First Day of Ramadan

Today is the first day of Ramadan.  The Muslims are not eating during any daylight hours, and because we work so closely with them, we are trying to be very respectful of their fasting, praying, etc..  It's been a good day of dialogue.  I was helping a Muslim to know where a prayer area has been arranged for them (in our Chapel - temporarily converted to suit their needs).  We got into a discussion about how we should look for similar things in our faiths.  It was nice since he explained his prayers and routine during Ramadan (no water during the day is no small deal here).  I had a chance to take him to the Blessed Sacrament to show him Our Lord, and explain the statues of Our Lady ('Miriam' in their Qu'ran) and St. Joseph.  We agreed there could be a lasting peace if people do not use God and His name as a false basis to wage an argument - or war).  At the moment, we're all starving since we want to eat dinner with our Muslim friends... but we have to wait until the sun goes down for that to happen.  One other amazing thing - a Muslim I know needed a place to pray.  He couldn't find one, so he went out into the yard, took his shoes off, and knelt and prayed.  Because he was praying with an admirable reverence, he didn't care about the people passing by.  I really don't think this guy was 'show boating'.  His attitude was - he needed to pray - there was the time - he couldn't find a place - so pray he shall... right where he was.  When he finished his prayers, I noticed his face was covered with dust... he had his face right to the ground.  I admired his devotion to his 'submission' (ie. 'Islam) to God.  I pray we can be just as full of zeal.

 

I'm doing alright here - I'm working hard in things I would have never dreamed of doing at home.  They say - one DAY here is like a MONTH in the reserves... and I think they're right! 

 

Gotta go... sun is down, people are calling - it's time to eat!