So far things are going well going into my second month. Our host and contact is very friendly and kind and while we aren’t that far into the month I believe this will be a good time of getting to know his family as well as this country. While it might not be the Middle East I am so far finding it fascinating to observe life in a primarily Islamic culture.
A couple of things that stand out at this point include the fact that the majority of the local women wear complete head coverings (though they will often wear western style clothes). There is a significant Chinese and Indian population here that does not wear head coverings. The other most notable thing is the call to prayer which I believe is made five times a day. So far I have only heard it over the loud speakers in the evenings and that’s only if I’m walking in the downtown area of the city. But we live in a neighborhood only a little ways outside the main downtown so I guess we wouldn’t hear it unless we were outside listening for it.
Its interesting being in a country that calls on its people to pray five times a day. I’m not going to pretend to know what is being said on the loud speaker or that I know what all is behind this tradition in Islam. I just find myself thinking what would things look like for Christians ( and the nations we live in) to remember to talk to God this much? And not out obligation but just to remember Him throughout our day and to pray for the people we know. Honestly just because I’m traveling right now does not mean I’ve left my bad habits behind. Some days I still barely manage to “fit” God into my schedule though I still will find time to waste on other things. So the challenge I am giving myself is to become more a person of prayer because I know I haven’t been what I would like in this area of my relationship with God.
Along those lines last night some of my team and I had the chance to pray with a pastor who has been working here for 9 years and has faced great discouragement and challenges from the beginning of his ministry. Yet he perseveres and we were able to encourage him and pray with him. These are the moments I hope to see more of throughout the race because they challenge me and also allow me in a very small way be a help to others.
