Good morning from the Desert!! The morning air is cool and clear; the coffee is hot and dark. Out front of the guest house, the Impatiens are all in bloom. Out back the sand is still sand. Earlier I listened to the rising, falling song of the morning ‘call to prayer.’ Gone are the mornings of crowing roosters and the views across the Rift; God has called us to a new place to serve. We are settling in to our new adventure.

food line

Last week I joined some men from the local church for a time of service. We took the opportunity to have a time of thanks for our Al Ain taxi drivers. I did not know there were so many taxi drivers here! The idea was to first advertise our celebration and then this last Saturday join together for a meal of thanks. We provided a lunch for the drivers who came. The food was prepared by a local Pakistani restaurant and was loved by all. The men served seasoned rice, rice masala, spicy chicken, a wildly spicy flame sauce, and yogurt. Tea, juices, and water were available to drink. Every once in a while throughout the afternoon someone from the church would stand and explain the lunch is our way to ‘thank you all for caring for us, our families and driving us safely around the town.’ The smiles on the men’s faces were huge. The drivers work hard and are usually not appreciated. Could you imagine such an event for the taxi drivers in New York City, Philadelphia, or others?

lunch time

For me, I found a time to meet other men from Al Ain. Men like projects. I joined the guys shaking many hands and assisted in this special time. Volunteers served as parking coordinators, first greeters, servers in various locations, and general help. I tend to hang out where the food is being prepared and served. I was able to talk and get to know a few men as we worked together filling plates. We served over 500 drivers a hot lunch and, more importantly, provided a time when they felt loved and appreciated. I loved being a part of this event.

This week has been very special here in the UAE. Yesterday marked 40 years since the formation of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE was a vision of remarkable Sheikh Zayed, and through his determined efforts the country was founded. All around you see flags, decorated cars, lights, banners, and signs of celebration. Cars are covered with special decals of the current reigning Sheikhs, the flag, and other symbols. We have heard the rumbles, crackles, and pops of fireworks all week. It is indeed a time to celebrate.

Last night we joined a group to celebrate the coming event special to us. Currently we are within the time of Advent when we look forward to Christ’s coming — Christmas. We, too, decided to join together to start our celebration. Jana and I were asked to join a group journeying out into the desert to a date farm; we of course said, “Yes!”

A caravan of cars left the city of Al Ain on the road to Abu Dhabi. The road itself is a multi-lane, smooth, divided highway not seen in Kenya. The drivers were in the UAE celebration mode weaving, shouting, throwing confetti, and flashing lights — in whole not being very safe. The drive was only about 20 minutes or so out of town. We exited the highway and all the noise and lights disappeared. We entered the farming area amidst the rows of date palms. On your left were multiple small date farms. Off to the right were the rolling hills of dark sand of the desert. The sky was an inky black with a few stars poking through. The change was dramatic; you could feel the stress of city life melt away. I felt at home.

The farm is designed for groups to come and visit. We arrived to roaring fires with chairs in a circle. Other areas had small Majlis meeting rooms with cushions to sit and a canvas to shield the wind. Men greeted us with cardamom flavored coffee and dates. Gathering around the fires, we shared the treats each had brought. I wandered the compound and entered the falconry. Seated on their perches were three magnificent falcons. The birds drew a gathering. One of the trainers removed the resting hood from a large white with black marked bird. We took turns holding him using the special guard. Those claws and beak looked very sharp! I learned the farm arranges visits during which the falcons are being trained. That would be fun to see!

The evening progressed and we gathered upon an elevated platform. Songbooks were opened and the evening air was filled with the sounds of Christmas carols. The first Christmas did not take place in the snow with sleighs and fir trees, but in a place more like this. We sang traditional songs in celebration. Gathered with new friends, sitting in the quiet of the desert, my mind wandered. This is the reason for the season. We come to serve others with love and respect. We sing songs of joy. We join together not because we have to do so but, rather, because we may. We follow a servant King! We will love and serve always in His grip.