Amazing rainbow in the desert....imagine that!

Considering rainbows are created by refraction as sunlight passes through droplets
of water, and it splits apart into whatever colors of light make up white
light (i.e. red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet), it's rare we see one in the desert since it's so rare that it rains. Well, a few days ago I did see one! Needless to say I took pictures, and I will try to post them on here tomorrow. Yeah, it's just another rainbow, but to me it was so much more.

Perhaps it's age, but things in life that used to seem so far out of my grasp, or that I just lacked interest in, now seem so very important to me. At times I wonder if I really make a difference at all or am I just aimlessly wandering along this path where nothing can be changed. I make a true effort to remove pain and suffering from those when I can. Or I try to give to those in need when I am faced with the opportunity to do so. However, just like everyone else, I am certain we all feel we just hit a brick wall from time to time. We wonder if our efforts are even making a dent in all of the existing issues.

The rainbow in the desert answered many of my questions.

For being raped?

No.

I'm sure most people have heard the story of the 19 year old Saudi girl who was gang raped by six men now being punished with 200 lashes and a 6 month jail term. Sure, if that's all we heard we would all be outraged. However, that is not the entire story.

Let me say that in no way do I condone certain punishments and laws set forth in other countries, however, I certainly abide by them while in that particular country.

That being said, this young woman knew she was breaking a law by being in a vehicle with a man who was not a relative of hers. Sounds crazy to us Americans, huh? Well, in our country this isn't a crime, and as a matter of fact, it's normal. But in her country this is not only considered out of the ordinary, but it is also a crime.

The men who committed this crime are also being punished; much more severely than the victim. As raping a woman is also a criminal act in Saudi.

In America this woman would have never been punished, since in our country she did nothing wrong. Well, that doesn't mean that her country should have to conform to our beliefs, nor does it mean we have the right to impose our ideas onto them. Keep in mind, Saudi Arabia enforces a strict Islamic doctrine known as Wahhabism and forbids unrelated men and women from associating with each other.

Again, this sounds crazy to us, huh?

Or does it?

In the early 2000's there was a hip hop/rap song called "So Into You" and in the lyrics he sings to the woman are "any dude with you, he better be a kin to you now - And I aint jealous, it’s the principle now".

Interesting. This American man singing to an American woman feels he doesn't want his "woman" around any man unless they are her family members. And he states that he's not jealous, but it's the "principle".

Which principle is he following? That of his heart and emotions? Perhaps many men feel this way, but society teaches them that they're insecure or controlling if they express it? Or maybe it's out of respect for him, or for herself.

Personally, I have no idea. I just find it very interesting how two cultures that likely never intertwined show similarities in the least likely of ways.

I can assure you, Rap Music is more than likely frowned upon in Saudi Arabia.
But so is punishing a woman for being in a car with a man she is not related to in America.

This post is a little early since it's still in the 90's here pretty much every day. But the past week the temperatures have been so awesome! For the past several months it's been well over 120 degrees every day, and even getting close to 140 from time to time. So 90 feels COLD!

When I wake up in the morning and venture out to Starbucks and work it's been as low as 65 degrees, and with a light breeze it's fantastic.

The deserts are starting to become filled with tents and men camping for the season. And within the next few weeks the crisp white dishdashas (man dress for you Americans) will all become gorgeous colors of browns, greys, and blue. I am looking forward to that, as it's a sign the weather is changing. Almost like the Football season starting back in the states....it reminds me Fall is coming.

I love the winters in Kuwait though it's a short season. No really, like if you take a nap one afternoon, you'll wake up to find the winter is gone. So it's best to take adavantage of it while it's here. Rarely can outdoor activities be enjoyed until this time of year rolls around, then everyone wants to be outside. People change their sleeping habits, and stay awake more often during the day because the weather is actually bearable.

Personally, I am perfectly happy driving to work with my windows down.

Very soon I will see rain again!
(I just hope it doesn't stop before I wake up)

As humans we all have thoughts, opinions and ideas. In most cases we like to believe we're right in our beliefs and sometimes even feel a need to convince others of this. This includes everything from the best car to own to the right God to worship. Fortunately, a difference of opinion about cars has never lead countries to war and death. But the difference of religion has.

I have a very strong suspicion that no one alive today has ever met God, Jesus, Moses, or Mohammed. I think this is something we can probably almost all agree on, right? So, who are any of us to dictate to others what is right and wrong when it comes to God and these Prophets? For that matter, why is one person considered an "expert" on a religion, and others go to that person for answers? Because he read a book? Studied in college? Perhaps he's a Priest or an Imam? But does this person really know more than the rest of us? Or is it just that their faith in something is stronger than ours, so we seek them out for guidance? Seriously, would you hire an overweight person to be your personal trainer if you were trying to lose weight? Of course not, so you're more than likely not going to seek out a man in prison for murder to guide you in a religious direction.
 
All that being said -- what are we doing fighting a democratic war in an Islamic country? How is this ever to make sense? Did the President seriously think that imposing American democracy on Islamic people was a good idea? He would have been better off suggesting that Iraq be divided into 3 sections -- Kurdish, Sunni, and Shia. No one crosses their line, build walls if they like, and everyone lives happily ever after.

I have touched on this topic many times because it's important to me. I will continue to periodically post thoughts about it. Sure, they're going to be the same as some, different from others. But that's what makes us all so very unique and valuable.

PS. Thank you to all of the Bidoons who emailed, sent contact information, videos and pictures. I really appreciate you allowing me a peek into your lives, and sharing with me things close to your heart.