I'm in America now, and I have to say, nothing compares. Everything from the friendly people to the great weather, and extensive television programming. Perhaps I've missed it more than I was aware, or I am just happy to be back here for a while.

In Kuwait making eye contact and expressing a friendly 'good morning' could be construed as flirting, and generally just out of place. Here a complete stranger will wave as you drive down the road... even if they're the opposite sex. And they're not even flirting. Imagine that!

The night I was leaving Kuwait I had to stop by the Sultan Center to grab something real quick. I dreaded that because it would be evening, the parking would be impossible, and I had to add an additional 45 minutes into my schedule to ensure I had enough time. Even with that, I had to divert from the Sultan Center because it was just too crowded and there was no parking. Not really a big deal unless you plan your every move, your every action, and your every outing around traffic. It's just not that way here. We don't all wait until the last 2 hours before children's bedtime the night before school starts to rush off to get required supplies when we're aware during the summer break we'll need to do some shopping. Again, it's a simple thing, but knowing I can run to the store any time of the day and get the items I need without strategic planning is refreshing.

Then we have the weather. I'm located in central North Carolina... right between the ocean and the mountains. The morning I landed it was raining and about 45 degrees. A bit chilly, yes. But quite a welcome change from the 100+ degree days Kuwait offers 10 months out of the year.

No, I don't hate Kuwait. So please don't write asking why I didn't leave sooner. I love Kuwait like a second home. But nothing will ever compare to family, friends, convenience of a cup of coffee without fighting for parking, and great weather. I'll always have a love for Kuwait, and without a doubt, will be back eventually. But for now, I am going to relax in the comforts of the United States of America.

In the several years I've been in Kuwait I've experienced numerous things I couldn't anywhere else in the world. I have learned about a culture I've come to love. And met people I will never forget. But most importantly, I have learned so many lessons one can only be taught in Kuwait. Sure, Kuwait has a reputation amongst Gulf countries as being the most arrogant and rude. And perhaps in many ways this is true. But in my personal experience I have learned much more good than bad here. Even if learning the good came from watching the bad. In the end -- the lesson was a positive one.

While here I've semi-learned a new language, slept in the desert under cloudless nights with a cool breeze blowing through the tent to the smell of fahem, met the most reliable trustworthy people one could ever hope to meet, and finally understand the real meaning of 'friends.' There are many little 'sayings' here in Kuwait (and probably throughout the entire Arab culture), but I have found my favorite is 'the wolf or you?'. Unfortunately I can't say it in Arabic, but certainly understand the meaning behind it. It all boils down to friendship.

The food in Kuwait is undeniably some of the best I've ever had. I've eaten things I never thought I would be willing to try, and realized I loved it. But it's not just the food, it's the method of cooking it, over the open fire. Nothing tastes better than fresh meat cooked over fahem.

Though Kuwait experienced an invasion in 1991, you wouldn't know it by looking around. The sites are gorgeous, the buildings all new, the architechture breathtaking. Kuwait may be one of the smaller countries, but no one can say they lack a desire to better themselves, and their surroundings. It's a gorgeous country with much to offer.

Finally, my love for Kuwait exists in the desert... up on the ridge. Far away from the city, the high-rise towers, and shopping malls. A place where American restaurants are non-existent other than the lone Burger King sitting on the side of the road, generally empty until the winter comes around. This is the place I first learned to love, and that love hasn't faded. It's the place I found comfort and solace. A place where the rest of the world didn't seem to matter, and all worries disappear.

Regardless of where I travel, where I live, or other parts of the world I am honored enough to be a part of -- nothing will ever be as dear to me as the deserts of Kuwait.

Is it me or does everyone in Kuwait have the emotional maturity of a 4 year old?

At a young age we're taught to take responsibility for our own actions, live up to what we've done, and apologize when necessary. So why is it in Kuwait there seems to be this big pink elephant sitting in the middle of the country and everyone pretends not to see it? This goes above and beyond the rampant cheating and marriage vows which mean nothing here. This is about simple behavior, juvenile acceptance, and common manners.

A friend here once told me that if you see someone doing something with your own eyes, and then later ask that person why they did it and they deny doing it -- you're supposed to believe them. Huh?! In which part of their brain did this come from? And in which world does this make sense? Of course anyone with an IQ above that of a throw rug wouldn't believe them... so did my friend really mean 'pretend' to believe them and never discuss it again? Why? So the offender doesn't get offended by having to face their actions? I suppose their mentality dictates if you see someone stealing from you, you confront them, they deny it (with your goods in their pocket), you just accept that? Um, OK, hope that works out well for them, but it's not going to fly with me.

Additionally, it's the same with lying, and other values which we learn at a young age. If a person lies to you, you catch them, confront them, and they deny it -- they get offended. Almost as if how dare you have the audacity to point out their flaws! Hmph! Several months ago a friend of mine who was very close to me at the time had lied to me. It wasn't a big lie, something very small and silly which never needed to be lied about. Unfortunately, I believe being dishonest is more accepted in this culture for some reason. Almost encouraged. Once I confronted by friend with the lie instead of apologizing, or agreeing not to do it again (like I said -- it was a silly lie), my friend became offended. Even said, "Oh yeah, OK, whatever, I guess I am a liar then! That's just great!" In a very sarcastic, child like tone. It took everything I had not to say, "Uh, not only are you a liar, but you're coming close to convincing me you're about 12!" Seriously, my sons at age 5 were more remorseful after being dishonest (and better at being dishonest) than this almost 30 year old person.

I'm certain I blogged about the time I saw the man in Jahra run into a large Pepsi delivery truck as they were making a turn. The truck was huge and obviously took very wide turns -- anyone who has been driving for more than 6 months knows how to accommodate this while on the road. But noooo, the man behaved as if he were offended that Pepsi truck needed room on the road too and didn't change his path even 1 inch -- resulting in a minor fender bender. At the red light up ahead the man who caused the accident jumped out of his car and started hitting the Pepsi truck driver. Like literally punching him in the face. This was outrageous to me (the fact he was beating on this man, no one stepped in, and that he blamed the man for his wrong doing!).

Kuwait creates 'battered wife syndrome' (this does not imply they beat their women). Regardless of what they do, how badly they mess up, or how horribly they behave -- they can always convince someone else it's their fault.

Many years ago I believe I expressed how honored I was being in a country which is really just beginning to flourish, and being a part of its growth. I still feel that way -- but am saddened that money doesn't buy manners, and oil doesn't instill values.

I have said it a thousand times and I will say it again -- If studying Islam meant following the behavior of Muslims, I would think it was the most corrupt religion there were. Fortunately I know better.

Time to grow up.

Seems October is here without notice. Unfortunately, rarely is the weather an indication it's almost the end of the year -- as it's just barely cooler now than it was mid August. Granted it's cooled down some, and I'm really taking advantage of the cool morning breeze we've been experiencing. But by noon it's well over 100 degrees again. I'll be heading back to America in two weeks and hear the weather there is simply amazing. Colder, breezy, rain, and some great overcast days with lots of clouds. Truly looking forward to that.

My first week back in the states is going to be non-stop hectic. House closing has officially been moved up to mid-October, which gives us about two weeks to get moved completely out of one home into another. Though I've lived overseas full time since 2004, my family has remained in the home in America, and we've occupied it for a while before me coming over here. Needless to say there's much to be packed and moved, and a very short time to get it all done. I am certain it's manageable, so I will refrain from allowing the stress factor to take over.

What's next?

No clue.

I like to live life, enjoy the journey, and go with the flow. Not sure what tomorrow's plans are (other than the movers coming), but I am sure I will make the best of it. This can be said for every day after that as well. I'm sure there's a fantastic and exciting plan right around the corner, and I look forward to experiencing it. Of course my ties to Kuwait will always be strong, and I will always be in touch with those I grew so close to here.

So much has changed over the years, and my life has moved in directions I never expected. I embrace every moment of that, and wouldn't trade it for the world. When things seemed really bad, or I wasn't sure what the future held, I knew it was a gift in disguise. And in the end, it always was. This journey is the same.

So my morning started off pretty much the same as they always do -- crawl out of bed at the crack of dawn, follow the morning routine, head off to Starbucks, and spend a little time enjoying whatever the Kuwaiti morning has to offer. This morning I had the pleasure of going to the 'street of restaurants' to pick up breakfast for us and witness 3 young women present themselves in a manner in which embarrassed me as a woman. These women were in their mid to late 20s, Kuwaiti, very pretty (as we all would be with 2 pounds of make up and hair extensions), driving a convertible Mercedes SLK. Top down on the car so they could be visible. Not sure why, but the street of restaurants on a weekend morning is like a nightclub in America on a Friday night -- men and women all over the place looking like they're dressed for a night on the town, and obviously looking for someone to spend it with. Keep in mind -- this was about 7am. So the women pull up behind me at the restaurant (here we just pull up out front, blow the horn, and the guy comes to take our order -- curb service). The women are loud, laughing, doing anything to attract attention -- and they did, immediately. A man in a white Mercedes pulled up next to them (yes, I am giving a lot of detail here, and if I had their license plate numbers I would be posting them as well). The man starts talking to the women who are still loud and obnoxious. One of the women literally jumps out of the back of the car without opening a door... she's wearing a short yellow, skin tight dress which you could see through, and didn't appear to be wearing anything under it. Great outfit for a street corner at about 2 am. I happen to notice several police sitting and watching about 50 feet in front of me -- I was wondering if they were going to do anything, as this behavior is very shameful here, and frowned upon. I see the yellow dress girl reach out the window and hand cash to the driver of the Mercedes convertible. She leaves with the man, but he immediately makes a U-turn and takes her back to her friends. Had he spotted the police? By this time we have two guys in a Charger moving in on the women, as well as a Hummer which had pulled up behind them. Someone starts knocking on my window and it's my food. The restaurant employee was probably standing there watching me for 5 minutes wondering when I was going to realize he was there. Sorry, I was absorbed in daylight prostitution! I took my food and figured it was best I head back home... though I really wanted to stay and watch the action!

The sad part about the 7am hooker'ism is that these young women, had they been caught, could have possibly shamed their entire family. Not to mention the lacking self respect they displayed as women. I often complain about how the men will chase a woman up and down the streets to the point of almost running us off the road. But after seeing what I did this morning I realize in many cases they're taunted and eventually feel this behavior is not only acceptable, but welcome.

I don't care what country you're from, which culture you're raised in, what religion you practice, how old you are, or your gender -- self respect is mandatory. No one (especially the opposite sex) will ever respect you in any situation if you don't present yourself as respectable. It's just that simple. If I could pass along any message to the young Kuwaiti girls in the black convertible Mercedes, it would be that they have so much more to offer than see thru dresses and fake hair. But it's what's inside they should present to the world, as I'm sure that's much more gorgeous than the outside.