Middle East Snapshots

I went in to the airport today and waited there, cell phone ready, until our visitor was through security. Many of you probably know already that airports in the US can be humiliating experiences for Arabs and Muslims. I wanted her to know that if it was going to be difficult I would experience it [...]

Today was a break from the appointments. She went to a Tulip festival with the host family and then we dressed up and watched the Promenade of the high school. The students looked really nice. I tried to explain the concept of a ‘date’ today. It wasn’t as easy as it may seem. I’m still [...]

I wish I could share some of the things I’ve learned that are actually more pertinent and thought provoking about the situation in Iraq. Maybe when I have more time I can share a few more things. Today, our visitor met with some teachers at Utah Valley University who have a Center for the Arts [...]

Today our visitor spoke to the entire student body in an assembly and there was press. She also met students and faculty at Brigham Young University. Tonight we giggled through stories of Iraqis in the US. Apparently the lettuce we were eating like rabbits reminded her of a scary experience in New Hampshire. The scene?: [...]

Ok. So my favorite Iraqi phrase I’ve learned so far is: “Speeeech?” It means, “What’s up?” (to a girl). The best part of today, at least for me, and reportedly for our visitor as well, was Arabic class. She shared about Iraq and the students showed off their Arabic skills and learned some Iraqi dialect. [...]