Written by a Cafe 1040 Student

It wasn't until part of our team took a trip and we stayed with a Muslim family during Ramadan did I feel the weight of a new culture.

First, covering your head is necessary, even in 115+ degree weather. Secondly, if you don't know about Ramadan, it is a time of fasting both food and water during the day. The breaking of the fast happens at 7:15 p.m. where we were given a huge plate of fruit, which we stuffed our face with! Little did I realize that was only to break the fast, not actual dinner. Fifteen minutes later there is a feast of food! After dinner we headed up to our rooms of blankets on concrete floors with an air cooler (not A/C) to get some sleep before dinner round two. Round two began at 3:15 a.m. for another full meal before another full day of fasting. This is so far out of the norm for me that my body had a hard time sleeping on such a full stomach.

The Father is teaching me so much about me relying on stateside comforts. Long-term work does not guarantee you a western toilet. It does not guarantee you a bed or regular sleep. Groceries stores and air conditioning are not promised. Finding a balance of what I know and what I need to learn has been a hard battle! I am trying my best to abide in God alone and not my own efforts. I only ever get so far.