Kuwait and Oman

Just finished four days in Kuwait. Such an interesting place!  For example: --Most women wear a black abaya and head scarf , but shop in incredible malls with international brands like H&M, Gap, Forever 21, and Versace. --The small oil-rich Kuwaiti population means there is a large immigrant labor force--and that gives an international air to the city, with Indian, Filipino, and Lebanese influences. --We enjoyed a meal of chicken kebabs, flat bread, and a brazier of tea in the souk...as well as a dinner at PF Chang's.  I stayed with my friend N, who's been teaching at Kuwait University for five years. She arranged for me to see half a dozen English classes there.  I really enjoyed observing the capable teachers and promising students.  I also gave a seminar on "Helping Students--and Teachers--Adjust to Change" (at N's request).  We had time for a picnic on the beach and a photo tour of the city.  With Friday being the Muslim day of worship, the Kuwaiti weekend is Fri/Sat.  That made it natural to attend Good Friday services at the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait--the only one in the country--which serves a huge range of internationals (sadly, no locals).  Among the 40 congregations which meet on the compound in several different buildings with service after service is The Lighthouse (English), with about 2000 members from 50 nationalities.  At the 9:30 service we went to, there were lots of people from Kerala (India) and the Philippines, as well as some from Nigeria, the U.S., and Canada.  What a cross-cultural blessing as well as challenge!

I'm now in Oman.  After the sophisticated city of Kuwait, the town of Nizwa is a delightful change.  Nizwa is also an oasis, with palm trees fed by streams from the mountains around two wadis (washes)--a welcome change from the dusty concrete (beautiful modern architecture notwithstanding) of Kuwait.  My hosts here in Nizwa (90 minute drive from the capital Muscat) are with the Scientific Institute for Training and Administrative Development (SITAD), which offers courses in English, other languages, computers, business, and leadership.  They've reached out to other schools and universities in the area and set up four locations/groups of teachers for me to speak to.  Today that included four hours for one group and two hours for another group.  It won't be so hectic after today, and I'm also looking forward to touring the area on Monday.  It's supposed to be high on "must see" parts of the world.  I am feeling very blessed and thankful.  God is good!   - Kitty