ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims

On the way home from a sisters' halaqa this evening I hit a huuuuuge bird with my car. When we got into a town, I pulled over and got out to check out the damages... Found that the bird was STILL WEDGED INTO MY GRILL. AAAH. hahah. I am not typically squeamish (I mean, we dissected cats in my Anatomy class) but I was so afraid that I'd grab it to pull it out and it would start kicking it's little feet or something. We huddled together and laughed nervously, trying to figure out whether, and how, we would pull the thing out of the grill. Our daughters were freaking out in the back seat, because apparently they really wanted to see the dead bird?! Anyway, we completely lucked out and a Muslim guy who was driving by saw us there and came and gave us a hand and retrieved the bird for us. I guess a couple hijabis huddling together in front of a car on the side of the road in the near-dark was enough to draw his attention tongue.gif I was kind of surprised, though, because we don't have a huge Muslim population in our area. Anyway, thank god it is out of my car now and I don't have to deal with it!
amysaidFemaleEgypt2009-06-20 02:21:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
This will be my second Ramadan, and the majority of it will be spent in Egypt... I am kind of scared. 12+ hours in 100 degree heat with no water? are you kidding me? This Oregonian girl is gonna pass out. Anyway, I am a little bummed because I have to come back to the US RIGHT before Eid for some mandatory school stuff. I am sad that I won't get to experience Eid in a place where it is celebrated so vigorously, and instead will have to return to Oregon where people think Eid is rapper lingo.

amysaidFemaleEgypt2009-06-19 17:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Jun 18 2009, 01:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What masjids couldn't you go in? I remember all the major ones - Al Azhar, Hussein, Amr ibn al As, Sayyida Zaynab, Sayyida Nafisa - all had women's sections.


I can't remember what it was called, I could ask my husband the next time I talk to him. We were walking by it one time and it was time to pray, I asked him if he wanted to go in and pray, and he said no because women weren't allowed inside. The other time was at the Muhammed Ali mosque in the Citadel, where people aren't really supposed to be praying anyway, but there was a group of men doing salat and I jokingly said something about going over behind them and doing it to, and Ahmed told me that that was soooo not okay to do, that I have to be in a separate room, etc. I don't really accept that.
amysaidFemaleEgypt2009-06-18 15:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
One of the saddest things for me, being in Egypt as a Muslim, was seeing all these beautiful and ancient masjids, and not being able to pray in them. It seemed wrong somehow.
amysaidFemaleEgypt2009-06-18 14:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Salaam everyone, I don't think I've posted here before, but I had an amusing trip to the grocery store tonight that made me giggle and I thought I would see if any of you have any similar experiences... I wear hijab, and I am one of only a handful of hijabi women in the city that I live in. Because of that, I get a lot of stares, comments, etc. Most of them are harmless, fortunately... Tonight, though, I was getting into my car and I heard the following interaction from the car next to me:

Little girl: Mommy, why is she wearing that thing on her head?
Mommy: I don't know, baby.
Little girl: Why, mommy? Why is she?
Mommy: Uhh, I guess it's for martial arts or something.


Yeah... I'm a ninja. biggrin.gif

So, what's the funniest thing you've heard someone say about YOUR hijab? smile.gif
amysaidFemaleEgypt2009-04-13 00:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA Spouses Poll
Ok...not married yet, but will be soon :) So figured that would count.

Morocco
Male
No
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-06-23 14:14:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
As I get used to yelling and fighting, he is calming down and not requiring it as much. It's a learning process. He's still learning, too, how this country works. He's getting there, one day at a time.

Yeah, shame on them. But we all compromise when we get married, one way or another. Women control and manipulate just as much as men do. I pick my battles, but I'm winning the war. smile.gif
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-12-05 20:53:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Kenza @ Dec 5 2009, 06:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ahmed N Tina @ Dec 5 2009, 08:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You are all right and I believe its about family. For him, it was about control. He got his way, but he had a hell of a day! We fought most of the day and I was pretty upset through it. After the day was over, he tried to do anything he could to make me happy again (So we got to tell the parents we're expecting! dancin5hr.gif ). Saturday we went to my families (whom he does like) and when we got home he let me know he was going to do more research on the holiday and that we would probably celebrate next year. It's rough sometimes that getting the smallest change out of him takes a huge fight or drama to get it done, but it's what works. I know he's uncomfortable still with some things, but he'll think twice about taking my holiday away again smile.gif I hope.

Sorry for the delay, I don't get many chances to get on here any more.

I wonder if it's an Arab thing cuz my hubbys the same way and I hate it!


Me too! I was never a yeller or fighter before, but now I have to be. It's an uncomfortable thing to get used to, but once I came to the realization that he isn't leaving just cause we fight, I let it fly! At least the longer he's here the less often we do it.
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-12-05 20:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
You are all right and I believe its about family. For him, it was about control. He got his way, but he had a hell of a day! We fought most of the day and I was pretty upset through it. After the day was over, he tried to do anything he could to make me happy again (So we got to tell the parents we're expecting! dancin5hr.gif ). Saturday we went to my families (whom he does like) and when we got home he let me know he was going to do more research on the holiday and that we would probably celebrate next year. It's rough sometimes that getting the smallest change out of him takes a huge fight or drama to get it done, but it's what works. I know he's uncomfortable still with some things, but he'll think twice about taking my holiday away again smile.gif I hope.

Sorry for the delay, I don't get many chances to get on here any more.
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-12-05 19:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
At first he was willing to go on Friday, but then he realized that Friday is Eid and said no, they can come to us on our holiday. I told him that was stupid, why would they come to us if we don't go to them. We got into it last night again cause I told him he's making it all too hard and just about rules and how HE interprets them. I'm really frustrated! I don't think of it as a religious holiday either, nor does anyone I've talked to. But I can't get that through his thick Egyptian head! I told him at one point, I'll go alone. He put his foot down and said no, it's not your holiday, you can't. Last I checked I'm still American, so it IS my holiday. And I know plenty of Muslims who are "celebrating" it. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR ranting33va.gif
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-11-25 09:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
I'm curious. My husband insists that he will NOT celebrate Thanksgiving cause it's not in the Quran and insists that it is a Christian holiday therefore not to be shared, etc. I'm so darn frustrated cause I see it as a day of being with family and I don't want to miss it, but he's being quite poopy about us not going. He's actually trying to wipe out any Christian holiday/celebration in our home that I see as National and not religious. Is he right? or is he just being ultra strict and unnecessary?
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-11-24 09:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Where do they get this stuff?

I told Hubby that I wanted him to SHOW me where snorting was bad and would basically discount any prayers for 40 days and he looked at me horrified and said "You think I am LIAR!" I just don't get it, doesn't make sense.

So Aha is bad too?
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-07-06 18:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (KHPerfectMatch @ Jun 29 2009, 11:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (chemaatah @ Jun 29 2009, 07:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
there are a couple places we go. the store on 99, by the panda print shop is one, as well as barbur world foods, further north on 99. there's another small somali shop on 99 that we've been to a few times, and a couple in beaverton that are alright.


I have a hard time with the sanitation issues at the two Halal stores mentioned... Barbur World Foods?... they are not Muslims. Do they sell fresh meat they label halal? I've seen halal products in their freezer section but not in the butcher shop... I live only a mile from them and love what they have done with the store! WONDERFUL produce!

There is another Halal store in Beaverton across from Beaverton Town Center, but the last time I went in it I had to RUN OUT before I could buy anything because of the STENCH. In all my adult life I have NEVER smelled anything so foul in a place where food was sold... And one on Canyon Road (it's BIG) that is really pretty clean looking.. but actually come to think of it you can't see behind the meat counter...

I hate how they cut up meat in those places.. You have 3 choices.. ground meat, meat with bones, and meat without bones.. No steaks, no roasts, nothing recognizeable in fact... And if the Somali Halali guys ask if you want them to cut up your chicken... say no... My friend said SURE and they took her frozen chicken and ran it through a power saw 5 times and she had 9 chicken chunks to go... GREAT!!! No fighting over dark or light meat... you couldn't TELL!!!

Oh to live closer to Anaheim... the home of 1000 Halal stores with REAL meat counters! wink.gif

I personally like Oregon Country Beef from New Seasons. http://www.oregoncountrybeef.com/ On their website it tells where you can buy their products in MANY states... not just here. I think they are doing it the right way... and I am PRETTY SURE they are as close as you can get to eating the meat of the "People of the Book"... Take a look at their website.. go to the FAQ's http://countrynatura...p...8&Itemid=68 they actually describe their slaughter process... which sounds as humane as you can get for a meat processing plant..

I prefer to buy their products over the "unknown" products from the Halal stores.. The Halal Store on 99 (near Burger King) get their meat at the auction... who knows where it came from or what it was fed...

Here in Oregon there are several Muslims with farms that grow sheep for sale.. I believe the biggest one is near Corvallis... people drive down there go buy their lambs at the Eid... And most farmers here will allow you to do the zabiha yourself if you want.. just do it at their farm, it's illegal to do it in the city limits... My ex did it once... the meat was wonderful but the process was too stressful for him to do it again... He almost ended up in a fist fight with the professional "butcher" who was there killing the other sheep... because of the man's inhumanity towards the poor things...

So glad for Morningstar products... wink.gif Give me a Loma Linda Big Frank any day... right Tina?? smile.gif


Amen to that! I tried to get Ahmed to try a frank and he spit it out! rofl.gif
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-07-01 13:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Thanks for the back up on the snorting thing! I'm gonna make hubby prove his point so he can see it isn't there. Hopefully he'll get off me about it, for a while. biggrin.gif
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-06-29 19:15:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
####### for Tat, I like that! He's been really good about changing his ways about some things when I tell him it's not cool here, so I can't really complain about that. But this snort thing got me. Especially the part where God isn't going to accept prayer for 40 days after you do it. huh.gif

KH, I agree, it has to have a cultural spin. I'm trying to be easy going about a lot as he gets acclimated, but some times I gotta ask about some of the interesting "opinions" he comes up with and how they relate to his religion.

HLM - Thank you sweetie! I'm gonna tell him that!
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-06-27 10:03:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Ahmed mentioned if it was intentional too. I get so worn out with all the little rules sometimes, its overwhelming.

Sleazebag #######?! Wow! He didn't mention that, but he did say its not nice. But why isn't it? To me it means I'm enjoying a laugh and it just slips out. I don't sit around making pig noises for the fun of it. Next thing he'll say is women aren't supposed to laugh in public. (I'm totally exaggerating here) I guess I need to buy the books of hadith and read them all myself.

Edited by Ahmed N Tina, 26 June 2009 - 05:56 PM.

Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-06-26 17:55:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
I just re-read what I wrote, I wasn't exactly clear. Sorry!

So if I snort when I laugh, and if I were a Muslim, my prayers wouldn't be accepted due to snorting when laughing (not while praying necessarily) cause it sounds like a pig.

Hopefully that's clearer, its Friday, I'm wiped. smile.gif
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-06-26 16:34:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Slightly off topic, but wanted to ask. Last night Hubby and I got into it a little over snorting. I tend to snort when I laugh sometimes and he gets upset that I do that, even though I can't always control that. He then told me that if I were to pray, when I snorted my prayers wouldn't be accepted for 40 days after. What's up with that?! I'm constantly having Hadith thrown at me, but am never sure it's actually true or misunderstood. Anyone?
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-06-26 16:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Turia @ Mar 12 2009, 10:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Astarte @ Mar 12 2009, 09:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
To hide the hideousness of your nails as they grow while the henna stain is still there.

Of course you could probably put more stain on there but then would you want the same color on there constantly? And what if your nails appear two toned when you put more stain on it? Honestly, I wouldn't do it.

QUOTE (childress_london @ Mar 11 2009, 09:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I didn't think it smelled that bad. Why do you need to wear gloves if your nails are colored?




I'm just doin it for my toes. I don't want to do it for my nails on my hands! Tina i will let you know!


I'm with you Terrie. I don't do my fingernails anyway. But the toes, yes! Thanks for keeping me in the loop!
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-03-12 19:26:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Turia @ Mar 11 2009, 02:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ahmed N Tina @ Mar 10 2009, 03:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Mar 10 2009, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sorry, don't have time to follow the recent postings, just saw this and had to post it before I forgot:

Ah, the answer to no nail polish!

http://www.hennaking.com/nailstain.htm

Haven't ever tried it, but it's something to look into.


kicking.gif kicking.gif YAY!!! I didn't realize it comes in so many colors! That is awesome! Thanks Jenn!!!

After KH mentioned henna in another part of the thread I asked hubby if he'd get some for me there. He said he didn't like henna on toes, but I'm thinking he hasn't seen this! good.gif Woohoo!




SHHHHH don't tell hubby, but im gonna order some!!!!!



oooohhhhhhh! You gotta tell me how it works Terrie! If it looks like polish, I wanna get some too!
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-03-11 22:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Mar 10 2009, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sorry, don't have time to follow the recent postings, just saw this and had to post it before I forgot:

Ah, the answer to no nail polish!

http://www.hennaking.com/nailstain.htm

Haven't ever tried it, but it's something to look into.


kicking.gif kicking.gif YAY!!! I didn't realize it comes in so many colors! That is awesome! Thanks Jenn!!!

After KH mentioned henna in another part of the thread I asked hubby if he'd get some for me there. He said he didn't like henna on toes, but I'm thinking he hasn't seen this! good.gif Woohoo!
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-03-10 15:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Ihavequestions @ Mar 9 2009, 08:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ahmed N Tina @ Mar 9 2009, 10:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
good.gif Counldn't have said it better myself. The trinity and man deciding the divination of Jesus (council of Nicea) are the two big problems for me in Christianity (and that there are 2400 types that don't agree). I've had the trinity described to me as a family (Mamma, Pappa, Brother) with one purpose and that of an egg (yolk, white and shell), three parts in one item. No matter how you slice it, there are 3, not 1. The OT states one God, but the NT states 3 parts, so if you take the bible as truth, you must take both OT and NT, not just one or the other.


Again, I would argue the Ten Commandments, which remain the same no matter which branch of Christianity one adheres to state, specifically, "I am the Lord your God." There is no "we," only "I." Further, I would argue that if you asked a Christian, any Christian, how many Gods there are I can guarantee their answer would be the same: One.


Well, I've been a Christian for 38 years, so I'd say I fall into that category.........

That aside, I'm seeing the absolute awesomeness of the One God, Allah, in Islam. It makes so much more sense. I'm learning more every day and am greatly thankful for the help and guidance I've received in my journey. rose.gif

God help us all in our search for truth and faith in Him.
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-03-09 15:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Mar 9 2009, 06:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If I'd venture to make broad sweeping statements, the majority position in christianity is that Jesus (as) is of one substance (homoousios) and is equal to the Father. That's what the Council of Nicea was all about - combating what they saw as herasies that Jesus (as) was not of the same substance, and that he was not equal to the father, among other things.

This is the belief of the Catholics, the Orthodox and many of the larger mainline protestant denominations (who all hold the Nicene Creed), and since they make up the largest chunk of christians, I believe it's safe to say that this is the mainline view of christianity.


good.gif Counldn't have said it better myself. The trinity and man deciding the divination of Jesus (council of Nicea) are the two big problems for me in Christianity (and that there are 2400 types that don't agree). I've had the trinity described to me as a family (Mamma, Pappa, Brother) with one purpose and that of an egg (yolk, white and shell), three parts in one item. No matter how you slice it, there are 3, not 1. The OT states one God, but the NT states 3 parts, so if you take the bible as truth, you must take both OT and NT, not just one or the other.
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-03-09 09:05:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Not for all Christians. Most Christians believe in the trinity, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, therefore separating them. In this theory, Jesus is then NOT God, but part of the Godhead. Therefore, again, not the same being who destroyed, wiped out, flooded or any of the other items listed. It is frequently discussed that "Jesus" was referred to in the OT as "the Word of God", again separating Him from God, and the punishments given due to the sin committed at that time.

I have no desire to be part of the argument, but wanted to clear up that, in my opinion, generalization.
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-03-09 00:20:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Mar 6 2009, 11:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Aymsgirl @ Mar 6 2009, 12:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you so much for always posting the different school of thoughts.


You're welcome star_smile.gif



More on cats. The husband did not want a spayed/neutered kitty. He believes it's cruel to deprive an animal of their natural urges. Alhamdulilah, we adopted from the local humane society, where all the cats come spayed/neutered, so we didn't have to argue about that one too much.

However, there is evidence that it is permissible to spay/neuter your kitty:

Compound Cats Neutering Page
Is it permissible to neuter a cat?

Basically, it's permissible to spay/neuter your pet if there is benefit in it. From what I've read, female cats who are spayed before their first heat are generally healthier then those who have gone through heat. In addition, millions of pets are euthenized by shelters each year because there aren't enough homes for them. By spaying/neutering, you're helping the over population problem.


Ditto! good.gif Great info!
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-03-06 18:24:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Not offended here, by anyone. I understand where both posts are coming from and appreciate the time it has taken to post them. I am still learning, a lot, but this isn't the only place I come to for that learning. Like Tasha said, I'm doing my own research as I can as well. My husband has also been a fabulous help in this.

KH and I come from the same religious background, so I totally get where she is coming from in what she said. I'll just leave it at that.

So what about cats? I had two when I got married and hubby said to get rid of them (I'm very allergic to them), but now he's said he's thinking we can get another one. But he wants a dog bad!
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-03-06 09:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (KHPerfectMatch @ Mar 2 2009, 09:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ahmed N Tina @ Mar 2 2009, 07:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good article Jenn, thanks! good.gif I'm setting the goal. smile.gif


OK, obviously I don't read this thread enough... Did you revert Tina??? wow.gif


Just trying to figure things out and find my path. smile.gif
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-03-04 01:59:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Good article Jenn, thanks! good.gif I'm setting the goal. smile.gif
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-03-02 10:24:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Thanks for that K! It is something I'm having a hard time with. The rest pretty much came in time, I'm sure this will too. (having a big frank crave moment now)

I do believe that I will have something to report very soon. smile.gif

Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-03-01 18:44:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (KHPerfectMatch @ Feb 25 2009, 11:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ahmed N Tina @ Feb 25 2009, 07:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
rose.gif Tasha! Thanks for feeling my pain my friend!

I guess I'll have to look into the buffing tools. It just isn't as pretty as pink or red, but it'll have to do. Guess I'll have to get back in to toe rings for the summer, just to jazz up the feet a bit. biggrin.gif



If only you could come over we could put henna on your nails and you'd have nice "burnt sienna" nails for weeks/months! smile.gif


Soon my friend, very soon wink.gif I'll be looking forward to that!
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-02-26 03:03:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
rose.gif Tasha! Thanks for feeling my pain my friend!

I guess I'll have to look into the buffing tools. It just isn't as pretty as pink or red, but it'll have to do. Guess I'll have to get back in to toe rings for the summer, just to jazz up the feet a bit. biggrin.gif
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-02-25 22:18:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
cray5ol.gif I had a feeling that was the way it was. <sigh> Ok, I'll be cracking out that polish once a month I guess.

I won't be able to pray while at my Dad's, so I'm going to indulge a bit there smile.gif Course, it will come straight off when I get home.

Thank you Milo and Jenn!!
Ahmed N TinaFemaleEgypt2009-02-25 20:06:00
Middle East and North Africanot fasting.... :(
I saw this article today, thought it might be relevant :)

http://www.alarabiya.../16/116806.html

Bethlehem Christians fast Ramadan with Muslims


Bethlehem, WEST BANK (Al Arabiya)

Christians in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, join the city's Muslim residents in fasting Ramadan in continuation of a centuries-old tradition of interfaith solidarity.

Mike Kanawati, a Christian resident of Bethlehem, who manages a souvenir and jewelry shop, fasts the days of Ramadan with his Muslim neighbors.

"My grandmother used to fast, both Christian and Muslim fasting, and we were raised this way to show respect for and solidarity with other religions," Kanawati said.

"Fasting, either the Christian or the Muslim way, makes one feel the suffering of those who do not have food." he added.

Kanawati said he was proud "like many other Christians" of fasting the Muslim month of Ramadan and stressed that doing so in no way diminished his Christian faith.

He revealed that some of his Muslim friends in turn perform the Christian fasting, such as abstaining from eating cheese, meat and milk, in demonstration of solidarity the Christians.

The tradition, Kanawati stressed, was preserved over generations of Muslims and Christians who coexisted in Bethlehem for hundreds of years.

Bethlehem has a Muslim majority, but is also home to one of the largest Palestinian Christian communities.

In survey of Bethlehem's Christians conducted in 2006 by the Palestinian Center for Research and Cultural Dialogue, 90 percent were reported of having Muslim friends, 73.3 percent said that the Palestinian Authority respects Christian heritage in the city, and 78 percent reported the emigration of Christians from Bethlehem was due to the Israeli travel restriction in the area.


*(Written by Mustapha Ajbaili)

Edited by amysaid, 17 August 2010 - 01:02 AM.

amysaidFemaleEgypt2010-08-17 01:01:00
Middle East and North Africanot fasting.... :(
I am Muslim, and I haven't been fasting this ramadan because i am struggling with nursing my baby... couldn't chance the dehydration leading to worse supply issues :( It has felt very weird not fasting along with my husband, and in a way it doesn't feel like Ramadan at all, and I feel a bit of guilt about that. So I can see where you're coming from. :)
amysaidFemaleEgypt2010-08-15 03:15:00
Middle East and North AfricaAdjusting to America
if your husband drives in egypt and has a license, i would check with your state to see if they allow foreign drivers to drive with their foreign license... where we live, my husband had a year from the date of his arrival that he could drive with his Egyptian license (and a translation of it into english), which was helpful for us because it took a while to get his social security card, ID card, and all that. he still doesn't have a US driver's license (but will when he passes the drive test on Thursday, inshaAllah) but he's able to drive to and from work with his Egyptian one.

The hardest things for us were as other people have mentioned... a job (took 8 months), driving, friends (he's made a couple, but really wishes we lived closer to a mosque) and being so far away from his family. he uses skype and yahoo messenger a lot to communicate with his family back home, though.
amysaidFemaleEgypt2010-08-17 01:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaKids adjusting

I'm sure it is all very confusing for them & a very hard adjustment...especially the older they are. I have been lucky, because my daughter is 4 & her biological father has never been involved, so she was OVERJOYED to have a man she can one day call "Daddy". If anything I was having more difficulty with "sharing" her with someone else. She had been just mine for the last 4 yrs :innocent: I hope everything works out for you guys, and I think communication is the BIGGEST thing, and not pushing anything on them. Letting them work up to accepting him as part of the family, and MAYBE one day a father. But if they are older, it may be more of a friendship. Thats how it was with my step mom. And best of luck to everyone still waiting or still trying to adjust...the never ending process of being with those we love.

Monica :)


off topic... monica, i think i saw pics of your daughter on FB through sarah's FB and just wanted to say, she is beauuuutiful :)
amysaidFemaleEgypt2010-08-23 20:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaTHINGS TO MAKE THEM FEEL AT HOME
I am anticipating homesickness to kick in for my husband sometime soon... he's been here almost a year, but this is his first Ramadan away from home, and I know it will be difficult for him. I am not sure what to do except what we all do already, just let him know you love him, you're thankful to have him in your life, all that stuff.
amysaidFemaleEgypt2010-08-02 18:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhere do you live in the US ?
Salem, Oregon... about an hour south of Portland.
amysaidFemaleEgypt2010-08-05 02:07:00
Middle East and North Africacheap flights to egypt
I flew to Egypt in 2009 in December (the first time) and IIRC my ticket ended up being about 1200. But if I had purchased sooner, I could've gotten one for about 900. I used Orbitz and Cheapflights.com the first time, later I booked directly through the airlines websites. Just play around with dates, if you have that option, and also clear the cookies from your computer and try searching again. Sometimes those websites log your searches and the more you search, the higher the prices go.
amysaidFemaleEgypt2010-09-13 11:05:00
Middle East and North AfricaGreen Card and Egyptian Army
Thanks guys :) Olivia, if your husband has a way to find out definitively, that would be great. But no rush, I'm not going to be chucking out anymore humans anytime soon, thank god.
amysaidFemaleEgypt2010-08-16 04:21:00