Music Ministry Conference (Dubai)

I was able to attend a ministry conference at the Dubai Evangelical Community Church. I took a ride with some people from my church and had a great time!! I took a seminar on singing (it was a lovely reminder of all the things I learned in training) and a seminar on how to write worship songs. I've had some ideas, but didn't know how to put them down on paper. It was a great experience.

Ramadan is Finally Over!!!!

We are on our 9 day break for Eid-al-Fitr, which is the celebration of the end of Ramadan. I'm so happy for this for several reasons. First, we will finally be on a normal school schedule. Secondly, if I'm hungry at 3 PM, I can go to a restaurant and eat...not to mention drink water in public!!

Some friends from church and I went to the beach last night and had a little BBQ! We were "ambushed" by some Egyptian men, who would just not leave us alone. At first it wasn't a big deal. I'm used to the attention from being in Taiwan (ei locals wanting to take a million pictures with me because I'm American), but this was quite different. I need to remember this for next time.

Horsing Around

A friend from church took me to the Royal Stables. I want to take riding lessons, but they seem really expensive. What it all comes down to is the acquisition of vehicle. I'd have to walk about a mile to reach the horses as taxis are not allowed on the property.

Abu Dhabi Days and Nights

Traffic is crazy here. And since it's Ramadan, it's even worse!

Gatherings

My Classroom and Some Abu Dhabi Scenes

Church and Taxis

I've been attendingEvangelical Community Church in Abu Dhabi. The church recently built a new building (first picture). Apparently, they have much favor with the local government. I was so surprised by the expository preaching done at this church and in the home group. It's amazing!! In Taiwan and America, where Christianity is acceptable, few preach the Word. However, in a restricted nation, the Word is preached properly.

There are tons of Western shops here including IKEA. I like this store, but my roommate and I need to wait until we get paid!! IKEA blowout! Getting a taxi in Abu Dhabi can be a bit difficult. Sometimes I wait 30 minutes for cab. When one finally comes, I have to fight off people who want to cut ahead of you. However, if you go to shopping centers, you can not hail a cab from the side of the road. You must go to the taxi cue and wait and wait and wait.

I'm thinking purchasing a used car might be a very good investment here. That and gas is cheaper than bottled water!