April

April has been a busy month. It seems that there has been more to do this month than usual. We planned our family trip to UT, went to the International Festival, Day of the Arts, Timmy started baseball, Laurie is winding down her year as librarian and is learning the elementary secretary job along with getting ready to start her Master’s degree, I finally finished writing a course (over 700 pages…I’m grateful for cut and paste), entertaining friends and…all the regular stuff that comes with living here.
The International Festival was outstanding. It was beautiful sights, awesome sounds and outstanding food. The American school did a great job as host.
When we walked in there was music…rock and roll..a band playing. I wondered if I was still in Saudi Arabia. It was awesome. As the night went on there was more music, dancing and singing. It was really surreal at times to think that I was in the desert, the big city of Riyadh, listening to and seeing these great talents.
The dancing was something to see. All the nations seem to have a dance..except the US. There is no national dance for us or traditional dress (maybe blue jeans, t-shirt and tennis shoes). But the other nations…wow. Some of the performers were from school while others came from outside the school. The Lebanese men they can dance and seemed to get the biggest applause. When the Arab women dance it seems that they put men into a hypnotic state (no wonder their men don’t want them dancing in public). Even the Saudi men were dancing and playing national instruments. It was all amazing.
Wandering around we got to see booths from all nations. There were traditional handicrafts and food along with advertisements to come see Country X. Everybody seemed so proud of their countries. Laurie told me that the Italian ambassador was so impressed that he’s going to ensure that the Italian booth is even better next year. The only booth that seemed a little sad was the US booth. But I found out that the students had gotten little help from the US embassy and no help from their advisor. So the students came up with the idea of quilts and decorated the booth themselves. When I looked at the booth again..it was still sad but I was proud of the work the students had put into it. The most popular item..a life-size cut out of President Obama (lots of pictures were taken).
The food that the restaurants were selling was incredible. I kept walking around trying to decide what to spend my Saudi riyals on. I settled on the Noodle House and was not disappointed. The spicy chicken, vegetable fried rice and fried ice-cream (yes fried..not rolled in cornflakes and then passed off as fried) with honey..well I was in heaven. The PTSO President made sure that the Noodle House packed up some food, free of charge, for us to take home and it was even better the next day.
All in all the evening was a great success with the school making money, people showing off their talents and all of us being able to just enjoy.
We recently entertained some friends with a Southern night. Laurie bought me a new cookbook and I have been dying to use the recipes. We had gourmet grits with corn and onion, pan seared chicken with bacon and garlic (Timmy’s new favorite dish..”Dad this is the best ever”), black-eyed peas and rice (the peas cooked for about 5 hours and even Laurie, who can’t stand black-eyed peas, said they made the house smell delish) and for dessert blueberry cobbler. I was a little unsure about how people would receive the grits. I was not prepared for all the compliments…really. It did make me feel good. What made me feel the best was watching Jacob eat…17 and with a hearty appetite (his Dad told me that they had had refried beans three times that week…Mom is in the States for the next couple of months). This new cookbook is making me want to have more dinner parties!
Today was the second week of baseball. It’s awesome to see Timmy get better. Last year Laurie and I told him that he needed to hustle more and this year he is. I love watching Timmy…he’s not the best but he really does do his best. The heat was killing me today..and today the coach asked me to help. So for an hour I was helping in that hot sun. It was over 100 at 0900!!!! I made sure my group took some extra breaks. Then a game between the two teams and training was finished for the week. We still have three more weeks.
Summer vacation we’re going to UT. I’ll be honest…I’d rather go to GA and see our land and do something with it. But we haven’t seen Laurie’s family for 2 years and I have a brother that lives in UT that I haven’t seen for about 10 years. It’s time to visit UT. Laurie’s Dad is renting a house in the mountains and hosting a family reunion…the first ever. The house is supposed to sleep 26..it’s 4,000 sq feet. I told Laurie that’s smaller than our villa and I couldn’t imagine 26 people staying with us. I know we’ll have fun and we are looking forward to seeing everyone.
Laurie is starting her Master’s next month but wanted to keep working next school year. However, being the librarian would have been too much. So she is going to be the part-time secretary for the elementary school (which means Timmy can still go and see his Mom when he wants to..he really likes that his Mom works at school…he told us that it makes him more popular...haha). This month Laurie has started learning her new job and slowly giving up “control” of the library. I don’t know who is going to plan the Halloween party, Dr Seuss week or all the other fun activities that Laurie does…but it’s time for a change and good luck to the new librarian!
I’ve been working on writing a course since January. In February I was asked if it was finished. I chuckled and told him it might be ready in March if I could work exclusively on it..my wish was granted and I started working. I didn’t finish in March but was finally finished this month. I’m glad that I found AF documents that had the info I wanted and was able to use them. I also found other information that I included. At times I thought I was going to go crazy. But 6 blocks and at least 700 pages later I finished with the student manuals / study guides. Now I have to create tests and slides and an exercise. I’ve got to work hard because we just briefed our big boss on our accomplishments and my understanding is that we will probably be teaching next year (at least we have this year to create and finish up). I’m not the only one working..all three of us are working on some course that has to be finished before next year.
Finally…Day at the Arts. The school put together a day to showcase the children’s talent. It was fun. Timmy has been practicing and practicing his recorder and did really well. He was also very excited about telling Laurie and I to look for a backdrop that he and Henry had done…it was a very nice backdrop for the 3 Little Pigs story (this one was different from the ones I remember…I don’t remember the wolf eating the pigs).
There was trip to Bahrain to "relax" and play tour guide. The Brit I work with wanted to come and he and his wife followed us. Up early on a Thursday morning. As we were crossing the causeway the Saudi's made him get some extra paperwork since he was driving his car over for the first time...that was fun. We finally get across the causeway and check-in at the hotel..The Elite Resort and Spa (all the rooms are suites and THAT was heaven). We went to the base, movie, Macaroni Grill, Taco Bell, Dariy Queen and an Indian Restaurant. It's always a fast weekend but we enjoy getting out of Saudi on occasion. And we love that we can shop at the Naval Base and get American bread, grits, cornmeal, poptarts (which are always gone in a week), laundry soap that we like and...the list goes on. We always come back into Saudi with the car loaded with groceries.
As I write this blog I realize what a great month it’s been. Life here can be exhausting, challenging and sometimes irritating….but..it’s never dull!!!!
See you all in May!

Visitors

I love visiting family and friends. I sometimes think of going on vacations and skipping visiting…but I really do enjoy visiting family and friends. I also love to have people visit us. In the States this was easy…just drive or fly and you had a free room at our house. Here in Saudi it can be more difficult. They only allow immediate family to visit. Immediate family means parents, grandparents and siblings. Which is kind of sad because there are SO many people we would love to host and have come and visit us here in the desert Kingdom. But we did have visitors!
Mom and Dad Wright came to visit us. My company immediately approved it and we were sent an e-mail from the Ministry approving the visit. Then our friends at Diran Visa, after some paperwork..e-mails..and phone calls, finally got Mom and Dad their visas.
Mom and Dad arrived on 11 Feb. Laurie made sure the room was perfect..making me drag stuff up there and help make the bed. New towels had been bought along with new pillow cases. Stuff for the bathroom..creams, shampoo and body wash…were put in cute baskets and ready. We even had chilled water for them (a tip we got from Val..she always has water in the guestroom).
Timmy and I went to pick them up at the airport. I wanted to get behind the doors and meet them in the luggage area. I figured it would be easier without Laurie (this is a man’s world). Laurie stayed behind at the villa to make sure everything was perfect. Timmy and I get to the airport. Up the escalator. Then down, because I had forgotten my wallet. Then up again. We consulted the board…the flight had landed. It shouldn’t be a problem to get behind the doors..mafi mushkala. Up we go to talk to the guard. I flash my million dollar smile…”Marhaba.” The guard looks at me..I was expecting a response.
“My Mother is here. It’s her first time and I have her abyaa. Can I meet her?” I’m still smiling.
“No.” This isn’t registering with me. I’m using my million dollar smile and that has never failed me.
“My mother is very old.” Mom Wright isn’t that old…but I wanted to meet them.
“No.” Hmmmm…this isn’t working at all like it’s supposed to.
“I work for the RSAF. See here’s my badge.” I give him my badge…still smiling.
“No.” Obviously he doesn’t understand…that’s the problem.
“I’m going to call someone that can explain who I am and why I need to help my Mother.” I call Capt Ziedan, the nicest Saudi officer and the one that got me to come over here. He doesn’t answer. So I start to call a Col that owes me a favor. But before I do….
“ID.”
I give him my RSAF badge. He looks at it.
“Dubai?”
“Yes. They’re coming from Dubai.”
He points to the tray. Timmy and I empty our pockets, walk through the metal detector and we’re in! (I knew my smile would work!)
There’s Mom and Dad at the immigration counter. They smile and wave at us. They finish up. One of the airport guys get their luggage…Mom puts on her abyaa..we go through security..then to the car.
They loved the villa. They loved that Laurie was here waiting for them. Ohhed and ahhed over their room.
For the next 13 days we had a great time. We went to Clock Tower (Dad loved taking pictures there…and so did the guys that he took pics of), to the malls, the camel souk, Fort Musmak, the top of Kingdom Tower where we could see for miles and old Riyadh (where history really does come alive if you listen..Laurie has a great post on this). We had an amazing time with them. We went places that we’ve been wanting to go to but haven’t. We saw things we haven’t seen since we’ve been here. But the best thing was just having visitors.
Timmy loved coming home and seeing his grandparents. Grandpa Wright would help with homework and ask questions to make sure Timmy understood. Grandma was here to ask about Timmy’s day and to shower him with her love.
Mom and Dad always told me how much they enjoyed eating whatever I had cooked. They both wanted to help Laurie with whatever she needed them to do (mostly she just wanted them to relax). In the evenings we sometimes watched “The Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency” (on DVD…really good) or “As Time Goes By” (also on DVD and really good). Other evenings we were out and about.
The visit was over too fast. When I came home from work on Wed Mom and Dad were gone. Our compound transportation had taken them to the airport, along with Laurie and Timmy (Laurie and Timmy came back). The villa seemed empty.
Now we have to work on my Dad and step-Mother.
IF the rules ever change…ALL of you are invited to be our guests and put us to the test (ha)!

Witnessed to

Thursday we went grocery shopping at Hyatt mall. They have a nice grocery store that we like called Danube. We finished shopping and were on our way to the car. Laurie made a detour so it was just Timmy and I leaving the mall with the bag boy behind us pushing the cart and ready to load the groceries into the car.
As Timmy and I come out of the mall there is a Saudi man standing there. Not a big deal after all this is Saudi Arabia and there are a lot of Saudi men. This man had a smile on his face. He stuck his hand out and gave me a very firm handshake (a little unusual in Saudi as a firm handshake can be seen as a sign of aggression). He asked “Are you Christian?” I replied “Yes, I’m Christian” (the Saudi’s want you to believe in some religion and I’m never afraid to tell people when they that I’m Christian). He could see that we had groceries so he asked if he could walk with us to the car. Sure. So we walk to the car.
As we walk he asks me “Have you ever studied the Koran?”
I replied “Yes. I’ve studied the Koran when I took a religion class from my university.”
“Very good” he says and smiles.
“What would you say is the main difference between the Bible and Koran?”
I answered “Well Christians believe that Christ is the son of….”
“No, I’m not asking what you believe. I want to know what you think is the difference between the Bible and Koran.”
“The difference, to me, is that the Bible was written by many prophets and the Koran was written by one.” I was hoping this is the right answer..or at least close to the right answer. By now we’re at the car.
“Yes” he smiled. “That’s correct. The Bible has many authors and they might see things differently. But the Koran was written by one person.”
He then takes my hand again and shakes it. He smiles and tells me “You are my brother. I don’t care if you are Christian or Muslim because you are my brother and I love you.” That touched me. I told him that we are brothers. He wished me a good day and was gone.
It’s unusual for a Saudi to approach you and ask about religion, etc.. I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. We were two friends talking about religion. It was an interesting experience and I’m glad I had it.
Jew, Christian, Muslim..we really all are brothers and sisters and we need to remember that…especially here in the Middle East

Our Timmy

I don’t usually write about Timmy. But a friend’s blog reminded me that time with our Timmy is short (he’s already 9 years old). I, like our friend, hope that what I’m / we’re doing is right for Timmy.
I’m so proud of Timmy..yes proud. It was 18 months ago when I met him and Laurie at the Riyadh airport. I still remember scanning the crowd and not seeing Laurie’s blond hair or Timmy’s red hair. For a moment I panicked thinking they had either missed the plane or were being delayed somewhere by security in the airport. Then I looked and saw a lone woman with a scarf on wearing a coat filling out paperwork. Near her was a red headed boy who did not look happy. I was proud of Timmy for leaving everything he knew behind and flying across the world to be with his Dad to a live in a foreign country.
I remember the first year of school…much bigger and academically challenging school than he came from. He kept a lot of stuff to himself but one evening he let it all out in sobs. What was really upsetting him were some bullies on the playground. After the evening of sobs he walked into the principal’s office the next morning, by himself, and told her about it. She took out a year book and had Timmy point out the boys. I was proud that he had the courage to go to the principal’s office by himself and point out the boys…the situation was resolved.
I’m proud that Timmy wants to do after school activities. He comes home excited looking over the list and picking two. Last time it was cooking and board games. Timmy would come home with recipes that we could make (French toast being his favorite he learned). This time around he wants to perform in the Wizard of Oz and baseball. I would have never done these activities and I’m proud that Timmy wants to do them and does them.
We’re not a sports oriented family but while we lived in Texas we signed Timmy up for T-ball. We all loved it. It was awesome to see Timmy go from hitting the ball off the T to seeing a coach pitch it to him and him hitting it. Here in Saudi he still enjoys playing baseball and basketball. I’m proud that he signs up each season for basketball….dribbles his heart out…makes some good shots…does his best. As for baseball he does well in that too. Last year was a little tough with the temps at 100….I made sure he drank plenty of water (but it was still tough). Timmy even got hit with the baseball and still kept playing and going. I’m proud of that.
I’m proud that he has developed a love of books. I love seeing him read. The school here promotes reading and he has to do a reading prompt each school day. But he reads even on the weekends. Timmy likes his adventure books or books about inventing something.
I’m proud that Timmy wants to listen to the scriptures, say family prayer and have Family home Evening. He wants to learn about religion. I don’t think I really cared one way or the other when I was 9…but Timmy does care.
I’m most proud that Timmy has learned and shows empathy, sympathy and inclusion. I know he doesn’t get this from me (I pretend not to care…because then I would get teary eyed). Laurie cares. But Timmy has a sense of empathy, sympathy and inclusion that is awesome. In Texas there was boy in his class who others excluded but Timmy always included him. When we left Texas Timmy’s teacher wrote him a note that said she hoped her son would grow up to be like Timmy (that brought tears to my eyes…still does). Here Timmy showed a friend empathy and sympathy when that friend had some of his friends die. Timmy told him that he knew what it was like to be without someone you really loved and liked. The counselor told Laurie that she got teary eyed when Timmy showed this awesome empathy and sympathy.
Timmy has his faults (messy room….leaves his stuff all over…) but we’ll work on that and one day, inshallah, he’ll learn the importance of a clean room, desk, house, etc… Timmy is a picky eater…again though it’s something we’re working on (and lately he hasn’t cried when I put veggies on his plates…he accepts them and nibbles at them).
I see a bright future for Timmy. But I hope that as he gets older that Laurie and I aren’t left behind or forgotten. I hope that Timmy will always want us around and to be included in his life. I hope that the memories Timmy has of his parents will always be good ones.
Yes, I’m proud of our Timmy.

Something is going on

Things have been very interesting things going on here at Jadawel Compound since the break-in a few weeks ago. Let’s start at the beginning.
A few weeks ago we all heard about a break-in where a safe had been stolen along with other stuff. The occupants were on vacation. When they came back and discovered the robbery they reported it. The driver, maid and d / m’s Mother were all taken to jail. The investigation is still going on.
The driver has been released. The women have not been released (which is why we had to hire a new maid). Rumors are that the Mom is the mafia princess (I’m not sure what that entails but at least she has a title).
Rumor is that a note with 50,000SAR (about $13,000) was thrown over the wall. The note was an apology for stealing their stuff. Interesting…but there’s more.
There have been at least 4 more break-ins. At one of the break-ins a note was left thanking the residents for the food…but making fun of them for not having anything worth stealing.
There were two attempted break-ins but a resident was in each of the villas and the would be thieves were scared off. But there’s more.
Rumor is that the security guys are shaking down the maids for money. They are telling the maids that they will frame them if they don’t get money. I’ve noticed that the maids aren’t walking around like they used to…they’ve gone into hiding.
Another rumor is that at least one security guy is a pimp for some of the maids..and of course getting his fair share of the money they’re making. Some of the maids are very young and pretty so I could see this happening.
Another interesting tidbit of corruption are the profitable parties. There are, rumor, 4 villas that charge everybody 75SAR ($20) to attend these parties. These parties aren’t limited to Jadawel residents…lots of young Arab (Saudi, Lebanese, Syrian and Jordanian) guys are coming onto the compound and partying. Again, the security guys are getting a cut because they 1) allow the Arabs on and 2) they move the furniture out of the LR and DR for the night and then move it back the next day.
Things are interesting here at Jadawel. I think I’ll have to take a walk late on Wed night to see what villas are partying. At least it’s never dull in Saudi Arabia.

Getting Groomed

For 22 years I got a haircut from either the barber or the beauty shop (I liked the beauty shop best...friendlier) on base. The military has all these rules on how the hair should look, be cut, etc.. and I accepted that. Before the military Mom and Dad decided how my hair was cut. Then I retired from the military and realized I could do whatever I wanted with my hair. I love it when the guys decide to grow the pony tail...love is a pretty strong word...amused is more like it. Personally I like the clean cut look.
Before I left San Angelo a new hair salon opened (I can’t remember the name of it). I went in and asked if I could get my hair cut with scissors...no problem. Wow my haircut looked better. I went again a few days before flying to the KSA. At that appointment I also asked if she could wax my ears (I get hair on my ears now!!!!). The stylist said she had never done that but was willing to try. She waxed my ears and then yanked out the hairs...my ears were so clean and shiny (the stylist liked the way my ears looked and said she was going to recommend this to all of her male customers).
I get to the KSA and notice that most Saudi men are very well groomed...much more than just a haircut. So I felt confident that I'd be ok when it came to a bager. Our compound has a barber and he’s really good. The problems...only open twice a week and you have to book a month to 6-weeks in advance. Sometimes I just want to drop in.
One day I was very frustrated and needed my hair cut so I stopped at a nice place. The sign said it was a Turkish Barber. I've had my hair cut in Turkey and like it. I go inside. One young guy speaks some English. He’s a stylist. I get my haircut, shampooed, he uses string to “pluck” the hair from my ears AND he trims my eyebrows. Wow. I had never been so pampered. I went back two more times. The third time he was gone and the other guy did a good job...but when he “cleaned” my ears he burned the hairs off...yes burned (my ears looked good but it was little nerve racking).
I found another Turkish Barber near..relatively speaking..our compound. Very limited English but we manage to communicate. The second time I went they asked if I wanted a manicure and pedicure. Sure why not. Then he looked at my ears and nose. The next thing I know he’s stuffing hot wax up my nose...lets it cool and then yanks it out along with all the nose hair. Wow did it hurt. BUT the inside of my nose looked better. He waxes my ears...they look very nice. The manicure and pedicure are nice. Suddenly I realize this is why women go to the beauty salon...to get groomed and pampered. I liked it.
This last time I went I not only got my ears, nose, haircut, manicure and pedicure but they also did a facial and shaved me. Wow. This is the life. Go and get fussed over for two hours and walk out looking and feeling better. This morning the guy at the gas station mentioned that I looked better (you know it’s a good day when the gas attendant mentions you look good).
Now I don’t just get my haircut...I get groomed and I like it. It’s a whole new world.