Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Middle East and North Africa	Tuesday	Morning. Amysaid have a safe and exciting trip! My God it seems like everyone has either just gotten back or is anticipating a trip overseas....boo hoo I wanna go too! Please Please keep in your prayers my mother in law in Morocco. She has been struggling with very bad diabetes and she is now in a hospital in a diabetic coma. My husband called last night for his routine round of calls and he got the news. I think this is her 3rd day in the hospital. I know that is so frustrating for him to be here and not see his mother, be there for her and really assess what's going on. I think he is thinking about going back there. I hope she is going to be alright. Amanda Have a good day peeps.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-28 08:43:00
Middle East and North Africa	Marie_Yahya	A tad baffled here However you are right in that our fate is lying in the hands of people who #1 don't know us or our situation and #2 treat us like only a number. It is a painful, frustrating time that seems will never end but it will. Keep you chin up, stay strong and pray....GOD WILL HELP YOU OVERCOME ANY HARDSHIP	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-28 10:08:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	Weekend here I come Edited by Sandrila, 31 July 2009 - 10:41 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-31 10:40:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	QUOTE (ZaidsMommy @ Jul 30 2009, 08:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My twin sis had her baby, his name is Rowan. He is 10lbs 3oz Im waiting on more details but im so proud of her <3 HOLY MOLY Congratulations Auntie!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-31 10:20:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	Great you arrived safely !!!!!!!!! Enjoy.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-30 13:18:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	Jess, Absolutely I have solid reasons why our son should not have his permit and quite frankly whatever reasons we, as parents, decide to withhold our permission is totally at our discretion and no one else's. it is too long a story to recount and I have headaches everyday stemming from the fact that we allowed our 2 older children be in the presence of such lethal people. People who have taught our children that they are above their parents and the law. My son's grandfather has the same name as my ex. So he is literally getting away with it for that reason. They even went as far as to obtain the physical, birth cert and SS card reissued and/or copied and notarized because WE hold all the originals. They went to great lengths to do this and quite frankly I believe it is illegal for them to do that. So I had to fill out 2 forms and get my ex's sign off on all (he has legal custody) and I am overnighting it to Harrisburg to CANCEL this permit.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-30 10:05:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	Where's all my girls at?? Mornin. Hey Donna. GG...only ONE WEEK LEFT!!!! Give em hell girl! Angel have fun at the beach girlfriend. Opinions...what if you found out that your 16 year old son got his learner's permit without your knowledge or consent? What if you someone you knew told you they saw him driving in the car with his grandfather (ex's dad) and you didn't even know he had gotten the permit because you and your ex would not sign for him. So now i know that against our wishes, BLATANTLY, this old man took MY son and posed as HIS PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN after we firmly stated to both of them it wasn't going to happen! He got it 3 months ago. To say I am beside myself these days it an understatement. I pat myself on the back for getting up everyday, doing my work and not running away or having a nervous breakdown.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-30 09:11:00
Middle East and North Africa	Happy Friday MENA!!!!!!	You guys who are having 100+ temps....I can't imagine that. Stay cool. I cannot complain, although the humidity is dreadful, it is not that oppressive on a daily basis. I like hot but not suffocating I glad to see that some of you (but I think most parents would) agree with me proceeding against my EX father in law. I spent yesterday on the phone seeing what I could do. I mean you would think that there would be a windfall of support given and action to be taken but sadly the result turned up a rude attitude from the DA's assistant (to whom I was passed along) and the inquiry as to what reason would you go to such lengths and we aren't going to do anything about it I can't even tell you how angry I am. 2 reps from the Dept of Transportation told me to go to the local police. Police sent me to State Police, State Police back to local and Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutor-DA's office did nothing but brush me off completely and ignorantly. He basically blamed us for NOT KNOWING what our son does and not having disciplined him enough. He did say (smugly) that if I want could proceed with a civil lawsuit after I told him that are you telling me as a parent I don't have the right to be concerned or follow thru legally when the man clearly falsified documents and has cast a very bad influence over a minor having him go over and beyond his parents authority and the law's by doing what they have done. On top of that having my middle child 12 years witness it all and parktake in the cover up. This is only a tiny example of the evil doings of this GRAND ol GRANDPA and I have begged my EX to move forward with a quickness and swiftness that could possibly make a difference and let them know once and for all who is the boss. It may cost me a little money though, which I am worried about. I am calling the Magesterial District at lunch to see exactly what it all entails. I do not feel like going thru all this, I know my EX will get his own ATTORNEY and try to slander us anyway he can. Some information I obtained from the DELAWARE rules and regulations of Learner's Permits and representation of a minor applying for one states that if someone does what HE did, IT IS A MISDIMEANOR and punishment could be 2 months license suspension for those involved. The documents have already been signed and overnighted for the cancellation of my son's permit. HARSH lesson for him to learn but I do not dismiss his part in all this. Now if and when they cancel it he will not receive his permit / license until the age of 18. I do not regret this at all. However, it is the grandfather who is the greater of the 2 evils and the one who should be setting the example.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-31 10:45:00
Middle East and North Africa	Happy Friday MENA!!!!!!	QUOTE (*Maureen* @ Jul 31 2009, 05:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm still half asleep but so glad it's Fridayyyyyyyyyy! Hopefully, i will go back to my regular work week next week. These extra hours are killing me. No weekend plans yet here but i'm sure something will come up. Soon it will be school shopping. I can't believe it's the last day of July. Have a great day everybody. OH DREAD!! YOU GOT THAT RIGHT Amysaid, it is probably the heat that is diminshing her appetite and you know kids when they are hungry they WILL eat. Not to worry. Plus some foods there may not settle well with her. Nerves too. Athough you are her Mommy and you are with her whole world is 360 right not. I am sure it is overwhelming for her. I wonder about the pollution and dust for her too, does she have allergies or ashtma? Edited by Sandrila, 31 July 2009 - 10:04 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-31 10:01:00
Middle East and North Africa	Happy Friday MENA!!!!!!	Mornin. Hi Kelz sorry to hear you are under the weather, get better Amanda....can't sleep in 88 degrees and you wanna move to Jordan? Amysaid, thanks for keeping in touch lady. I miss Morocco so much. I just made a few DVDs of all my videos that have been building up in my digital camera for the last year and there are some really nice videos of us in Morocco. It was neat to show my girls what it really looks like over there. I am soooooooooo happy it is Friday...sadly it is time to pay the rent which leaves us BROKE. QUOTE (100% Al Ahly Fan @ Jul 31 2009, 08:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sabah el Khair ya MENA......a.k.a Good Morning MENA! So glad it's FRIDAY!! They are providing lunch for us at work today....I love that!!! Anyhow, have a wonderful day and a great weekend everyone!!! I see alot of you are pretty good with writing your arabic translation please?	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-31 08:48:00
Middle East and North Africa	Getting ready to begin filing for the visa!	Autumn, welcome and good luck i had an attorney help us thru all this, i am not sure how much help i'd be.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-30 13:27:00
Middle East and North Africa	Getting out of a bad relationship	I pray you have someone who can listen to you, help you and take you in. Although I do not feel I have been used for a green card I understand what you are going through. I hope GOD gives you the strength you need to follow through with what you know is best. Do not feel guilty about asking for help. You may have a hard time at first, when you finally decide you are ready to leave, but it will get better. It may take a while for you to get him out of the country. At this point I don't believe he can actually be "forced" to leave, even if he is abusive. I know you have a good heart and worry about what will happen to him if you send him packing however, you have done enough, it is time for him to KNOW you are serious about removing yourself from this very dangerous and unhappy relationship. Protection from Abuse is a good start or simply leave your home for a period of time and talk to police to see what you can do to get him out and you in.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-31 08:39:00
Middle East and North Africa	Happy Sunday MENA!	QUOTE (charles! @ Aug 2 2009, 11:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (just_Jackie @ Aug 2 2009, 07:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> *tapping foot~ waiting for chocolate LOL FINALLY a man who knows what a woman really needs....and wants...	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-03 13:38:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ahh! It's Monday!	When it comes to me....I am respectful of the fact that people CAN hear us. It is just getting the rest of the clan to. It is hard living in a complex and when it is just a single woman, it is like you are non existent but once you add rugrats and cohabitating SOs into the mix, it can get a little out of hand. I just listen to hubby when he speaks in Arabic, usually late at night here, and you know when they speak it is very loud and it always sounds so serious and angry. Not only that but the occasional temper flares I was hoping for a little more peace in the new place....well, let's just say....i'll keep ya posted.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-03 13:51:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ahh! It's Monday!	Good Luck and prayers Nagi QUOTE (Majid_Anna @ Aug 3 2009, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (ZouhairPatriciaB @ Aug 3 2009, 01:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> didnt get enough sleep, ughhhhhhhhhh! hope everyones monday is going better than mine. OMG I didn't either...I have neighbors from you know where living above me, who walk around like a tribe of elephants and play playstation and loud music all night long. Pretty soon there will be a hole in the ceiling from me using the broom to bang so they will stop! How do you even handle people who have total disregard for those around them and living below them? I am sure the man living below us in our old apartment is wondering why it is so quiet now on to the next victims	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-03 13:22:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ahh! It's Monday!	Morning. Jax...I sooo need that breakfast, thank you and I am with you on trying to look busy at work Anna been there, done that....all stresses not relieved the minute they get here either Spent one very nice hot day by the pool...gettin the tan on... Kenza now you really remind me that summer is winding down...a little over a month before the kids go back to school. I hope you enjoy your last days with hubby and have a safe return home.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-03 08:43:00
Middle East and North Africa	happy tuesday, it's dvd release day!	Mornin Peeps! Well in Philly we are experiencing a bad case of Seattle weather. I actually think you guys have better weather than us right now. I can't imagine that it could rain anymore but we are probably hitting a record of dark clouds and on/off rain everyday for one month now! It is horrid! Charles, you are up and at em early. It's good you make your post because staying inside and watching movies is about all we can do these days. Amanda...that is so great sweetie, you got alot to do, better get shakin Bridget..my GOD I can relate to that. After being married as long as me and my ex were (even having what people thought was a perfect relationship and mostly amicable divorce) I can't stand him anymore. I am sorry for my kids but if I didn't have to speak to him ever again that wouldn't be soon enough. I still can't believe I had 3 kids with him and this is how I feel about him I guess the bastards have to live off something so they can only take so much, no matter how much they make. How would like to be the only paying child support for your kids and the man has 2 others from another woman? yep Nagi..mornin lady, how's the fingers coming along? Terri, you back in town yet?	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-16 09:54:00
Middle East and North Africa	pls help i'm scared	It's a very nerve wracking time. Be confident, be prepared with all you need to bring. You'll do just fine and it will all be a distant memory soon. Good Luck, my prayers are with you.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-17 09:34:00
Middle East and North Africa	Cultural differences and Weddings	QUOTE (milo75 @ Jun 15 2009, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Aha! The sisters/sisters-in-law are the ones causing issues? With my first husband, after it was finally accepted that we were marrying, I was invited over for dinner with the whole extended family. One by one, the sisters sat with me to chit-chat. Some questions were rather pointed about my past or my beliefs or my career wants. The sister questioning would get her answer, she'd excuse herself and run into the kitchen where other family members were waiting [including my soon to be mother-in-law] and give them the low down on my answer. Then, a new sister/sister-in-law/cousin would come out with another topic. The next few weeks/months, my answers, reactions, actions, anything I did was dealt with similarly. Sometimes it got back to my then-fiance. Sometimes it didn't. Some of the things that caused concerns were merely misunderstandings on why I did things the way I did them. Those would clear up over time. I was looked at as nuts when I said I didn't put a capful of bleach in the sink when I would wash dishes by hand. EVERYONE in their family did that. It was a big to-do for a while. Or how I folded laundry or the food I would cook or the fact I went to my high school prom or that I'd ever worn a bathing suit at the beach...the list went from the trivial to more important things. What bothered me was that I felt constantly judged. Then I realized that I had nothing to be ashamed of from my past. AND, that their judgement didn't matter to me. Life was much, much easier after that. The behind-the-back talking will happen. Unless someone is telling your fiance something helpful and objective about - oh say your safety while there, that you really shouldn't wear chartruese, that it's time to up the arabic lessons [I could tell you stories about mixing up words that really REALLY shouldn't be mixed up] - let it slide. Personally, I would avoid talking about relationship stuff with any in-law. Leave that to your friends and your family. Your side of things will always be the wrong side of things - you won't get objective advice and it will get back to your fiance. Hey Milo I never in my life had such a hard time with initiation as I did when I was engaged to past fiance in India! My GOD! It was truly nerve wracking and boy did they test me. It was upsetting too. I had some of them say things to me I couldn't believe and just lumping me into the same group as all American women. Typical. But you know what in the end, they loved me. I know exactly what you mean too, the incessant question and answer and being judged. Still I have such an affinity for that place and their people. Edited by Sandrila, 16 June 2009 - 03:35 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-16 15:35:00
Middle East and North Africa	Cultural differences and Weddings	QUOTE (Honeyandsweetie @ Jun 15 2009, 11:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just curious, how do deal with your in-laws..especially the siblings? They are the non-confrontational types who talk behind your back and smile in your face. I have tried to address some cultural misunderstandings but they don't seem to get it. They will not talk to me about any of their issues but rather run and tell their husbands and their husband's tell my fiance. It makes no sense to me...especially when ur trying to have a honest conversation about your feelings. ah you might want to learn quickly not to be confrontational, AT ALL! It's all about respect and with a language barrier alot of things said by you could very well be taken the wrong way even if you didn't mean it to be.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-16 15:29:00
Middle East and North Africa	Cultural differences and Weddings	another point I might add on the bitterness and tension toward family issues. First of all you can't touch HIS family. most of the time even if he has bad blood with them you can't say a word about it. Alot of times that will come to YOU vs THEM and most of the times, sadly the family will win. They are very close with their family. Believe me one minute he hates his evil sister and the next they are so close and loving. WHATEVER!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-16 15:21:00
Middle East and North Africa	Cultural differences and Weddings	Honey we went thru a lot of red tape too in Morocco. At one point I wasn't sure the stupid judge, court clerk (whoever) would even sign the paper. It was running around to one place after the other, tons of paperwork and documents and every time we had exactly what he wanted, he wanted more! Maddening but we got through it. See I am opposite of you. I wanted a bigger to do. Hubby first wedding and since he is ethnic I wanted to have a Moroccan/Islamic wedding. Didn't get it. We have planned to commerate it here also. He is here 7 months and still no wedding. Money has alot to do with it on both ends. I guess that do what you both come to agree on. It is your day not anyone else's and quite frankly if I had heard that brother's comment I would not want to have the family partake of any of it! That is a very mean thing to say.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-16 15:16:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims and Public Displays of Affection	QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Jun 12 2009, 04:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (chemaatah @ Jun 12 2009, 02:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> what i think rahma meant, (tell me if i'm wrong) wasn't about one's own husband being jealous, but rather others around you becoming jealous when they see you in public displays of affection. like she said, avoiding being boastful of the good you have to avoid arousing envy others might feel for your relationship. i've heard the same account from my husband about that, that sometimes when people see you have something good, it makes them wish ill will towards you, like you need to be taken down a peg or something. i don't think she's talking about someone's husband feeling jealous about actors or rock stars. Yes, that's what I meant. Jealousy is a disease of the heart, and I do not want to be a spark of that disease in another person. There's a concept of the evil eye found in a few hadith, and it's manifested differently in different muslim cultures. We don't associate with a lot of egyptians, so I'm 100% versed in their quirks, but from what I know, marriage isn't something that's talked about amongst other people. At least according to AbuS, one doesn't refer to one's spouse by name with their friends. It's not hidden - everyone knows s/he is married, but it's just not something that's a topic of conversation. Although it's an old book, Edward Lane wrote a bit about the evil eye in his book "The Manner and Customs of Modern Egyptians:" QUOTE enclosed in a case, generally of a triangular form, attached to the top of the cap; and horses often have similar appendages. The Egyptians take many precautions against the evil eye; and anxiously endeavour to avert its imagined consequences. When a person expresses what is considered improper or envious admiration of anything, he is generally reproved by the individual whom he has thus alarmed, who says to him, " Bless the Prophet! " 2 and if the envier obeys, saying, " O God, bless him !" 8 no ill effects are apprehended. It is considered very improper for a person to express his admiration of another, or of any object which is not his own property, by saying, " God preserve us !" * " How pretty !" or, " Very pretty I" The most approved expression in such cases is "Ma shaa-llah!" (or "What God willeth [cometh to pass !"] ) ; which implies both admiration, and submission to, or approval of, the will of God. A person who has exclaimed " How pretty!" or used similar words, is often desired to say, rather, " Ma shaa-llah !" as well as to bless the Prophet. In the second chapter of this work a remarkable illustration has been given of the fear which mothers in Egypt entertain of the effect of the evil eye upon their children. It is the custom in this country, when a person takes the child of another into his arms, to say, " In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful:" and, " O God, bless our lord Mohammad :" and then to add, "Ma shaa-llah!" It is also a common custom of the people of Egypt, when admiring a child, to say, " I seek refuge with the Lord of the Day-break for thee : " alluding to the Chapter of the Day-break (the ii3th chapter of the Kur-an); in the end of which, protection is implored against the mischief of the envious. The parents, when they see a person stare at, or seem to envy, their young offspring, sometimes cut off a piece of the skirts of his clothes, burn it with a little salt (to which some add coriander-seed, alum, &c.), and fumigate with the smoke, and sprinkle with the ashes, the child or children. This, it is said, should be done a little before sunset, when the sun becomes red. Jealousy is a very bad trait to have excessively. I can understand being jealous when your spouse or SO has been caught in a disrespectful manner with the opposite sex, but just normal interaction with the opposite sex at work or having polite demeanor, small talk with opposite sex in public should provoke being labeled disrespectful. I know it is a whole nother subject but my husband has gotten so nit picky about any interactions or conversations with men. I think it is overboard completely and for an american woman we see things a different way. He thinks it too open and easy way as far as men/women relations go. Men and women certainly can't be friends because there is definitely an underlying motive there. We have had too many talks to mention on this and can be quite stifling when it just common everyday conversation and courtesy when dealing in public or in the work place. I do know that unlike normal banter amongst men here, hubby stated he would never utter anything to do with me to a friend or male in his family NOR should they ever ask him anything to do with me. Talking about what goes intimately or troubles within the relationship is definitely off limits. It just seems clear not like the joking that goes on between men about their wives here. Unlike the hugging and small pecks on the cheek that go on between mutual friends of a man and wife or spending time alone even with a mutual friend of the opposite sex. It has made me look at things quite differently but not at all easy to accept.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-17 14:42:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims and Public Displays of Affection	We have a couple who goes at it at night and the whole neighborhood can hear them. It is one thing to live in an apt and occasionally you hear something going on, it is another thing to be aware that others can hear you all around and people complain and you continue on. Big shocker to hubby when he heard to what degree this couple could be heard and how disrespectful and classless this couple was being. Kids even gathered around, 20 deep, just to listen and mock them. We had to feel as though we had to go in so we didn't have to hear them carrying on. My hubby said you know what if that happened in my country (he has NEVER EVER heard it like that) the person would throw a rock at/thru their window and you better believe a crazy person may even go up there with a knife and threaten them to knock it off I told him even though you think Americans are open and accepting about everything, good..decent people (most) are not going to tolerate that and would be very put out having to over hear someone's private escapades	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-15 14:30:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims and Public Displays of Affection	Public displays of any kind THERE, NO In the home in front of family, NO out in public hand holding and arms around each other THERE, fine no kissing or hanging all over each other HERE he is fine with it and will indulge in it, without looking over his shoulder It is hard for him to believe that we are as open as we are but there are still TV shows on TV and commercials that make him blush and if certain topics are addressed on some of the childrens' sitcoms he will leave the room. He is very shy about what should be seen or discussed when children and parents are in front of each other. For us we don't even pay attention. For him, he squirms.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-15 14:24:00
Middle East and North Africa	It's Wednesday	Mornin gals. Maureen...have a nice trip, is it for the weekend? Kenza, how is your reunion going? You are there all summer right? Can you post any pix? I finally got our family membership to the Y! Hubby is so excited to start working out, me too. Now, trying to coordinate our schedules and making time for it It will be a big hump for me just to drag my butt there. I never had that problem before as I lived in the gym practically for 9 years straight. I have already been reminded about Ramadan this year. Aug 22 I think, and this is hubby's first time here with Ramadan. I wonder how that will go with him. Last year he wasn't here but I did the fasting and did a fine job. Enjoy the day ladies, I can actually see some sun today!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-17 09:24:00
Middle East and North Africa	I need your help !!!!!!	I think it is possible they are going to interview you again. I guess if they gave you 2 different responses to the same ? you need to make sure BUT whatever they decide, I am sure the are going to contact you. If they do interview again make sure you are really prepared. If there is anything you think they are looking at specifically brush up on that area. GOOD LUCK! Edited by Sandrila, 16 June 2009 - 02:20 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-16 14:17:00
Middle East and North Africa	Maids and Nannies in ME	I got burned out raising my 3 children and running around like a chicken with it's head cut off! I learned how to manage my stress by choosing what is important. Cleanliness more than tidiness for me. I may not have a physically stressful, all hour of the night job but I put in my 40 nonetheless. I am tired and ready to enjoy. I don't mind satisfying my husband's every whim as long as he at least trying to satisfy some of mine. It has taken me some time to realize the cultural differences are creeping in here. I am more than willing to accept them but I find it isn't as easy for him to. Even though he is not what I'll call a practicing Muslim, it all is ingrained in him. Whether cultural or religious the expectations can be very hard to live by. Edited by Sandrila, 17 June 2009 - 09:49 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-17 09:48:00
Middle East and North Africa	Maids and Nannies in ME	I was lucky and I sacrificed ALOT to stay home with them. I always worked around my family, but people gotta do what they gotta do. If you have to work you can't beat yourself up about it, you just have to do all you can in the time you are with them. It sucks but unless you have a successful husband, who is going to foot all the bills and then some, most women have to contribute. It is a tough decision. My thought was I didnt have them to let someone else take care of them #1. We were lucky to have had help from my ex's family BUT the other point is I going to work and all that money is going to go toward childcare Didn't make sense to me. Now in retrospect I look how hard I am struggling in the work force because I forfeited attaining a career and working FULL time to save money so we could get ahead and now I feel I am paying the price for staying home, but I don't regret it, I just wish the kids, now that they are older could appreciate and remember that. Edited by Sandrila, 16 June 2009 - 03:00 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-16 14:59:00
Middle East and North Africa	Maids and Nannies in ME	QUOTE (Sofiyya @ Jun 15 2009, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Islam doesn't require a wife to do housework, and allows her to request household help, so it's no at all uncommon among the upper class in many MENA countries. We always had servants growing up, but our parents raised us. We had servants when we were raising our children, but we raised our kids ourselves. I didn't feel bad about hiring help at all. They needed a job like anyone else, and they did very good work. Sadly, some people do treat their servants like slaves. This is a problem especialy in the Gulf region because there are many people who had slaves in the past; slavery was legal until 1964. Slavery is still practiced in some third world country as a means of paying off debts. Still, following Islam, one is required to be kind and respectful of their slaves and servants. WHAT???? Islam doesnt require a wife to do housework??? then why does my husband give me such a hard time about getting it done and he gets indifferent if I ask for HIS help? Edited by Sandrila, 16 June 2009 - 02:52 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-16 14:49:00
Middle East and North Africa	Maids and Nannies in ME	QUOTE (charles! @ Jun 15 2009, 08:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i have no problem with a maid, as long as she's dressed like this Charles!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-16 14:44:00
Middle East and North Africa	Maids and Nannies in ME	Hello, is it honey or sweetie? lol welcome and I am assuming you are there in the ME I have no experience with that but I am sure it would be a heck of alot more reasonable there than here. I know alot of MENA wives have some expertise where that is concerned so they could chime in. I don't think my husband would want to put out any extra money for that if we lived there. I think families are probably willing to help with the children.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-16 14:38:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	Awwwwwww Livvie!!!!!!!!!!! You haven't had a very smooth start there have you? You have had alot to deal with since being there. Thank God you are with your husband and he can take care of you. This is nice for you to witness early on in your marriage. I hope you feel better and relieved that you got assistance in time. How do you find the medical treatment there? Do you have insurance or are you paying out of pocket? It must be scary. Prayers with you dear. Amysaid...oh good luck, it is getting near, try to relax, I know it is easier said than done but it will all be fine and a distant memory soon enough. Amanda I have 3 words for you THAT WAS EASY The rest of the pack, take time to enjoy your evening, don't spend too much time in the kitchen either NAGI!!!!!!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-18 15:42:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	Canknit, yeah it's the airshow you live in or near Delaware? well unfortunately they are calling for, yep, RAIN! So it may be that we don't make it down there. It sucks cuz I had hubby take off a 12 hour day of work for this. If he we get rained out and have to stay in, that will suck but honestly it will be so nice to have him home for one day this weekend anyway	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-18 10:16:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	G'Day! Maureen you're always ahead of the rest of us Enjoy yourself. When do you leave? Arizona right? Have a safe trip, you deserve it! raining!.......................again Everyone here agrees that we have never seen so much rain, consistent day to day, everyday rain as we have in the last 2 months. It's OLD. Ash...good to see ya ! You going to Dover this weekend? Just wondering, would love to meet u there. We will go Saturday, definitely.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-18 09:25:00
Middle East and North Africa	Friday	Enjoy your weekend peeps	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-19 15:09:00
Middle East and North Africa	Friday	how are you feeling Liv? I am surprised that you are going out so soon after. How is the weather there, avg temp please?	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-19 14:32:00
Middle East and North Africa	Friday	That is a long trip Terri You have been gone like 8 or 9 days already right? I would enjoy it, before you know it you will right back into the daily grind	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-19 13:48:00
Middle East and North Africa	Friday	Tamara sorry I don't know what happened. I hope you are fine.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-19 13:08:00
Middle East and North Africa	Friday	Hey Zee, Lisa and Bridget! courtney I swear even when I did have a chance to sleep late, I couldn't Ridasgirl, when I do have time without the babes I can't think of what I want to do first Chores, Gym, outings or how about NOTHING? Nothing looks good about now but no so productive	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-06-19 09:50:00