Living the life

Ramadan ended on Saturday, August 18th, and we enjoyed celebrating a three day holiday called Eid al-Fitr in our new country.  During Ramadan, Muslims spend much time in prayer and meditation and also give generously to others less fortunate.  It is illegal to eat or drink in public during the daylight hours (non-Muslims can of course partake in privacy) so most shops and restaurants are closed until after sunset at 7:00pm when the fast breaks each day.

During the Eid holiday the malls were packed with people shopping, eating, enjoying live music and watching traditional dances, getting henna tattoos (which are temporary), and spending time with friends and family.

We took a bus back to Al Ain on Monday so Mark and the kids could see the new house.  We also looked at some used appliances we are buying from a teacher there.  We got to see a lot more of our new city and even ran into Hello Kitty and Sponge Bob in the mall there (I had pictures of the kids with the characters but they were deleted by Griffen unfortunately.)

Here are some pictures that my friend AnnaMarie took of our new flat (mine were deleted as well.)

 












Living/Dining Room

 











Lovely kitchen

Each bedroom has a small enclosed balcony,

wardrobe for storage, and en suite bath.











Next week we will be getting our school and grade level assignments.  We are also supposed to be moving to a hotel in Al Ain then too, Inshallah.  With Ramadan and the Eid holiday things are moving slower than we would like.  But it's hard for any of us to complain when we are living in a 5 star hotel!  We have enjoyed spending time at the pool every single day!

Here are some random pictures...

Housekeeping even takes good care of the kids' babies/animals!

Posing by a beautiful fountain in Marina Mall









The money here is called 'durhams.'  One dollar=3.65 dirhams.  So 100 dirhams= 27 dollars.

At the grocery store today we spent 169 durhams, or $46.

It has taken a while to get used to and even the kids are finally saying durhams instead of dollars

I have officially stepped back into the 90's with my new cell phone.  It's crazy going from a smart phone touch screen droid to this.  But it will do for now.

Having 'grown-up time' while a friend volunteered to watch our combined 6 kids!  We had so much fun eating at the Belgian Cafe in the hotel!!!








Hopefully, I will be updating soon with more pictures.  Griffen is no longer allowed to touch the camera!

Let me know if you have questions.  I am happy to answer any and all.
Thank you again for your support, love and prayers!