I always looked forward for all the decoration and lightening ... the carole singing... the snow ... Well not really what I got for Xmas , but got the most important thing,
being part of a family
That what really mattered to me, because I miss my own that is so dear to me. I flew to Florida and at the airport met Eric with whom i'll be spend Xmas with and his family. I came into the house so shy, not knowing whether i'll be welcomed heartly to be part of this family, but... I was very much loved and taken as a daughter. At the very first night, I felt like i'm back in Dubai with my own family. The weather was amazing, just like it is in dubai now and the family is so easy to go with n enjoy the time.
I arrived on a Friday night and Xmas eve was a day after. I only knew two memebers of the family, Eric and his sister Lindsey, so got to meet his father Steve and his wife Lisa (both in the picture) and his other sister Laural and her BF Ben, Granny Liona and Frank. (I hope am not mistaken with any names::P)
We went shopping for Xmas presents, well more for wrapping the presents, and each one of us did his own wrapping so as to keep it secret except when it came to the father n the grannies, then all kind of worked together for it hehehhehe .. we ran to granny's house to get Steve gas stand or whatever it is called..
Xmas eve was special, as the youth n granny's went to the Church, being part of the celebration of Isaac birth (el nabi 3eesa. We lighten up a candle and pray to God and thanked Him for everything He has given us. Just a little information.. The difference btw ISlam and Xristianity is the belief of whether Jesus is God's son or not. Islam believe that Jabreal was sent to Virgin Maryam telling her of the news of being pregnant with Isaac who is just like any other human being, a worshipper, but is a prophet sent by God to guide His people. Where as Xstianity believe He is God or the son of God. But the details are almost the same except for that point.
So we learn the differences and argue about them, but we do respect what ppl believe in because God has given us the brain to think and search, argue and ask, and then make a judgment ... so it was a good experience for me to learn more about Xristianity..
also that evening, since I only eat Halal meat, we had problems finding any except Kausher for $20 a chicken .. CAN YOU IMAGINE!! WHAT THE F#%&*k !! that was the most expensive chicken I have ever had.... but well it was good esp with the BBQ sauce steve put on top ... n not to forget the delicious salad Lisa did .. and the best pizza i ever had with alfredo sauce, mushroom and shrimp!! All the family members are gifted in COOKING... n their love :)
Alot of fun things, swimming in the pool why the guys left to watch the game in a bar. Driving a scooter in the middle of Macro island, walking by the beach n getting Eric all wet ;) simply everythin .. the easeness of life and the simplicity of it.. just made it worth every second...
I can go on and on with this... but this is an experience that is hard to be told, because it was enjoyed personally n has given me a loving family that I really adore n miss so much ... I wish I was able to stay there for ever with them.. but well, back to the real life... back to Michigan ...
But ... we did sit on Xmas day and exchanged presents .. I was too part in it, and was given really cute ones from the family, and Eric or as i like calling him Cire. The gifts were so adorable n cute .. loved them all .. Also for sure as I am part of it, I gave off some presents including our traditional "jalabeya" ... just a way to bring our culture in touch with others..
doesn't seem i was good with expressing this experience .. maybe cause i'm so lazy here in Ann Arbor ... but well you got the point hehehhe loves to all ..
