Salam Park

Today we went to the biggest park in Riyadh.  We live in a compound that is a insulated from much of Saudi culture, so it was terrifice to see lots of normal folks enjoying themselves in a park like people do anywhere on the globe.  To boot, there was a lake, which is the first body of water I've seen since we arrived.  The park was full of people picnicking and enjoying time with their kids.  Elijah, Ellen, and Elijah loved the chance to run around.

J

Buying an Abaya

During my initial week in In Riyadh I had my first taste of life as a Saudi expat-woman; I wandered endless rows of black robes in search of the perfect Abaya. Racks and racks of black - some with no color, some with a hint of color on a sleeve or hem, some pushing the boundaries with lace or rhinestones. Those of you that know me well, know that I am all but paralized by these kinds of seemingly unimportant decisions. So many internal voices to satisfy..."to look beautiful, not too rich, not too ordinary, modest, stylish, tasteful, etc." After my gracious host took me to six stores and returned me to three others, I finally found what I was looking for. Beautiful, stylish, simple and yes very black. M

Shipping out

The trip to KSA was long, but full of small mercies. We had an 8 hour layover in Germany and had to get re-checked in, while 50% of us were sick.  Nonetheless, we found food and sleep.  Benjamin's usual unbridled will to move was subdued for the trip.  We were given grace to be patient.  Our kids were wonderful during a few bumpy moments.

J

Why Saudi?

A lot of friends and family have asked why we are going to Saudi Arabia.  Great question.  The short answer is we think God is calling us to go there.  After several years of reflection on how we can serve God with our gifts and desires, we think this makes sense.  A few broader points:

• We enjoy seeing how God's kingdom manifests itself in new settings.  I don't have a real concrete feel for how God is on the move in Saudi Arabia, but we're excited to see what this looks like.  Seeing God's power in new settings helps remind me that He's God and not me.
• I get to use my talents in a new work setting.  I delight in being a public servant and the Bible has given me a rich example in Daniel -- both in his excellence in performing his work  functions and his moral integrity.
• We get an opportunity to serve a new community in a new setting.  We've found that living abroad often provides an exciting sense of community where some of the normal walls we erect around our personal lives are a bit less rigid.
• We love new adventures and this often takes the form of seeing and learning about a new place.
• We get to save money - living in Washington DC is a big drag on our bank account!

-J