Thomas' First Prize

T entered the Eid Card competition at school for Eid several weeks ago.
He won.

The best part is his little hand drawn picture inside the card.

Did your 7 year old ever draw a little boy with a "cute" goat and knife in hand ready to slaughter?
Mine did and I'm not concerned!
 
Some things are just different for us here.
m

A walk in the park

Yesterday I went to the park with T so he could run, ride, climb, and enjoy while I walked the 1/4 mile loop.  It was hot as I walk fully covered from head to toe but it felt so great to just be outside and enjoy the trees, semi-grass, and watch the world fly by.
The park had scattered groups of others enjoying the outdoors.  One group of 3 men sat under the only pavilion  providing shade (later I was to determine that these were the gardeners), another single man sat alone behind a bush at the far edge (weird), a family sat under the shade of a tree, and several groups of couples sat enjoying their lunches.
After several loops past the man "hiding" behind the bush, I watched two burka clade women walk towards him.  One sat down in the grass about 10 feet away while the other one sat down next to him as close as possible.... interesting.
Was this courting South Asian style?  Were they suppose to be there or out shopping?  Who was he? Who were they? Sisters, friends?  What was I witness to? I love to speculate!
It was fun to watch them interact as I passed them repeatedly.

Then suddenly the enjoyment ended.
The oldest of the three "guardners" with his white long beard and prayer cap covered head moved with determination towards the three young people.  I cut my loop short so as to not interrupt his rage and watched from a distance with  my little boy close at my side as he broke up their secret meeting. I have no idea what was spoken between them but I saw the group break apart.
What just happened?
Why did fear grip my heart as I watched him walk towards them and yet at the same time I wanted to run between them and shield them from his rage?
What should I have done? Where do I belong in all this mess?

Life here is certainly not a walk in the park.  For so many survival is day to day, let alone falling in love in a place where love is arranged. Life here is hard.  Life here hurts. Life here is so hopeless.

SAVIOR's HERE (kari jobe)

You bring hope You bring life 

Awaken hearts open eyes 

With our voices hear them rise 

We call these dry bones to come alive 

You are faithful you are true 

We can always run to ...

...Love that never fails 

Arms that never close 

Blood that covers sin 

Grace that never ends 

You have saved us 

You have won 

Sin is broken 

Death is gone 

Freedom's found us 

Breakthrough's near 

In your presence 

No more Fear 

Our savior's here 

Our savior's here 

Faith is stirring 

Hearts are free 

Chains are broken when we believe 

You are mighty you come through 

We can always run to...

You opened the blind eyes

Heal our sickness you alone 

You opened my blind eyes gave me a new life 

Oh yeah, our savior's here

May God use us to bring hope, freedom, faith, love, and grace to all through the good news of Jesus.

m

Vote for Amina, Vote for Toffees

Recently at T's school they had election for head girl and head boy. Signs hung on the school walls, speeches were made and a rally was held to announce the winners.
As the election week progress I watched my son evaluate who he would vote for:
"Assif gave me one rupee.  I think I will vote for him."
"Rosie says she will give the whole school money if we vote for her."
"Amina told us we would all get a toffee if she won."

Wow!!! At seven years old the age old game of empty promises and bribery has begun. But at seven there's no hiding the truth.  The poster's themselves honestly describe the bribery to be given out if votes are cast in their support.

So, my son came home with ink on his thumb, having cast his vote for Amina.
He didn't get any toffee.
But he got to vote.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all,  

1 Timothy 2:1-6a

My vote is cast.

I choose the one who fulfilled all the promises of God.

He gets my vote, today and every day after!

Happy to be a citizen of another kingdom,

m