I'm Back!!

Hello All! Sorry it's been so long since my last post. The past couple of weeks have been so busy! I went home to Alabama for a short visit and to do some shopping. So many tears of joy to see and hold my daughters again and to see my mother and sister and my best buddies. The timing was great because I got to be home for my mothers birthday- what a special time to be with my family and loved ones! I was kept very busy with catching up and shopping and unfortunately household repairs and maintenance.  AC was out when I arrived and several other repairs were required. I got everything done but was literally finishing up until the last minute before I had to get to the airport to return to Dubai. My daughter Dara kept me especially busy with a full agenda of mommy & me time to include an art class. I enjoyed every moment with her and Ashley and Tara. Tara has been studying abroad all summer and came home only 2 days before I had to leave but I was grateful for every minute.  I didn't get to visit with my former co workers as much as I wanted and didn't get to see some of them at all. I hope to make up for that when I return again at Christmas. I want to say a very special thanks to my beautiful sister, Pam. She has her own family to tend to, spends time every week with mother, helps out my daughters and oh by the way works a very demanding full time job. No wonder she stays so thin; I just want to know where she hides the fountain of youth she obviously has discovered and is keeping from the rest of us! You are amazing, Pam, and I appreciate everything you do so very much. She and her son, Jacob, made a special effort to stop at my house for one last hug goodbye the day I had to return . Once again, tears flowed copiously. Jacob said I'm sad when I'm in Dubai because I miss everyone and I'm sad when I'm home because I miss Dubai. I could only hug him tight and tell him it's not easy being me!

But I am home in Dubai and glad to be back! I have lots of pretty new dresses for my new job and I am so ready to get started. I have already begun in processing and will begin working full time very soon. I've seen my work station and have met a few new co workers but because this is Ramadan the work hours have been shortened and many employees take time off to be with family and participate in Ramadan traditions.

Ramadan is a very special time in the Muslim culture. It is a time of fasting and reflection with much emphasis placed on family and the community. Ramadan began 1 Aug and lasts until 29 Aug (I believe). I won't go into specific details about Ramadan- you can Google that. I intend to share my personal experience and observations. It is proper for women to have thier legs covered and at least shoulders, but not arms, covered. I have seen many non Muslim women with legs exposed but not short dresses; I believe I have enough long dresses and skirts so I can adhere as strictly as possible to the modest dress code expectations. Fasting begins at 4:30 am and ends at 7 pm. This changes by a few minutes every day but that is the general time frame here in Dubai. You cannot eat, drink or smoke in public AT ALL. Not even in your own car. At the facility where I work they have provided a refridgerator in an isolated area upstairs for non Muslims to have a drink or a snack but it is out of sight. They have also provided roof access for smokers. The day time temps hover around 110 degrees fahrenheit and that is before the humidity heat index is factored in- add at least another 10 degrees. I am a smoker and went up there a couple of times- it feels like you are about 3 inches from the sun when you are on a roof top in the middle of the dessert! I am appreciative of their consideration however I doubt I will go out there very often! Part of the purpose of fasting is to make one feel compassion and empathy for those who must go without due to poverty. While you are hungry and thirsty you are to be mindful of the less fortunate who must face everyday without the comfort of cool water and regular meals readily available. Muslims bring donations of food and money to thier mosque to be distributed to the less fortunate in thier area. I like that the donations are made and distributed within thier own community.

I want to speak with some of my new co workers to get more information about Ramadan before I write too much more. I don't want to provide incorect information!

Look for another post very soon. I got some great ideas for new posts while I was home and am looking forward to re connecting to my blogasphere buddies! Much love to all!! M&J