Everyone Loves a Party

We were unexpectedly invited to two parties today after classes. One was with a family next door to the school. It was short, but quite nice. We met a young couple visiting for the day. The second gathering was much larger, with singing and a birthday cake. On our way back to the hotel, we travelled through one of the market areas in a part of the city that does not see many tourists. I always enjoy the opportunity to experience these areas.

One of our teachers took us to a favorite seafood cafe for lunch. He ordered for two and the three of us didn't eat everything provided. Salad, fruit, fries, fish, shrimp, and something like a sardine with a mean face for us all was about $15. Another bargain, the ten minute taxi ride back to the hotel for only $3!

The First Days

It is now Saturday evening. We have been in Tangiers for three days and the time has vanished like a djinn in the drain. Our studies have gone well. We are constantly intrigued by the intricacies of Islam and its many layers. What has been particularly fascinating is the syncrestic manner in which so many pieces and parallels with Judaism and Christianity are evident.

What this mainly demonstrates is the ignorance with which we came. I am excited and convinced that our time here will prove valuable when we return home.

Tangiers is a bustling city of 2 million, and the people we have met in the markets, restaurants, and streets have been genuinely friendly and welcoming. Our nightly routine after a long day of study has been a small cafe two blocks away. We have gone with panini, pizza, schwarma, and safrine, along with a carbonated drink labelled "Hawaiian", which is some concoction of coconut, orange, and ???? fruit. Lunch today was the new Gambas (shrimp) burger at McD's. I doubt if it will get a try out in the states. Once was enough for me.

Yesterday we participated in a debriefing of a team from SEBTS that had been in the region for two weeks. It was good to hear their experiences, surprises, and takeaways.

Our instructors have been most informative and interesting, with backgrounds that are very different, but quite fascinating. Hearing their stories is encouraging to us.

We have ventured into the maze of the medina three times in the evening. Joe made me promise not to take him down any dark alleys, but last night I gave into the temptation and led us on a circuitous route off the beaten path. We made it safely out, even through the darker and narrower passageways.

Safe Arrival - Stage One!

We landed in Brussels, Belguim this morning at 7:46am local time - that's 8 hours ahead of Colorado. Grabbed our bags and hopped aboard the train to the central station. I am now a fan of the Blackberry global service, since my printout for our hotel reservation didn't contain the address and I forgot to print the map giving directions. A quick search on the BB and voila (that's French), I had the address. Nice man inside the little ticket booth told us to take Line 3 two more stops then a short walk. Sure enough, when we got up on the street, the Astrid Hotel was two blocks away.

After check-in an a quick shower, we set off to explore the "capital" of the European union. The Grand Plaza was...well...grand. The old cathedrals are pretty cool, at least from the outside. None of them were open, and most look old and dying...or dead. Again, I am struck by the fading of a once vibrant faith. Belguim was a stronghold of Christianity for hundreds of years, yet now seems hardly in evidence.

We experienced a quaint, movie style lunch at a bustling outdoor cafe under the trees with live music (old movie tunes included). Then wandered through what was clearly an Islamic section of the city. If I had not seen some of the recent population statistics, I would have been surprised at the large non-European presence here in the heart of the EU.

Finally, my language ignorance proclaimed itself again to be a hindrance. I desperate wish I could communicate with those on the streets in the language of their hearts in something other than my feeble phrases of "bonjour" and "merci".

On our way!

We woke to our alarm at 3:15am MST. Way to early...! We are now in Newark getting ready to head for our gate. Barring any delays, we will arrive in Brussels around midnight in Colorado or 7:45am local. As you can see, Joe is getting a headstart on his sleep for the next three weeks. Please pray for us as we experience this learning adventure - family, safety, health, and most importantly the guidance and direction of the Spirit.

Africa Study and Vision Trip

On June 1, Joe Sanchez and I will leave for a three week trip to Morocco and Senegal. While in Morocco, we will spend 7 days immersed in an Islamic study group, then travel into the countryside. Our goal is to learn how best to engage the Muslim immigrants here in Summit County.

Our visit to Senegal will entail a trip into the northern territories and some urban work in Dakar in order to better understand the culture of the West Africans who are living and working here in the High Country.

Please pray for safety in our journey and that the we will be granted wisdom and insight into the Islamic cultures we meet.