So, did Mommy eat too much Chinese food while pregnant?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Good book...busy weekend
I'm reading a very good book right now. It's Al-Qaeda: The True Story of Radical Islam by Jason Burke. A friend recommended it. She'd borrowed it from our pastor so I asked him for a loan as well. It gives such good information on Middle Eastern/Islamic culture. I highly recommend it. Even with all the activity this weekend I've still managed to put a pretty big dent in it. I read while the Peanuts watch cartoons, while I sit at Dominos waiting for our pizza. It's hard to put down.
This weekend has been pretty full. The Boss had invited a friend to sleep over but his family had a lot of stuff going on this weekend so it didn't work out. Luckily another friend called soon after and invited him to sleep over Thursday night. Then an American friend of his who was in his class a couple of years ago and showed up on our doorstep last weekend (he's visiting his dad for a month) came over yesterday afternoon and spent last night with us. He brought a really good movie that we all enjoyed watching. The Peanuts' reactions to different things in the movie were so cute.
Today we're just hanging around the house, working on phonics and word families with the Peanuts, Baba and the boss worked on grammar (maybe not such a good idea...the Little Prince selled his watch?). Now we're getting ready to eat lunch and then I'm cross stitching to Issues, Etc. I didn't get to listen yesterday so I need my fix.
Have a nice weekend!
This weekend has been pretty full. The Boss had invited a friend to sleep over but his family had a lot of stuff going on this weekend so it didn't work out. Luckily another friend called soon after and invited him to sleep over Thursday night. Then an American friend of his who was in his class a couple of years ago and showed up on our doorstep last weekend (he's visiting his dad for a month) came over yesterday afternoon and spent last night with us. He brought a really good movie that we all enjoyed watching. The Peanuts' reactions to different things in the movie were so cute.
Today we're just hanging around the house, working on phonics and word families with the Peanuts, Baba and the boss worked on grammar (maybe not such a good idea...the Little Prince selled his watch?). Now we're getting ready to eat lunch and then I'm cross stitching to Issues, Etc. I didn't get to listen yesterday so I need my fix.
Have a nice weekend!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Way to go!
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| Bart Ehrman | ||||
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Saturday, April 18, 2009
More Politics
I have to admit...I'm still pretty darn confused.Understanding Kuwait's political factions
It's a good article if you're interested in the political system over here.Diwaniyas are in full force before an election. A friend of mine said that she often returns home around 7 and has to circle the block looking for a place to park. When she doesn't find one she calls her husband and tells him to call her when they're done so she can come home.
Oh, the fun of politics!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Nice to know they have their priorities straight
| Isn't it amazing that in a country where morals are legislated and enforced they do such a horrible job of arresting the right people? In a place where their religion is supposed to promote mercy and submission to God's will they behave in the most evil ways with the people most dependent upon them for their welfare? Don't get me wrong...I really enjoy living here. There's nothing to look at here (flat and brown aren't just a nutshell...they're the whole description) and it's dusty more often that it's not. But it's a neat place to live. You haven't experienced hospitality until you've experienced Arabic hospitality. But when the following things happen so free and easily here, it's heartbreaking. Maids abducted by 4-man gang forced into a life of promiscuity | ||||
KUWAIT CITY : Police have arrested a four-man gang — two Egyptians, a Lebanese and an Iranian — for kidnapping and forcing Asian housemaids into prostitution, reports Al-Dar daily.
Lest I have you feeling that no one here is willing to do a good turn...
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009
And you think WE have election problems?
The difficulty in breaking away from the tribe
Published Date: April 10, 2009 By Hussain Al-Qatari, Staff writer
"We from the tribes are not traitors. We just have more devotion to our tribe than to the land that we live on," said Ali Al-Sehali as he sat in his diwaniya in Firdous, fidgeting with the threads of a carpet. His friend Naheth retorted, "We're not talking about us. It's the system that the tribes are used to. Our ancestors fought and traveled and lived beside other tribes. They were betrayed by tribes after having made truces with them. They feel insecure and still believe in the system of the tribe. We are different. We are young and educated and we have mingled with people who have different beliefs. But we can't fight the old ways. Most importantly, we can't fight the majority that feels insecure without being united," he said.
Tribesmen comprise more than 50 percent of voters in Kuwait with more than 170,000 voters distributed over Kuwait's five electoral districts. Although connected through familial bonds, as a political group they also represent an ideological faction - the Bedu or Bedouins. Sometimes Bedu are accused of being more loyal to their tribes than to Kuwait.
Bedouins come from the same ancestry and they mostly marry from within the tribe itself. Tribes have a leader whose role, in Kuwait, is to handle the finances of the tribe, gather the tribe members on occasions and speaks on behalf of the tribe. There are more than a dozen major tribes in Kuwait, including the Al-Azmi tribe which has more than 32,000 voters, the Al-Mutairi tribe with more than 27,000 and the Al-Ajmi tribe with more than 21,000 voters, scattered throughout Kuwait's five constituencies.
Tribesmen, or Bedu, differ from hadar (urban dwellers) in many ways, primarily that they cling to tradition and their association with the tribe is a key economic, social and political determinant in their life. Bedouins' dialect differs slightly from Kuwaiti hadar, their clothes often differ and they even have their own flags or ways of wearing their headdress.
Kuwait Times spoke to two young gentlemen who were at first hesitant about speaking to the press, but agreed on the condition that their identity remained anonymous. The two young men said that they were awaiting the decision from elders of their tribes that would determine when the primaries would be held. "The tribes that are having primaries agreed to set separate dates after the elections date was set," said Naheth, who is in his late thirties, studied law at Kuwait University and wrote for several newspapers about various topics.Naheth's tribe is a majority in the constituency where he lives. He has worked with MPs and candidates from his tribe several times before. He explained the dynamics of the debatable primaries to Kuwait Times.
Tribes in Kuwait vary in size and strength. Each tribe divides into different branches, and these branches vary in their number. When you ask someone about their tribe, they will tell you that they come from tribe so-and-so, branch so-and-so. Coming from the same branch makes you as close as immediate family to many tribesmen," he said.
Before the elections start, tribesmen announce to the leaders and the elderly that they plan to run for elections. "Tribes see themselves as one unit. They don't see themselves as citizens first, no. To them, the first priority is the tribe, and then comes the rest. If someone from the same tribe is running for elections, you will automatically vote for him, not anyone else," explained Ali, who feels passionately about the abolition of the primaries and tribalism. He explained that tribalism and primaries do not actually work in favor of tribes people but actually work against them.
In 1996, a paragraph was added to Article 45 of Kuwait's Elections Law mandating that whoever becomes involved in primary elections, whether the basis of that is sectarian or tribal, is subject to a KD 2,000 fine and no more than three years imprisonment. In the 2008 elections, violence broke after security forces have seized tribesmen secretly holding primary elections. Streets were closed, security forces have used teargas and rubber bullets, people were injured and hundreds were referred to the court.
When representing people in the National Assembly, a tribe - or anyone for that matter - needs someone who is skilled and well-spoken. Do you know how unfair primaries are to such qualified people?" He illustrated his point with an example. "Let's assume that a certain tribe has two candidates running for elections in the third constituency. One of them is a university professor, and the other one is a school guard who can barely read and write. The professor comes from a branch that has less population in the constituency, while the school guard has a larger number of relatives. Do you know who wins in this case? The illiterate school guard. Voters in primaries do not look at qualifications: they look at ancestry.
Debating the legality of primaries, Ali said that many tribal figures demand that they be equated with political parties and affiliations. "This is where ancestry and politics bleed into each other. Primary supporters see themselves as political entities and they behave as such, but they do not have an agenda. They want representatives in the parliament to help make their lives easier and stall the lives of the rest of Kuwaitis. Tribal members are not in the National Assembly for the nation. They are not there for Kuwait. They are there for their tribe alone.
Speaking about what seems to be a coalition between tribalism and conservatism, Naheth explained that there are many tribal candidates that are blessed with the support of two factions: their tribes and the grouping that they belong to which follows their line of thought. "Mohammad Hayef, for example, is a Salafi who had the support of Kuwait's Salafis and the support of the Mutairi tribe," he noted. "A tribe usually chooses as many people as possible to run for elections. They give the voter many 'options' to vote for in order to increase the chance that the tribe will have a winning representative," added Naheth.
Shiites are regarded as a minority to many tribals. "They do not form any threat," said Naheth. "But some candidates choose to win their hearts and have them on their side so they can do them favors and expect them to return the favor by voting for them. Or sometimes, they promise them to help them build Shiite mosques in their constituencies where there aren't many Shiites mosques. This actually took place last year when I was working with a candidate from my tribe," he admitted.
In regard to liberals, tribesmen view them as Westernized and corrupt. "Yes, there are cases where people from tribes would vote for liberals, but these are individual decisions. They are not made on behalf of the tribe," explained Naheth.
Being from a minority tribe, believes Ali, is an advantage for him. "I don't face the pressure that the majority of tribes people face. I know people who are university educated but are still forced to vote for their tribe because they can't disobey the elders." He wished, however, that Kuwait becomes one constituency so that he would not feel useless in his own district. "Right now, living here, I don't mean anything to anyone. The tribes have tens of thousands in our constituency, and aside from them, there are people that run for elections knowing well that they have no chance of winning. A Shiite running in the fourth constituency, for example, similar to what happened last year, can't beat the tribesmen.
Naheth believes that if the one constituency proposal is taken seriously, there may be a chance in altering the status quo and having different results. "Tribes will still feel the necessity of having primaries; someone has to represent us in the parliament. But the others will have the opportunity to vote for someone that represents them and we won't have any all-tribal constituencies anymore." He added: "I am a tribesman, and I respect my tribe. This is my ancestry and I cannot deny it. But I have no respect for anyone, whether tribal or not, who chooses something over Kuwait.
This is the first of a multipart series examining the political factions in Kuwait from an ideological perspective.
Published Date: April 10, 2009 By Hussain Al-Qatari, Staff writer
"We from the tribes are not traitors. We just have more devotion to our tribe than to the land that we live on," said Ali Al-Sehali as he sat in his diwaniya in Firdous, fidgeting with the threads of a carpet. His friend Naheth retorted, "We're not talking about us. It's the system that the tribes are used to. Our ancestors fought and traveled and lived beside other tribes. They were betrayed by tribes after having made truces with them. They feel insecure and still believe in the system of the tribe. We are different. We are young and educated and we have mingled with people who have different beliefs. But we can't fight the old ways. Most importantly, we can't fight the majority that feels insecure without being united," he said.
Tribesmen comprise more than 50 percent of voters in Kuwait with more than 170,000 voters distributed over Kuwait's five electoral districts. Although connected through familial bonds, as a political group they also represent an ideological faction - the Bedu or Bedouins. Sometimes Bedu are accused of being more loyal to their tribes than to Kuwait.
Bedouins come from the same ancestry and they mostly marry from within the tribe itself. Tribes have a leader whose role, in Kuwait, is to handle the finances of the tribe, gather the tribe members on occasions and speaks on behalf of the tribe. There are more than a dozen major tribes in Kuwait, including the Al-Azmi tribe which has more than 32,000 voters, the Al-Mutairi tribe with more than 27,000 and the Al-Ajmi tribe with more than 21,000 voters, scattered throughout Kuwait's five constituencies.
Tribesmen, or Bedu, differ from hadar (urban dwellers) in many ways, primarily that they cling to tradition and their association with the tribe is a key economic, social and political determinant in their life. Bedouins' dialect differs slightly from Kuwaiti hadar, their clothes often differ and they even have their own flags or ways of wearing their headdress.
Kuwait Times spoke to two young gentlemen who were at first hesitant about speaking to the press, but agreed on the condition that their identity remained anonymous. The two young men said that they were awaiting the decision from elders of their tribes that would determine when the primaries would be held. "The tribes that are having primaries agreed to set separate dates after the elections date was set," said Naheth, who is in his late thirties, studied law at Kuwait University and wrote for several newspapers about various topics.Naheth's tribe is a majority in the constituency where he lives. He has worked with MPs and candidates from his tribe several times before. He explained the dynamics of the debatable primaries to Kuwait Times.
Tribes in Kuwait vary in size and strength. Each tribe divides into different branches, and these branches vary in their number. When you ask someone about their tribe, they will tell you that they come from tribe so-and-so, branch so-and-so. Coming from the same branch makes you as close as immediate family to many tribesmen," he said.
Before the elections start, tribesmen announce to the leaders and the elderly that they plan to run for elections. "Tribes see themselves as one unit. They don't see themselves as citizens first, no. To them, the first priority is the tribe, and then comes the rest. If someone from the same tribe is running for elections, you will automatically vote for him, not anyone else," explained Ali, who feels passionately about the abolition of the primaries and tribalism. He explained that tribalism and primaries do not actually work in favor of tribes people but actually work against them.
In 1996, a paragraph was added to Article 45 of Kuwait's Elections Law mandating that whoever becomes involved in primary elections, whether the basis of that is sectarian or tribal, is subject to a KD 2,000 fine and no more than three years imprisonment. In the 2008 elections, violence broke after security forces have seized tribesmen secretly holding primary elections. Streets were closed, security forces have used teargas and rubber bullets, people were injured and hundreds were referred to the court.
When representing people in the National Assembly, a tribe - or anyone for that matter - needs someone who is skilled and well-spoken. Do you know how unfair primaries are to such qualified people?" He illustrated his point with an example. "Let's assume that a certain tribe has two candidates running for elections in the third constituency. One of them is a university professor, and the other one is a school guard who can barely read and write. The professor comes from a branch that has less population in the constituency, while the school guard has a larger number of relatives. Do you know who wins in this case? The illiterate school guard. Voters in primaries do not look at qualifications: they look at ancestry.
Debating the legality of primaries, Ali said that many tribal figures demand that they be equated with political parties and affiliations. "This is where ancestry and politics bleed into each other. Primary supporters see themselves as political entities and they behave as such, but they do not have an agenda. They want representatives in the parliament to help make their lives easier and stall the lives of the rest of Kuwaitis. Tribal members are not in the National Assembly for the nation. They are not there for Kuwait. They are there for their tribe alone.
Speaking about what seems to be a coalition between tribalism and conservatism, Naheth explained that there are many tribal candidates that are blessed with the support of two factions: their tribes and the grouping that they belong to which follows their line of thought. "Mohammad Hayef, for example, is a Salafi who had the support of Kuwait's Salafis and the support of the Mutairi tribe," he noted. "A tribe usually chooses as many people as possible to run for elections. They give the voter many 'options' to vote for in order to increase the chance that the tribe will have a winning representative," added Naheth.
Shiites are regarded as a minority to many tribals. "They do not form any threat," said Naheth. "But some candidates choose to win their hearts and have them on their side so they can do them favors and expect them to return the favor by voting for them. Or sometimes, they promise them to help them build Shiite mosques in their constituencies where there aren't many Shiites mosques. This actually took place last year when I was working with a candidate from my tribe," he admitted.
In regard to liberals, tribesmen view them as Westernized and corrupt. "Yes, there are cases where people from tribes would vote for liberals, but these are individual decisions. They are not made on behalf of the tribe," explained Naheth.
Being from a minority tribe, believes Ali, is an advantage for him. "I don't face the pressure that the majority of tribes people face. I know people who are university educated but are still forced to vote for their tribe because they can't disobey the elders." He wished, however, that Kuwait becomes one constituency so that he would not feel useless in his own district. "Right now, living here, I don't mean anything to anyone. The tribes have tens of thousands in our constituency, and aside from them, there are people that run for elections knowing well that they have no chance of winning. A Shiite running in the fourth constituency, for example, similar to what happened last year, can't beat the tribesmen.
Naheth believes that if the one constituency proposal is taken seriously, there may be a chance in altering the status quo and having different results. "Tribes will still feel the necessity of having primaries; someone has to represent us in the parliament. But the others will have the opportunity to vote for someone that represents them and we won't have any all-tribal constituencies anymore." He added: "I am a tribesman, and I respect my tribe. This is my ancestry and I cannot deny it. But I have no respect for anyone, whether tribal or not, who chooses something over Kuwait.
This is the first of a multipart series examining the political factions in Kuwait from an ideological perspective.
Monday, April 13, 2009
The sound of music...do re mi fa..
Oh, and this one has been renamed "Name I Call Myself". Gotta love the Diva's way of naming things.
Sound of Music - favourite things
This is the Diva's new favorite bedtime song. Only she calls it "Dog Bites".
Oh, the memories this brings!
Enjoy!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
From the reading for Easter Sunday from The Treasury of Daily Prayer:
The Resurrection of Our Lord-Easter Sunday
Easter is the oldest and highest of all Christian festivals-the festival of festivals, the feast of feasts! On this day, when Christ first stepped triumphantly from the ranks of the dead, all our waiting is declared to be a waiting that is already completed; Christ's triumph makes all the waiting that follows in our lives of faith a building anchored on the foundation that was laid when He whom the builders rejected became the Cornerstone. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
From John Chrysostom (TDP for today):
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
If any man is a devout lover of God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast. If any man is a wise servant, let him rejoicing enter into the joy of the Lord. If any has labored long in fasting, let him now receive his recompense. If any has [worked] from the first hour, let him today receive his just reward. If any has come at the third hour, let him have no misgivings; because he will in no [way] be deprived thereof. If any has delayed until the ninth hour, let him draw near, fearing nothing. If any has tarried even until the eleventh hour let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness; for the Lord, who is jealous of his honor, will accept the last even as the first; He gives rest to him who comes at the eleventh hour, even as to him who has [worked] from the first hour. And he shows mercy on the last, and cares for the first [and to the one he gives, and upon the other he bestows gifts]. And He both accepts the deeds, and welcomes the intention, and honors the acts and praises the offering.
Wherefore, enter you all into the joy of your Lord; and receive your reward, [both the first, and likewise the second]. You rich and poor together, hold high festival. You sober and you heedless, honor the day. Rejoice today, both you who have fasted and you who have disregarded the fast. The table is full-laden; feast you all sumptuously. The calf is fatted; let no one go away hungry. All of you, enjoy the feast of faith: Receive all the riches of loving-kindness. Let no one bewail his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed. Let no one weep for his iniquities, for pardon has shone forth from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Savior's death has set us free. He who was held prisoner of it, has annihilated it. By descending into Hell, he has made Hell captive. He angered it when it tasted his flesh. And Isaiah, foretelling this, did cry: Hell, said he, was angered, when it encountered You in the lower regions. It was angered for it was abolished. It was angered, for it was mocked. [It was angered, for it was slain.] It was angered for it was overthrown. It was angered for it was fettered in chains. It took a body, and met god face to face. It took earth, and encountered Heaven. It took that which was seen, and fell upon the unseen. O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory?
Christ is risen, and you are overthrown. Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the Angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life reigns. Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave. For Christ, being risen from the dead, has become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages. Amen.
The Resurrection of Our Lord-Easter Sunday
Easter is the oldest and highest of all Christian festivals-the festival of festivals, the feast of feasts! On this day, when Christ first stepped triumphantly from the ranks of the dead, all our waiting is declared to be a waiting that is already completed; Christ's triumph makes all the waiting that follows in our lives of faith a building anchored on the foundation that was laid when He whom the builders rejected became the Cornerstone. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
From John Chrysostom (TDP for today):
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
If any man is a devout lover of God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast. If any man is a wise servant, let him rejoicing enter into the joy of the Lord. If any has labored long in fasting, let him now receive his recompense. If any has [worked] from the first hour, let him today receive his just reward. If any has come at the third hour, let him have no misgivings; because he will in no [way] be deprived thereof. If any has delayed until the ninth hour, let him draw near, fearing nothing. If any has tarried even until the eleventh hour let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness; for the Lord, who is jealous of his honor, will accept the last even as the first; He gives rest to him who comes at the eleventh hour, even as to him who has [worked] from the first hour. And he shows mercy on the last, and cares for the first [and to the one he gives, and upon the other he bestows gifts]. And He both accepts the deeds, and welcomes the intention, and honors the acts and praises the offering.
Wherefore, enter you all into the joy of your Lord; and receive your reward, [both the first, and likewise the second]. You rich and poor together, hold high festival. You sober and you heedless, honor the day. Rejoice today, both you who have fasted and you who have disregarded the fast. The table is full-laden; feast you all sumptuously. The calf is fatted; let no one go away hungry. All of you, enjoy the feast of faith: Receive all the riches of loving-kindness. Let no one bewail his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed. Let no one weep for his iniquities, for pardon has shone forth from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Savior's death has set us free. He who was held prisoner of it, has annihilated it. By descending into Hell, he has made Hell captive. He angered it when it tasted his flesh. And Isaiah, foretelling this, did cry: Hell, said he, was angered, when it encountered You in the lower regions. It was angered for it was abolished. It was angered, for it was mocked. [It was angered, for it was slain.] It was angered for it was overthrown. It was angered for it was fettered in chains. It took a body, and met god face to face. It took earth, and encountered Heaven. It took that which was seen, and fell upon the unseen. O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory?
Christ is risen, and you are overthrown. Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the Angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life reigns. Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave. For Christ, being risen from the dead, has become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages. Amen.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Happy Easter!
Tomorrow is Easter! I'll read the last devotion in "Reliving the Passion" by Walter Wangerin. (I love that book!) After the Boss finishes taekwondo we'll head to church with the Peanuts for the Easter service. The kids don't have school since their school's owners have wisely scheduled a day called Revision Day. Alas, my school is too afraid to remind the parents that not all their kids' teachers are Muslims so it's back to school for me. {sigh}
I've been making my own little preparations tonight. I've changed various avatars on discussion boards and in the morning I'll change my mobile's ring tone from "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" to "The Hallelujah Chorus".
Baba is sitting front of me loading the tea bags into our new tea box. When he first told me he was making it I thought he said T-box. I had no idea what that was supposed to be. This looks like a giant chess board that opens to show compartments for storing tea bags. It's gorgeous! He's also been fixing various things on the new car for me. I'm so blessed to have a husband like him.
The Peanuts are in bed will enjoy a day off tomorrow with their big brother. They went down amazingly easily tonight. I'm always glad when that happens but have to halfway worry what's up. LOL
Well, everyone, have a wonderful Easter and God bless you all!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Out of the Mouth of an Ass
Got an e-mail this week:
So, let me tell you my story. Do you have any idea what it’s like to be saddled with ears like what I got? And when I go to open my mouth, what comes out but this obnoxious sound: “Hee-haw! Hee-haw!”
Everyone made fun of me. All the other animals. They said I was half-grown. They said I was God’s joke on the animal kingdom. They said I wasn’t good for anything but carrying heavy burdens on my back. They said I was as stupid was I was stubborn.
I used to let it get to me. I used to feel kinda low. But then one day something happened. Something that changed me forever. And now, when I swagger down the street, all those smarty animals look at me with envy. Let me tell you about it. It happened like this.
There I was, mindin’ my own business, munchin’ away on some grass. It was spring and boy did that fresh grass taste great. I mean, you gotta imagine what it’s like to have straw shoved down your throat all winter long. Yuck! Now, where was I? Oh, yea. I was eatin’ this new grass, when along come these people that I never laid eyes on before. They walked right up to me, untied me and started to lead me away.
Well, do you think I was just going to let them donkey-nap me? No way. I started my hee-hawing and planted my feet firm. And pretty soon my owner showed up and wanted to know what these bozos were up to, making off with his prize donkey, right? So, I settle back to hear him tell them off. Only he doesn’t. They say to him: “The Lord has need of him.” And right away my owner wacks me with a stick and tells me to start with these men I’ve never seen. Now, I ask you, does this make any sense?
So there I was, feeling dejected, rejected, and humbled. Handed over to strangers without a fight. But then, they bring me to Him. You humans. You humans are so blind. You can’t see what’s right before your eyes. But not us animals. We are not so stupid as to not recognize the hand that made us. I started shivering and shaking, let me tell you. I was scared. I mean, there was God. All got up like a human. Well, I mean, He was a human. But it was God. You get what I mean? And He looks into my eyes and He knows that I know who He is, right? And you know what He done?
He smiled. He smiled and He winked. Like it was a big secret between me and Him. And then they lift him up on my back. My back. Here I was, your average donkey, and the Creator of all actually sat Himself down on my back. Let me tell you, I held my head up high.
Who notices a donkey? I mean, you’d have to be a donkey to realize how everybody ignores you. But not that day, no siree. They crowded around me and they sang to Him. Clothes were coming off as people lined the path before my feet. Palm branches filled the air. And everyone everywhere was shoutin’ “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel. Hosanna in the highest!”
Down that big hill and then up to the city walls, I carried Him. And I could tell He was glad, and yet sad. You see, He was riding to that City to die. His look told me that too. He was going to die to fix this world. He was going to die to get rid of the death and sorrow that fills this place. He was going die to open up the way back home – back to where we all really belong. Donkeys too.
When He got off my back we were right outside the temple. He looked into my eyes and I don’t mind tellin’ youse – I couldn’t hold back the tears. But the look He gave me was as clear as it could be: “It’s not good-bye, donkey! It’s until we meet again! Because even though I die, I am not going to remain dead. I’m going rise again!” And then He smiled that smile and I was the happiest donkey in the world.
Now, like I said, you humans sometimes are so blind. I’m sure you don’t mean to be, but it amazes us animals. Because just like the Master rode into town on that fine spring day in Jerusalem, He still rides into your town. Only this time, I don’t get to carry Him, this time He comes on bread and wine. I mean, if you had animal eyes you’d see Him right there, right there on that altar after the words are spoken: “This is my body given for you; this is my blood shed for you, for the forgiveness of sins.” The same Jesus – the one that rode on my back. He comes to you right there, and then I wish I was a human so I could smile and receive Him too. Because when you sing: “Hosanna in the highest and blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” each week, it’s just like it happened all over again, and I’m carrying Him into town.
Humans! Do you even begin to realize the blessings you got? Open your eyes. Take it from a donkey.
So, let me tell you my story. Do you have any idea what it’s like to be saddled with ears like what I got? And when I go to open my mouth, what comes out but this obnoxious sound: “Hee-haw! Hee-haw!”
Everyone made fun of me. All the other animals. They said I was half-grown. They said I was God’s joke on the animal kingdom. They said I wasn’t good for anything but carrying heavy burdens on my back. They said I was as stupid was I was stubborn.
I used to let it get to me. I used to feel kinda low. But then one day something happened. Something that changed me forever. And now, when I swagger down the street, all those smarty animals look at me with envy. Let me tell you about it. It happened like this.
There I was, mindin’ my own business, munchin’ away on some grass. It was spring and boy did that fresh grass taste great. I mean, you gotta imagine what it’s like to have straw shoved down your throat all winter long. Yuck! Now, where was I? Oh, yea. I was eatin’ this new grass, when along come these people that I never laid eyes on before. They walked right up to me, untied me and started to lead me away.
Well, do you think I was just going to let them donkey-nap me? No way. I started my hee-hawing and planted my feet firm. And pretty soon my owner showed up and wanted to know what these bozos were up to, making off with his prize donkey, right? So, I settle back to hear him tell them off. Only he doesn’t. They say to him: “The Lord has need of him.” And right away my owner wacks me with a stick and tells me to start with these men I’ve never seen. Now, I ask you, does this make any sense?
So there I was, feeling dejected, rejected, and humbled. Handed over to strangers without a fight. But then, they bring me to Him. You humans. You humans are so blind. You can’t see what’s right before your eyes. But not us animals. We are not so stupid as to not recognize the hand that made us. I started shivering and shaking, let me tell you. I was scared. I mean, there was God. All got up like a human. Well, I mean, He was a human. But it was God. You get what I mean? And He looks into my eyes and He knows that I know who He is, right? And you know what He done?
He smiled. He smiled and He winked. Like it was a big secret between me and Him. And then they lift him up on my back. My back. Here I was, your average donkey, and the Creator of all actually sat Himself down on my back. Let me tell you, I held my head up high.
Who notices a donkey? I mean, you’d have to be a donkey to realize how everybody ignores you. But not that day, no siree. They crowded around me and they sang to Him. Clothes were coming off as people lined the path before my feet. Palm branches filled the air. And everyone everywhere was shoutin’ “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel. Hosanna in the highest!”
Down that big hill and then up to the city walls, I carried Him. And I could tell He was glad, and yet sad. You see, He was riding to that City to die. His look told me that too. He was going to die to fix this world. He was going to die to get rid of the death and sorrow that fills this place. He was going die to open up the way back home – back to where we all really belong. Donkeys too.
When He got off my back we were right outside the temple. He looked into my eyes and I don’t mind tellin’ youse – I couldn’t hold back the tears. But the look He gave me was as clear as it could be: “It’s not good-bye, donkey! It’s until we meet again! Because even though I die, I am not going to remain dead. I’m going rise again!” And then He smiled that smile and I was the happiest donkey in the world.
Now, like I said, you humans sometimes are so blind. I’m sure you don’t mean to be, but it amazes us animals. Because just like the Master rode into town on that fine spring day in Jerusalem, He still rides into your town. Only this time, I don’t get to carry Him, this time He comes on bread and wine. I mean, if you had animal eyes you’d see Him right there, right there on that altar after the words are spoken: “This is my body given for you; this is my blood shed for you, for the forgiveness of sins.” The same Jesus – the one that rode on my back. He comes to you right there, and then I wish I was a human so I could smile and receive Him too. Because when you sing: “Hosanna in the highest and blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” each week, it’s just like it happened all over again, and I’m carrying Him into town.
Humans! Do you even begin to realize the blessings you got? Open your eyes. Take it from a donkey.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Yeah Boss!
Last night at the Palm Sunday service the Boss was confirmed. He was so excited. So were we. I wish we'd had a digital camera when he was baptized. I have all kinds of pics of the Peanuts and their baptism. The Boss's are sitting in the bookshelf in the house back home because it didn't occur to me that I needed to find and scan them to bring them back with me until the day we were packing to return here. I'm going to make sure I get it done on our next trip home.
But I do remember that day. The Boss hated to be held like a baby. To him that meant that you wanted him to go to sleep and heaven help you if you had THAT in mind. So we warned the pastor that if he didn't want the Boss to scream his way into God's family that he'd better hold him like a football. He's probably the only baby baptized at our church looking into the font.
A couple of old army buddies of Baba's were training near us and were able to represent Lebanon at the baptism. Actually I'm a bit fuzzy on that part. (See, I need those pictures!) I don't remember if they were able to make it to church on time or if they got there in time to eat later. I do remember them giving him a Lebanese flag and we have a picture of him in his car seat at Tony Roma's with it draped over him. Later Baba very neatly wrote the words to the Lebanese national anthem on it.
Our dear friend from St. Louis and my brother were his sponsors. After church we met a bunch of Mom's cousins and their kids and her aunt, who turned 100 year or so after the Peanuts were born. I have so many pictures of that day and they're in the States. Next visit I have to get them out and scan them if it kills me.
Last night we were running late to church to walk through the confirmation part of the service. We got there 10 minutes late (we would have been later if Baba weren't Lebanese and willing to take the SUV offroad to avoid the stoplight that was holding everything up) and everyone was still waiting outside the church. The congregation that meets on Sunday afternoons was running late.
The service was so nice. We have 3 Anglican congregations here. The English language congregation, the newer Chinese congregation, and an established Pakistani congregation that's recently changed to our diocese. All 3 congregations worshipped together last night. Some men from the Pakistani congregation provided the music during communion. I wish I understood Urdu.
Baba and I, being dutiful parents, made sure we took plenty of pics. It would have been easier with the camera but it got left at home. We used our mobiles instead. Baba's actually has more pixels than the camera but mine doesn't. I still get blurry ones.
I wish I'd gotten a picture of the Boss on his way back from Communion. Let's just say it's not the best wine I've ever had and leave it at that.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Last break
Well, here it is. The last break of the school year. I have mixed feelings. I'm sorry that it's the last chance we have for a rest in the midst of teaching, but it also means we're that much closer to summer vacation...the reason teachers do what they do. 
Today was parent-teacher conferences. I actually like these days. I have the chance to visit with my parents and have adult conversation. I have really good girls and enjoy telling their parents how much I like their daughters.
I have a few who are struggling but considering that they're in a class going (roughly) the pace of a 2nd grade class in the States in a language not their own, I'm so impressed. They're doing so much better than I would ever have done.
I just have one serious complaint about some ofmy parents (OK, more like 2)...
1) They're obsessed with grades. They have to have the highest mark. Not all of them but several are obsessed with As. Receiving a B is not good enough. Don't they realize that a B is a very good grade? For crying out loud, their daughters are working in a foreign language at grade level and making a B. Don't they realize what a great accomplishment that is? No, they don't. They just don't get it.
2) "Why, miss?" This is the lament of one mom in particular (my TA does a really good impression of her...unfortunately when I'm in the middle of a really big gulp of water). They can not get it into their heads that I don't *give* them grades. They do the work, I grade it, I enter it in the computer, and the computer spits out the grade. They get exactly what they earn. Period. Their grades have no connection at all to whether I like them (and I happen to love all of them to pieces).
{sigh}
I was asked tonight by the principal if I'd be willing to teach an upper grade next year...girls. I said that if I was going to move up in grade level I wanted to stick with girls. I told her that I would kill the boys...and, believe me, I would. They are the most horrible bunch of kids I've ever seen. But while I love my 2nd grade girls, I do admit I look forward to the challenge. The upper grades have smaller classes but they're trying to do higher grade level work with not much more English exposure than some of my 2nd graders. There are times I really feel like my job is too easy. (Watch me eat those words shortly.)
Well, I'm all set to enjoy a week off. I'm going to milk it for all it's worth.
Oh, and the best part, the Boss will be confirmed on Sunday night and take his first communion. OK, the confirmation class seemed to be more what I would call first communion instruction but by the time we are living back in the States he'll be ready for confirmation at our home church. I'm also going through the Small Catechism with him. He's so excited...and the Peanuts will have even more reason to be upset about communion. The Boss will be taking communion and they'll be getting a blessing. It should be real interesting.
Today was parent-teacher conferences. I actually like these days. I have the chance to visit with my parents and have adult conversation. I have really good girls and enjoy telling their parents how much I like their daughters.
I have a few who are struggling but considering that they're in a class going (roughly) the pace of a 2nd grade class in the States in a language not their own, I'm so impressed. They're doing so much better than I would ever have done.
I just have one serious complaint about some ofmy parents (OK, more like 2)...
1) They're obsessed with grades. They have to have the highest mark. Not all of them but several are obsessed with As. Receiving a B is not good enough. Don't they realize that a B is a very good grade? For crying out loud, their daughters are working in a foreign language at grade level and making a B. Don't they realize what a great accomplishment that is? No, they don't. They just don't get it.
2) "Why, miss?" This is the lament of one mom in particular (my TA does a really good impression of her...unfortunately when I'm in the middle of a really big gulp of water). They can not get it into their heads that I don't *give* them grades. They do the work, I grade it, I enter it in the computer, and the computer spits out the grade. They get exactly what they earn. Period. Their grades have no connection at all to whether I like them (and I happen to love all of them to pieces).
{sigh}
I was asked tonight by the principal if I'd be willing to teach an upper grade next year...girls. I said that if I was going to move up in grade level I wanted to stick with girls. I told her that I would kill the boys...and, believe me, I would. They are the most horrible bunch of kids I've ever seen. But while I love my 2nd grade girls, I do admit I look forward to the challenge. The upper grades have smaller classes but they're trying to do higher grade level work with not much more English exposure than some of my 2nd graders. There are times I really feel like my job is too easy. (Watch me eat those words shortly.)
Well, I'm all set to enjoy a week off. I'm going to milk it for all it's worth.
Oh, and the best part, the Boss will be confirmed on Sunday night and take his first communion. OK, the confirmation class seemed to be more what I would call first communion instruction but by the time we are living back in the States he'll be ready for confirmation at our home church. I'm also going through the Small Catechism with him. He's so excited...and the Peanuts will have even more reason to be upset about communion. The Boss will be taking communion and they'll be getting a blessing. It should be real interesting.
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