Hot Dates to Hoopoes

Flora and Fauna (as promised)

Friendly Fauna of Dubai

 

 

 

What I Believe

God is Great, God is Good….

Friends, family and my dear writing group have all said to stay away from religion and politics in my essays.  But here I am, a moderately progressive Christian woman in a moderately progressive Muslim nation, ruled by sheiks.  I could tell you about the flora and fauna, and certainly will.  But I’m really interested in the mix of people in Dubai, and it’s hard to separate lifestyle from religion in a place where the call to prayer sounds 5 times a day. 

I have a diverse list of friends and likely readers of this blog.  You cover the spectrum, from liberal to conservative, urban and rural, Muslim, Jew, Christian, Atheist, and Agnostic.  And that’s okay – we can care for each other and learn from each other when we respect the right to be different.  I’ve been planning this entry for several months, feeling it important to state my beliefs from the beginning.  Otherwise half of my readers will think I’m being intolerant with my observations, while the other half worries that I’m becoming a Muslim.  ;-)

First, I believe that the Creator of this beautiful world must love diversity.  If God didn’t find joy in our many ways of being, we wouldn’t have such a variety of looks, languages, mind-sets, foods, clothing, and dance styles.  Appreciating God’s miraculous craftsmanship and dexterity makes me happy.

From talking with people, I have noticed that each seems to have a unique combination of religious beliefs, regardless of background or group identity.  I believe that’s okay, because God is multi-dimensional and ‘great,’ able to encompass most of the religious beliefs in the world.  Each of us sees only small facets of the Deity, but we can learn more by peering through the lenses of other believers. 

(My friend Kim Williams illustrates this idea in sermon three of his fun book, Wishful Preaching:  Things I Wish I had said in the Pulpit available at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ADSNP8I )

My way of following God has long been through the example and influence of Jesus.  My faith has been tested and questioned, and I keep coming back to the New Testament Gospels.  I feel that Jesus is active in my life and heart, and gives me joy, strength and comfort when life is difficult.  I believe this makes me a Christian.

But while I believe the Bible was divinely inspired, I know that human understanding is limited, and hundreds of people have influenced the words we interpret, as well as our religious practices and beliefs.  Some of those people were surely inspired by God, while others were swayed by politics.  This is why each human can read the words and listen to opinions of others, but must look into their own heart and find the way of worship that suits them best.  For some, this means loving the people around them and appreciating nature.  Others find God in a church, temple, or mosque. 

These differences are not a problem, if folks are searching for the way to Good, and not oppressing people who understand God differently.  I think that using religious belief as an excuse for violence or oppression is morally wrong.  And I don’t think any human alive can judge whether another is truly sanctified by God or not – that is an intimate knowledge between the individual and their Creator.  We can pray for each other, share information about our beliefs, and make constructive suggestions on how to live good lives and follow God’s will, but it’s hard enough to conjecture that Will for ourselves, much less another person.  I see nothing wrong with following a group’s beliefs and religious practices, as long as one feels led by the Good, and not forced.  These are my humble opinions.

Religion and politics have been entwined throughout human history.  Though our founding fathers may have tried to separate them in the US Constitution, religious beliefs have always been an important thread in the American fabric.  In many Muslim countries, they seem to be the fabric.

One reason I was a little nervous coming to Dubai, is because the Arab Muslim has replaced the Russian Communist as the boogeyman of the American psyche.  And while I do not blame the nearly 2 billion Muslims in the world for events like 9/11 any more than I blame a particular group for Oklahoma City, Tucson, etc, I am aware that there were particular tensions and conditions leading to each of these events.  There are tensions in every country, and people who dislike outsiders.  But there are also the majorities of people who accept differences, and prefer to be left alone to make a living, raise their children, and worship in peace.  Knowing this, and having heard stories about living in Saudi Arabia from my husband and his family, I looked forward to learning more about Arab Muslim culture and religion.
 
I believe Muslims, like Russians, love their children as much as we love ours (to borrow from Sting). There is a Center for Cultural Understanding that was set up by the Ruler of Dubai to share information about Muslim heritage and religion with curious visitors and newcomers. I will try to share information like theirs, along with personal observations about the people here. Perhaps greater understanding and familiarity can replace some of the fears and misunderstandings of Muslims that seem to have many roots in American and international politics.

 

 

A beautiful new mosque near our home reminds me of Cinderella's castle.

What's a Radical Moderate?

Before going further with my ‘dublog,’ I want to explain where I think I’m coming from. Why do I call myself a radical moderate, and why am I keeping those earlier political commentaries on the blog?

The media call North Carolina a “battleground” state.  This means about a third of the people lean left politically, and a third lean right.  The rest are somewhere in the middle, swaying back and forth.  This might appear to be an unbalanced situation, but actually, it shows that many people listen to both sides of an argument, and make choices based on details rather than loyalty to one political party.  I am proud of our state, where most people prefer barbecue and basketball to politics.  While I am in the Democratic camp, I have many friends who are Republicans, and I’m married to an old-fashioned conservative who sways with that middle third.  If the two of us can find so much in common for over 2 decades now, you would think the folks in Washington could learn to compromise too.

I believe a healthy country needs a balance of free enterprise and social safety net along with a strong public school system, unencumbered media, and uncorrupted government.  My guiding question is usually ‘What will most benefit our children?’  As a moderate, I try to improve the institutions we have, instead of advocating massive changes that disrupt people’s lives and get expensive.  I don’t like to waste time, talent, or money.  I believe children benefit from learning to have a strong work ethic, no matter how privileged their upbringing, and this is a lesson many of us privileged American parents and teachers have trouble imparting.  I believe every child needs and deserves love, attention to their health, and access to decent education so they may support themselves and make positive contributions when they grow up.  But any child, rich or poor, who is given many additional ‘wants’ without working for them, develops a sense of entitlement instead of self-reliance.  (For more political opinions, look at those earlier blog entries.)

And these are my humble opinions.  As a “sweet Carolina girl,” I hate to offend anyone.  Everyone has different perspectives and good points to make.  So it feels radical to express my opinions, knowing that others may disagree.  I believe it is important for the moderate voice to be heard, especially when we ask for compromise in the best interests of our country and world.  I also draw strength from stories of heroes, my family, and moderate friends who ask me to keep expressing ideas they often agree with.  But no one is right all the time, including me.  So I beg your pardon in advance, if my words offend you.  And respectful disagreement in the comments section of a blog can be healthy – discussion leads to sharing of ideas and new thoughts.  So go ahead – tell me what you think – just try to use good manners please, so we can have a kinder, gentler, healthier nation.

Yes, I am slightly left of center in both religious and political views.  I used to think these were separate issues, but Americans have become more religious about our politics and political in our religions, particularly since the events of 9/11/2001.  I believe the trauma of that day still frightens and angers many Americans.  Our recent elections and frequent massacres indicate that America needs some major therapy sessions.  Our country is like many victims of violent crime, who turn their anger inward and need help to acknowledge and process their fear and pain before they can let it go.  Victims who hold on to their anger allow the criminals to continue hurting them.  In America’s case, with our finger-pointing and fractured government, we weaken our country and help the 9/11 terrorists win.  We need to climb out of the muddy rut we’ve been in, find higher common ground, support all our leaders and people, and take steps to make our country strong enough to last another 250 years or more.

Our church lost a caring family member on 9/11.  But Sandy Bradshaw was such a positive, cheerful person that to remember her with anger would make her sad.  So after 9/11, I put my grief energy into helping my daughter’s teachers create an International Peace Site at their Montessori school.  We tried to help our next generation learn to respect differences and solve problems using words instead of violence.  This project had a profound impact, got me involved in the PTA and local politics, and showed how I could use my talents to make a positive difference.  I am still inspired by Sandy’s heroism on 9/11, and the thought of how she might have used her energy if our roles had been reversed.

When I worry about getting too radical for conservative friends, I try to remember all the people who have spoken or written over the centuries to ask for positive change.  I want to be one of those people.  I want to present unique solutions to problems, and be heard.  I want to make a positive difference.  If that makes me a radical, then so be it.  I’ll be like the witch in Wicked, forgoing her chance for a positive reputation to fight for justice….Actually, I’m not that brave.  I will politely state and explain my opinions, and give you the chance to state yours.  Then we can look for areas of agreement, and share them further.  That’s what diplomats and moderates and peacemakers do.  It’s less exciting but more effective in the long run.

Abra Cadabra

Good news - My blogger instructions had switched to Arabic, but I found a link to go back to English.  5 Weeks between blog posts is too long, so I'm going to stop treating this like a work of art, and post pictures for you. I'll include the finer edited posts as they pass inspection...

 

Visiting the Old Souks Requires Crossing Deira Creek on an Abra!



This super-cooling hat from the Columbia outlet was a lifesaver in the heat,
but the girls don't think it looks very 'cool.'  Tough.

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Pulling up to the old Textile Souk

Bob checking e-mails as usual (it wasn't a holiday in the US).  My fashion police.

Gorgeous spices in the souk.  The whole area smells like sweet curry.

 

We've had a number of unexpected holidays this fall, which has given everyone time to see a few sights between school and work. We spent a day at the old souk (market) section of town.  Visitor guides always rave about the gold souk nearby, but one jewelry store is much like another.  I think the spice and textile souks are more interesting.

 

Bob preferred the abra ride for two reasons: 1. It's a boat.  2. The cost for a ride is one dirham (about 27 cents) per person.

 

The monetary unit of the UAE is the dirham, which looks like a US quarter.  Some people pronounce this word like Durham, NC, which gets shortened to 'dirum.'  I like the pronunciation used by many natives of the Indian subcontinent (who make up the majority of the expats in Dubai).  They call it a 'deerhem' with a soft roll on the r.  I can almost do it, and this annoys my daughters greatly, so I practice it often!  For 10 dirhams, you can get a year's supply of most spices in the souk, 3 vanilla beans, or a Tablespoon of saffron.  You can also pay more or less, depending on your haggling skills.

The Dubai Blog Begins: No Wrong Turns

Our summer was dramatic, traumatic, systematic…hydromatic…and it flew by like greased lightning!  (Someone should write a song.)  On May 25, we began considering a move to Dubai, and on August 25, we boarded a plane.  During the twelve intervening weeks, we took three week-long trips:  one to Dubai to look at schools, one pre-scheduled trip to Nags Head with my brother’s family, and one to Kansas so our snub-nosed (can’t fly) dog could move in with Bob’s wonderful sister.  We put our house on the market, which meant three major house projects and several minor ones (any of which would have used up an entire normal-summer’s energies).  And we did the paperwork, packing, and purging needed to get us and a house-full of stuff across an ocean and a sea or two.  I went down a pants’ size - no kidding.  (Kids, do not try this at home; I absolutely do not recommend literally working your behind off!)

But somehow we got here with most of our belongings, sanity, health, and marriage intact.  Family members and friends gave us logistical support and moral encouragement all summer.  My yoga class and writing group even held extra meetings just to keep me going.  And our relatives and neighbors are still helping us tie up loose ends and keep NC connections intact. 

We spent the first six weeks living in a small ‘serviced apartment’ in a high-rise hotel overlooking the Burj Khalifa (tallest building in the world) on one side and the Arabian Gulf in the distance on the other.  We found a house to rent the first week, but had to wait for Bob’s residence visa to be processed before we could do much but shop or go to school and work.  Then in the course of 10 days, we rented the house and bought two cars, a refrigerator, ‘cooker,’ dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, used bed, two large beanbag chairs for the girls to sleep in, kitchen table and chairs, dishes, the all-important television set, and various smaller items to get us through until our shipment arrived from North Carolina.  We like to think we don’t need all the stuff and trappings that clutter our houses, but living without pillows and towels is not much fun!  The hardest thing to find here was reasonably priced, comfortable sheets.  Coming from the textile state of NC, we realized we are spoiled!

Our daughters started school September 2, and seem to be doing well.  Beth had the biggest adjustment, moving in 11^th grade from a standard American curriculum to a more rigorous International Baccalaureate program.  We’re identifying a few gaps in her science preparation, but the bookworm is well-prepared for English, Math, and History classes.  Both girls are starting as beginners in both French and Arabic, but enjoying their lessons, and finding that a background in Spanish doesn’t hurt their ability to learn another Latin offshoot.  Carlee doesn’t have the same 11^th grade pressure as Beth, and seems to be a happy sponge, soaking in all the new information and personalities.  Both girls represent America well in their international classrooms.

Since we got here, I’ve gradually moved from survival mode (food, shelter, air conditioning and school supplies) to getting my bearings in this new city.  Bob and I have adopted a philosophy that there are no wrong turns, only roads we haven’t explored yet, and new territory to discover.  Like Christopher Columbus, we approach this adventure with faith that things will turn out okay if not terrific, and we’ll learn more about ourselves and the world.  The girls think we are in denial when we are lost, but they like it when we find ice cream.

Do What??

“Do you want to move to Dubai?”  Bob came home with the question over Memorial Day weekend.  He’d been offered a neat position with his company in the United Arab Emirate famous for its unique architecture and Western-friendly business climate.  After making lists, shedding tears, and doing research, we decided as a family that if we found a good school situation for our daughters, the experience would be incredible.

Other families have similar priorities.   We were told that any Dubai school with an “American” curriculum had stopped accepting applications for next year, because their classes were full with long waiting lists.  So on June 8^th, we boarded a plane to Dubai, in order for the girls to interview and test for the few available spots in international schools. 

Through an online women’s network, I found an education consultant who helped us locate schools which would best serve our kids.  Fiona steered us toward Jumeira Baccalaureate School, a two-year-old International Baccalaureate school with a staff of master teachers and excellent leadership.  They graciously welcomed our girls (who are both terrific students as well as nice people).  Many prayers have been answered, as this appears to be a wonderful fit for our family.

So my blog is destined to become a “Dubai diary,” looking at human interactions from a new perspective.  All the sociology and anthropology courses I took in college seemed quite relevant as we observed the mash-up of cultures in the Dubai malls.  (Imagine a Paris fashion store packed with female shoppers in black ‘abayas.’) 

Dubai is a modern Constantinople, a trade center near the intersection of three continents, with people from many countries and cultures living together.  Our daughters will represent America in their international classrooms. 

I love the way such exposure to diversity teaches us about ourselves.  Encounters with other ways of thinking, dressing, worshipping, etc. makes you see your own customs more clearly.  Differences can feel threatening until you get used to them.  Or they can be funny.  For example, Emirates Airlines allows you to bring your hunting falcon “hooded and tethered of course” into the cabin as accompanied baggage, but dogs may only fly to Dubai as cargo.  Is this a matter of practicality or different priorities?   We certainly wouldn’t want our asthmatic Shih Tzu becoming falcon fodder in either section of the plane!

I’ve understood the meaning of “head spinning” news over the last month.  (Actually checked the neck tethers a few times to be sure I couldn’t do an Exorcist imitation.  And my family would tell you I’ve seemed a tad possessed….)  But now that the most important decisions are made, we are settling into a busy summer of cleaning out, packing up, and saying good-bye, so we can say ‘hello’ to Dubai at the end of August.