Last night I got home, climbed into bed and had mixed feelings about how the night had gone. It was a night that started off on a high but sort of ended on a low. A few girls and I went on a Desert Safari, and that part was great! I’ll write another post about that in a couple of days. The interesting part of the night was in the couple that we spent the evening with. Jill is Australian and living in Dubai. Steve is from the UK and was visiting.

I know, not the best picture. But this is Jill and Steve.

We got to talk to them and hear their story while at dinner. There is a lot to their story but, essentially, they are having an affair. They both were very open and trusted us enough to share their story. Steve also opened up a lot to my friend, Amy, and I. While Jill was away from the table, Steve shared that he was diagnosed with liver cancer 3 weeks ago and the doctors gave him 6 months to live. Jill does not know. But through this conversation, Amy and I were able to ask some hard-hitting questions about what he believes life is about and what happens when we die. He’s confused. I think he’s still trying to process the news. It was such an incredible experience to meet them and to hear their story and hopefully show them the love of Christ. They kept talking about us judging them and we tried to assure them that we don’t judge, that that’s God’s job. Amy got to speak with Steve more throughout the night and got to share her heart and her faith with him. It shouldn’t surprise me that God met us in the desert of Dubai, but it’s still so great to see clearly how people are put in our lives. We don’t know what part we played in their lives, whether they were just hearing the news for the first time, or that God had already been working in Steve’s heart and we were just reinforcing what somebody else had already shared with him. It’s not for us to know. Only God knows where his heart is. It was just sad to me seeing him get so emotional when opening up about his diagnosis. It’s sad that he doesn’t have the hope about going to Heaven. It’s sad that he’s looking for hope in the world and other people. I felt a little defeated and inadequate after leaving Jill and Steve. I was just thinking over the night and the words that were said and hoped that I had said the right things to show them Christ. I know that is Satan. It’s hard not to know where Steve’s heart is and if we made a difference. But that’s where our faith and trust in the Lord come in. Most of the time, we won’t know. We just have to trust that God used us and pray that Steve will come to find the Lord and trust in Him, pray that he will find peace about leaving this world and hope in what is waiting for him in Heaven. As you can imagine, this put a more serious feel of the evening and definitely took precedence over the other events of the evening.

As if that was not enough, I also found out that a guy I met here in Dubai passed away suddenly about two weeks ago. His name was John and he played on our volleyball team for the Beach Fest the other week. He was from North Carolina and was over here working. He left behind a wife and a daughter who is in college. John was here in Dubai working so he could provide for his family. He had not seen his family in many months, if not longer. He was 43 and healthy. One Tuesday, he was at the gym and went to catch a taxi and had a massive heart attack and died right there. When my friend, Amy, shared this news with me, I was shocked. I couldn’t really believe that it happened. I didn’t know John very well, I don’t even know his last name, but I had spent a little time with him.  He was very nice, friendly, and funny. And he loved his family. It’s hard to believe that he was gone so fast. I can’t imagine how his wife and daughter feel. It has to be horrible. I pray that they will find comfort in the Lord and His plan and that they will find peace. Another friend said that John went the best way possible; loving life and happy one minute, the next in the precious of the Lord in Heaven. No pain or suffering. That is the way to go!

 John serving up the ball!

 The green team! The beach volleyball tournament champions!

It definitely makes you think about how precious life is and makes me reflect on my own life. We aren’t promised tomorrow, so we should live our lives like we are leaving the earth tomorrow. Last night, reminded me to be bold in my faith, to share my faith with those people around me, to live out the love of Christ, and to not be afraid, but to trust that the Lord will use me. How selfish of me to keep quiet and not to share the good news with everybody I come into contact with. Yes, it is easier said than done. But I pray that God will show me the opportunities to share, and give me the confidence and words to do so. 

My time in Dubai is quickly coming to a close. I have about a month left here. I will be sad to leave, but I am excited to get back home! I've also been a little anxious about going home. And not in a good way! Yes, there are a lot of people and things that I want to get back to, but there is one that I am dreading. The fact that I will not have a job. It's had me a little stressed and worried. I really should have started looking for a job in December when I first got here, knowing it takes several months. To be honest, it's a little daunting to think about searching for a job, filling out all the applications, and sending out emails. I have done this all before, with really no luck, so it's hard for me to justify spending all the time when I haven't seen results in the past. So, readers, I would love your help!! If you know of any job or know of anybody who would know of something, please pass it along to me!!! It would be greatly appreciated! And I'm open to anything. So no matter what type of job it is, send it my way! Thanks!!

Okay so the other week I went to the Gold Souk and Heritage Village which are two local marketplaces here in Dubai. They are both right by the Dubai Creek. The Heritage Village is on this side of the creek and the Gold Souk is the opposite side of the creek. I first went to the Heritage Village. It was earlier in the morning so there weren't a whole lot of people there and I was one of maybe 5 girls there so, of course, as soon as all the vendors saw me coming, they came out to meet me, saying, "Madam, come to my shop. I have pashminas, tops, shoes (etc.). I give you good price!"

After Heritage Village, I rode a dhow boat across the creek to the Gold Souk. I did this a few weeks ago with my friend Brian. I wanted to do a little shopping so I decided to go by myself so I could take my time.

Me on the dhow boat. I know, another picture of me by myself!

The Gold Souk (pretty much same as Heritage Village)

The shoes were so little!

Spices

Here are a few other pictures from around town

Speed limit sign

UAE flag

I told you that I would get back to you and tell you about going up to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa. It's quite a big deal. You really have to schedule a tour ahead of time online because they sell out so fast. All along the walk to the elevators, they have lots of facts and information about the Burj Khalifa.

You are ushered into a high-speed elevator that takes you 10 meters per second. The elevator takes you to the 124th floor. The building has over 160 floors, which means the observation deck is not all the way at the top. It's still pretty high though! Once off the elevator, you have a 360degree view of the city. Part of the observation deck is outside and has a break in the window so you can take better pictures.

That is the Dubai Mall on the left, the Dubai fountain in the middle and the Souk Al Bahar on the top right!

 This is a closer look at the last picture. That's the hotel complex where we're staying!

It's a little hazy but you can see the World Islands in the picture below!

The other part has glass and with the sand and dust storms, it leaves lots of sand and dust on the windows making it harder to see through. You can also see my reflection in the picture below!

 The picture above is another picture of the Dubai Fountian. Although, in this picture you can see the whole fountain.

If you know me, you know that I'm not so fond of pictures. But what I dislike even more is pictures of me by myself! I feel it's awkward. But I figured I should have proof that I'm actually in Dubai and not just posting pictures from the Internet! So here's proof that I was actually there at the Burj Khalifa!

Here in Dubai, the television is so-so. We have some good movie channels, a couple kid channels, and some of the news channels. The problem is the schedule is so weird that you never know what is going to be on at a certain time. Also the same shows will be on in the evening as were on in the morning. We watch a lot of Fox News, Cartoon Network, and whatever movie that's on. A friend of Rod's let us borrow some movies and tv series. I think I mentioned that we watched the whole first season of The Event. The older boy has also been introduced to Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and Harry Potter. We have all the movies in each series. First it was Indiana Jones. I think we watched Raiders of the Lost Ark about 5 times in a row! It was on repeat! Then he moved onto Star Wars. At first, Mason says he doesn't want to watch the movies but once he starts watching the first movie, he's hooked. Star Wars was his next obsession. Every minute that he got, he watched Star Wars. After Star Wars, came Harry Potter. That's where we are now! I think he's on maybe the 4th or 5th movie in the series! He doesn't have a whole lot of space to play and we can't just send him outside by himself when Ashlee and I are dealing with the twins so he enjoys watching the movies. And he gets into them and tries to catch Ashlee and I up on the movies and explains to us what is happening! It's cute!

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I have about a month left here in Dubai. There are a few more things I still need to do and see. Today I went to the top of the Burj Khalifa. Well, technically the observation deck is only about 2/3rds of the way up, but you can still see all of Dubai. I’ll post pictures and tell you a little more about that in my next post! And in a couple of weeks a few girls and I are going to go on a desert safari! They drive you up and down the sand dunes, you watch the sunset, ride a camel, you can get a henna tattoo and try on the abaya and dishdash (the coverings) and then you have a feast in the desert with belly dancers! It’s an authentic Arab experience. I’m really excited about that! The family I am here with has already done the desert safari and raved about it!

I haven’t given you any interesting facts about Dubai lately, so here’s some about driving in Dubai. From an outsider, driving here can look chaotic and could make you think there are no laws and anything goes. That's because the majority of the driving laws are seen more as suggestions than laws here. You don’t see many police out on the roads. Several places are monitored mostly by cameras, so if you are speeding past a camera, it will take your picture and then you will get a ticket in the mail. Also, many of the cars here beep when you get over the speed limit. If you go through a red light and get caught by the camera, you can owe 500-1500dhs. Driving through a stop sign is normal behavior though, although most drivers do so down and look. Seatbelts weren’t a law until 1996 but still aren’t enforced. It is also not rare to see kids not in car seats but roaming around the car! Drinking and driving is not tolerated and, if caught, could easily result in jail time or a really big fine. Also using obscene hand gestures could also get you in a lot of trouble, even prison.

I have also learned a couple words in Arabic. Hi is “Salam”. “Inshalla” means hopefully or God willing. For example, a taxi driver might use this term if you ask him if you will get to your destination on time. He might say “Inshalla” or God willing! Thanks is “Shukran”. And you’re welcome is “Afwan”.

Also here’s a picture of Mason. Ashlee and Rod were out and Mason was in the living room watching Harry Potter. I was in the kitchen cleaning up and went into the living room to tell Mason it was time for bed. This is how I found him!!

Notice the drool!!

Well, today is Friday and I think we're all almost 100% back to feeling better! Cash and Jake are back to being happy, smiling, playing, and having a good time! And I think all of us adults are feeling much better! It was really helpful being here in Dubai because here you don't have to have a prescription for anything at the pharmacy. You can go pick up anything without going to see a doctor. I know this could be considered bad and I'm sure people abuse the system. But it could be seen as helpful too. Back in the States, you start feeling bad and by the time you call the doctor and get an appointment it's been a week since the symptoms started and that could be too late, especially for the flu. It's easier to get the medicine as soon as you feel the symptoms come on. That way you aren't as sick as long. So we're all feeling much better! Praise the Lord! It was a rough couple of days, but it could have been a rough couple of weeks! Thankful that it was only a few days!

Here are some pictures of Cash and Jake in better spirits!

Cute boys!!! (P.S. Cash is getting another tooth on the top! That's 6 and Jake still has none! lol)

Okay readers I have some exciting news for you! I worked on a movie a couple summers ago through Watermark Community Church. The movie is a modern-day adaptation of the life and story of Joseph, called Seasons of Gray. I worked with wardrobe for the movie and was on set almost every day. It was stressful at times and we worked long hours for that summer. But, I wouldn't trade one second of it! I loved every minute of it. I loved the atmosphere, the work, the project, and, most importantly, the people! The exciting news is that it was at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival this year with other movies like Courageous and Seven Days in Utopia, and Seasons of Gray won the Audience Choice Award!!! Yay, Seasons of Gray! They are hoping to get it out to other people in other cities and hopefully on DVD sometime this year! So if you know of anybody who lives in another city who would be interested in learning more about the project and spreading the word, head over to www.seasonsofgray.com for more information! And check out the trailer for the film here...http://www.seasonsofgray.com/trailer/

Update on twins. They have been feeling horrible. Cash has been quiet and still, very sleepy. He’s quiet when we wake him and he stays awake only for a little bit then he wants to rest. Jake, on the other hand, has been the opposite. He hasn’t been eating or sleeping well, and we think the medicine is upsetting his stomach because he is just not happy. And he can’t seem to get settled. We went to the doctor today for a check-up and Cash is on the mend! Jake, however, has developed a chest infection. Boo. And now, they’ve passed the sickness on to me. My head is feeling achy and I have a sore throat. It really doesn’t help that we haven’t been able to get our rest. I’m hoping to go to bed by 8 tonight!

Apart from the flu, they are growing and progressing so much in just the past month! They both kind of moved past crawling and are pulling up on things. The other day, Cash pulled himself up on Mason’s box of toys and was fishing through the toys! It was so cute! Jake and Cash are also both sitting on their own. They look so much bigger and older when they are sitting upright by themselves. They have a little piano that they can sit in front of and play. They really like this. We’ve discovered Jake’s new talent; playing piano with his gums!! He still has no teeth. And when we were at the doctor last week, Ashlee asked the doctor to check his gums to see if there are any teeth close to coming in. She said no. L Poor Jake! He’s still a puddle of drool. We go through lots and lots of bibs that we decided we should start double bibbing him! Cash, on the other hand, got a 5^th tooth in!

Here's a close-up so you can see his 5th tooth! He got a third tooth on the bottom!

In other news, I jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon. It’s already proved to be very dangerous! Too addicting! I resisted so far but had to give in! And now, I can't wait to try some of the DIY projects! You can check out my boards here: http://pinterest.com/jenleigh55/. Fair warning, you could spend all day on this website, so procede with caution!

Well, the twins have the flu. Mason has been home from school all week because he wasn't feeling well. Ashlee took him to the doctor yesterday and he has a sort of sinus infection. He also has chronic allergies so that doesn't help. And we had a dust storm last week which, again, doesn't help. After Ashlee got home from the doctor, Cash was running a fever. Both of the twins have been a little extra fussy because they are teething and have had runny noses. Yesterday was the first day they were running fevers though. So we had an appointment today. We had to wake Cash up from his morning nap and he was really lethargic, burning up and running a 102 temperature. Ashlee debated taking him to the emergency room but we just went to the appointment. The doctor said she could tell right away that Cash had the flu. Just in the 15-20 minutes we were there, Jake's symptoms started getting worse and turns out he has the flu too. The good news is that they caught it early and can give them Tamiflu which will shorten the duration of the flu. So, if you don't catch it early, a fever could last about two weeks. But since we caught it in the first couple days, the twins can be on Tamiflu and the fever will only last about 5 days. So pray for somewhat good days the next couple days and pray that they don't get worse. Also pray that the older boy, Mason, doesn't catch the flu and get more sick than he already is. And last, but not least, pray that Rod, Ashlee, and I don't get sick.