin black cloth covering their entire face. Unusual in other parts of the mslm world, but typical here. You might wonder what to do when you see one of these women walking towards you. I generally smile and make eye contact--when you can see their eyes. It's amazing to watch their eyes widen with my genuine contact with them. I would assume that many western women turn away or stare awkwardly at them as they pass in the malls and on the streets.
C has introduced me to many colleagues from the academy and I always remind myself not to stick out my hand like I typically would in the States. It is not appropriate for a man and woman to touch unless you are related. Therefore, our natural instinct of reaching out and shaking hands with a new person is offensive and culturally not acceptable. Now, if the man extends his hand first, then it's okay. But that is not very common.
I was doing good with this until C introduced me to a man who had been raised in the States, but has in the past decade moved his life and beliefs to this region. When I stuck out my hand he waved me off. Ouch! At first I was embarrassed by my cultural mistake, then I was ticked off because the guy was an American and should know better. Of course I would naturally shake the hand of another American! But, in the end, I'm a woman and what I think or believe in this region doesn't make a dent within the male dominated society.
Yesterday I spent 3 hours at a local Carrefour (found everywhere in this region) to purchase all the household items needed to set up house. After filling up my cart with only household items, I realized that I didn't have room for groceries. I paid for the items in my cart and then headed back into the store for the food items. For those of you in the South, I cracked up when I found several "Kroger" brand items. While shopping I ran into a mom with 2 kids who had just arrived from Houston. We both shared our arrival experiences and helped each other find a few items in the massive store. It's comforting to hear an accent so close to home.
I would like to say that I have the most amazing husband! Saturday I was sick...we are talking REAL sick. One of our new friends offered to drive us around to search for housing. There is a reason most people drive 4wd and SUV's here. Many times a paved road ends and you are required to create your own. So, each time that happened, my stomach churned just a wee bit more. By the time we decided to quit our search we took another roundabout and I had it. Don't worry, you are not going to read something gross! For the sake of young readers, I'll just say that I lost my lunch on the side of the road. C was right there holding me up and then washed off my feet. (note to self: do not wear flip flops while stomach is queasy.) He took care of me the rest of the day AND did all of our laundry at a friend's home. WOW! Much love to you Mr. Man!
Points to Ponder:
--C's students arrive on Sunday. Ask for quick memory with names/faces and that he will feel confident in the classroom.
--C's relationship with fellow teachers will continue to deepen.
--Thanks: great time of fellowship last Friday! Wonderful opportunities to plug in with like-minded people.
--Thanks: no driving accidents...continue to lift that up!
--E will discover more opportunities to meet women
--C&E: continue in their personal study time; work together in all situations; find favor in purchasing a vehicle at the end of the month.
PS--we do have pictures of the area and will get them up when possible
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
