Friday, December 19, 2008
I Think It's Finally Happening
I think that today is the first day where all of us have really felt like we "belonged" at our church here in Doha. Not that anyone as ever been unkind or anything. It's just that today it felt like all of us were suddenly comfortable and happy there.
We all had met up with people that we knew and were happily engaged in conversation. We were invited out to lunch. Usually, a large group from the church goes to either Bennigans or Chili's or something. We've gone a couple of times, but more like tag-a-longs, never really invited, usually off at a table near the group, but not really with the group. That's really more about Hubby's issues - personally, I would have just walked up and sat at the table, but that's not ok in his culture, so we haven't done it. Today we were invited along and got to know some really lovely people.
It was great for the kids because kids their ages, who they liked!!!, were there so they were happy. Hubby and I were at opposite ends of the table since the guys were together and the girls were together, so he got to know some guys better. At the end of the meal, one of the men he had been talking to invited us over to his home on the day after Christmas for an open house.
I know it's a minor thing, but it's been a long hard road for us. We were so deeply a part of our church back in Miami that those kinds of relationships have been very painfully missed.
It's funny. I had thought that coming back from the US would be really hard. I assumed that we would kind of go back to square one, missing all of our friends and family and the conveniences of home. But just the opposite has happened.
While home, I realized that there are plenty of inconveniences there as well. It's easy to romanticize how things used to be, but going back can be a solution to that. Now I'm not lying: Life is easier in America. But it's good to know that here in Doha can be "home" too.
We all had met up with people that we knew and were happily engaged in conversation. We were invited out to lunch. Usually, a large group from the church goes to either Bennigans or Chili's or something. We've gone a couple of times, but more like tag-a-longs, never really invited, usually off at a table near the group, but not really with the group. That's really more about Hubby's issues - personally, I would have just walked up and sat at the table, but that's not ok in his culture, so we haven't done it. Today we were invited along and got to know some really lovely people.
It was great for the kids because kids their ages, who they liked!!!, were there so they were happy. Hubby and I were at opposite ends of the table since the guys were together and the girls were together, so he got to know some guys better. At the end of the meal, one of the men he had been talking to invited us over to his home on the day after Christmas for an open house.
I know it's a minor thing, but it's been a long hard road for us. We were so deeply a part of our church back in Miami that those kinds of relationships have been very painfully missed.
It's funny. I had thought that coming back from the US would be really hard. I assumed that we would kind of go back to square one, missing all of our friends and family and the conveniences of home. But just the opposite has happened.
While home, I realized that there are plenty of inconveniences there as well. It's easy to romanticize how things used to be, but going back can be a solution to that. Now I'm not lying: Life is easier in America. But it's good to know that here in Doha can be "home" too.
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8 comments:
Lori, this just warmed my heart. I think it happened this way for a reason. You really appreciated the invitation and know how if felt when you weren't specifically included. The timing worked out really well!
Excellent news, Lori! I am glad things are starting to feel more like home. A new home but home nonetheless!
How wonderful! I still haven't found a church home where I'm comfortable, but then those are my issues, I think. :)
Isn't God so good? All the time? Amen?
What an answer to prayer!! That's awesome news!
I'm really glad to read this. You're with the people you love; your family. And how wonderful that you're finding that you have a place in your new church home. What a wonderful Christmas blessing!
I'm so happy for y'all! Glad to know everything is working out. It's like an answer to your prayers!
I had the same thing happen when I came back to Doha this summer.
I think the most dramatic time, though, was when I came back to college after summer break between Freshman and Sophomore year. I hardly talked to any of my friends over the summer and kind of wondered how many "friends" I actually had there. That first week, catching up with everyone, I realized how much Olivet (my college) had become a second home. Anyway, this is pretty much what you already said much more eloquently than I did. :)
Great to hear that you're feeling "at home". My husband's family moved a lot when he was a kid, so he is able to fit in to a new place quickly. I grew up in one place, and I like staying put. I'm glad that you're in Qatar, because there's a little red dot on Qatar on my blog map every time you visit my blog!! Anyway, glad to hear you're making friends. Merry Christmas!