What's a girl to do?!

For the past four months I have had very little alone time and no days off. Now I am at a beautiful beach resort and I am going crazy!!! Who knew that relaxation could be a bad thing? I have been looking forward to these days of chilling on the beach, but now that I am here, I find myself online as much as possible, trying to find friends to talk to. One more day of this... not sure I could take any more than that!

Some things are universal

As I walked along the Palm tree lined street in Fahaheel, Kuwait, there were couples sitting on the beach, looking out at the Persian Gulf after the sun had set. Children were playing on a huge inflatable slide, laughing and having fun. And a group of teenage boys were playing a pick-up game of basketball on a public outdoor court. The men who drove by at speeds above the stated limit, honked their horns and called out to my female companion and me. And the motorcyclers still sped around, weaving in between the other vehicles on the road.

As different as the East may be from the West, I have come to the conclusion that some things are universal. Men will speed and gawk at girls, boys will play their sports, children will laugh and play... it is only the women who are different here. The majority wear long black burkas, only eyes shown to the public. They are more shadows and images than individuls with personalities. But even there, I think I may be wrong... because when I made a stop at the ladies rest room, there were a few ladies in there. Under their burkas, they wear make-up and stylish clothing. Behind their veils, they smile and laugh and joke with one another. And of course, they still visit the public restroom in pairs (just like us girls in the West). =P

Going back...

I remember how excited my co-workers were when they were getting ready to go home after completing their time out here. I, however, have been unable to muster up much enthusiasm. For me, going back to the states is not going home. There is only one state out of the 50 that is home for me and that is not where I am headed (unfortunately). One of my co-workers played Chis Daughtry's Home every single day for the ten or so days leading up to his departure. I looked up the lyrics for old times' sake...

I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old
So I'm going home.
Well I'm going home.

Yeah... I'm not really feeling it. =(

Once again, there are just too many good-byes involved. I hate good-byes!

Maa'Salaama!

Two down, one to go

I say it like it is something I am checking off my to-do list or something. The reality is I just can't believe that we are getting ready for our third concert already... it is less than a week away! The last one went quite well I thought. I played rhythm guitar in two of the songs, was lead vocalist on one and backup vocalist on most of the others. I have wanted to be in a band my whole life! I just can't believe it took traveling this far away for the dream to come true.

Living the dream

I'm sure my life is not the dream life for many people, but it's like a dream come true for me. On the days when I have a spare moment to reflect on all that I have done and all that I am doing, I have to smile to myself and thank God for all that He has blessed me with.

If only in my dreams...

I'm dreaming tonight
Of a place I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know
It's a long road back
I promise you

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love-light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

I remember the first time I actually listened to the words of the song and realized the singer was not actually going to be home for Christmas at all, it made me really sad. At the time, I never thought I would be in that position, but here I am. Now I find the song comforting... There are many people far from home tonight and feeling as I do. I am just thankful that I have a wonderful family back home that loves and supports me in all the crazy things I do. And I have so many happy memories of Christmases past with them. I miss you, dear family, but my thoughts and prayers are with you as we celebrate the birth of our savior this Christmas.