youth group

This is the essence of Dubai in reality.
Though it is not a quarter as strict as KSA
Though it is very materialistic
Though it aims to be the party city of the gulf
Though Emirati women wear open abayas with skin-tight jeans and 8in heels peeking out, bangs showing under the hijab, designer sunglasses, and seem to have mobiles to their ears at all times
Though these nationals are incredibly rich
Though there is beauty in modern architechture as well
Though they gave a block of land for five churches
Though there is religious tolerence

Islam still reigns, and I can hear the loud and eloquent reminder five times a day.
These people have a need, and it isn't for all the amazing "stuff" that the 34 malls have.

Geometrically beautiful, otherwise fallen.
(mosk right outside our compound)


For Heather! Wafi City SHopping Centre is designed Ancient Egyptian style, inside and out. Everyone usually calls it just "the wafi pyramids" because outside it has three little glass pyramids on top, and there are two big one sbeing built connected to it, meant to be hotels. There is already a pool. It's an alright pool, but not as nice as the Aviation Club. It's still better than any I've ever seen in the US though!

I like the youth at DECC church. This week I finally got to go and it was very fun.

This is from our tiny yard, looking up the high ladder to the roof. (ceilings are extremely high here)

These are what most of the flowers here look like. They are on trees.