My first interaction with Saudi women

The other day I was sitting in a little shop having a cookie and some juice. I was on the family side, which is where single women and families go (single men have their own side). A Saudi woman, covered in the traditional garb (Abaya and burka (hair scarf and face shield) came over and asked if she could sit with me. She spoke a litte English and we started to talk. Soon I realized that the other Saudi women, similarily dressed, across the aisle were with her. We all started talking. They wanted to know how I liked living here, why I was here and how long I had been here. They wanted to know what I knew about Islam and if I had a religion. I told them that I have been studying a little about Islam and that I am a Christian. They wondered if I was interested in converting, I politely told them no and then we started talking about how we both believe in God and in being virtous. We talked about the United States and life here in Saudi. They were very curious about me and about how I like it here. The told me that if I needed anything at all to contact them, we exchanged emails. They were so nice, one even took off her face scarf while we were talking.

This is the first time a Saudi women has said anything to me, it was very refreshing. They were so nice to me, I was afraid they were going to be upset because I didn't have my hair covered, but they just wanted to get to know me. They were just as fascinated with me as I was with them. I hope we can get to know each other a little better. It was perfect timing, just when I was complaining about how much some things here bother me (like the fact that the women have no rights) I am introduced to a bunch of wonderful women who seem very happy.

Maybe Saudi isn't so bad after all, granted, I still have to walk it I want to go anywhere because I can't drive, I can't go very far on my own, I can't work, and I am supposed to cover when I am in public (which I don't always do and haven't had any problems). I am getting used to it here, I don't think I could live my whole life here, but I will make our time here as happy as I can. :)

The slacker catching up

I have been volunteering at the local international school. Right now I am watching the high school classes so that I can learn some teaching/classroom management skills. I might start teaching spanish in the fall (a very daunting task if you ask me). I enjoy going to the school, makes Saudi seem more normal. The people there are very nice and I have made several good friends.



I made a really good friend here on the compound, Melanie. She has been here a number of years and works as an aide at the school. Or, I should say, lived here and worked. Unfortunately, she moved back to Scotland, gotta love our company!!!!!!##$$%$%#$# We became friends quickly, we had a lot in common and I think being here in such circumstances really helps to build friendships. So, she is back in Scotland now, yes, I shed a few tears, it was quite depressing. But, I am making other friends and things are good.



I am going to start swimming lessons in a week, I am excited and nervous. I haven't taught swimming lessons since I was in college, but I still remember what to do! I have been able to start swimming as well, my shoulder still bothers me and I don't know if I will be able to swim breast stroke as well or ever swim butterfly again, but I am trying to strenghten the muscles so that I can. One day at a time.



We have a little country-club type place that is about 20 minutes away, by foot. It has a private beach, where I can wear my bikini, at other beaches the women have to wear their Abayas. It is really nice, peaceful. They also have some places to eat and a nice gym. I think we are going to join, we only pay a small amount and the company pays the rest, it is much cheaper than a gym membership, that is for sure! Plus, it gives me something productive to do!!!!



I finally went on one of the long shopping trips to Dammam (the big city about an hour away) and I discovered paradise! They have a store called Tamimi, which is Safeway, and the sell American food! Yeah, I can buy shredded cheese, green chiles, tide free (liquid!) and many other things I can't get down here. So, I have decided that my major shopping will just have to happen once a month when the bus takes us up there. I was also able to find a cheap mixer (not a Kitchenaid, I am still trying to figure out how to get one), but this one will do. I have been making a lot of bread, rolls, etc, so I really need a good mixer. I am kicking myself for selling my KitchenAide. Now I have to see if I can buy a used one over there and bring it as a carry on when I come back from my visit in July. So, if you see a used one, grab it for me, I will pay you back!!! :)

Well, that is about it. I promise I will try and keep things more up to date so the entries aren't so long!!!

Elder Holland's visit

I don't know why I have had such a problem posting this about Elder Holland's visit, I am not going to go into too much detail because it was just such a spiritual experience that I can't really explain it all. Maybe one day you can read my journal :)

Elder Holland came to visit our Stake here in Saudi. Because our Stake covers pretty much the entire Persian Gult he made several stops and held small Stake Conferences in each area. Therefore, we were blessed to have him speak to us at the town about one hour away, there were about 120 of us in attendance. I can't really convey in words the sanctity of this experience, and don't really want to, it was very moving. He did give our area an Apostolic blessing, which was one of the most spiritual moments of my life. He told us to remember, that even here in the middle of the Middle East, we are not alone. That the Church leadership is aware of us, our trials, our successes and most importantly our needs. It had been about 25 years since an Apostle had been in Saudi Arabia so it was a unique blessing to be here for the historic occasion and to meet him and his wife personally.