Choose whom you will serve

My friend in Gtown sent me this picture. This is what her and her family eat to break the fast during Ramadan. 

Ramadan is halfway through the 30 days of fasting for Muslims around the globe. This is one of the 5 pillars of their religion. I have been messaging my Muslim friends in Gtown who have been fasting to find out how they are doing. One friend showed me pictures of her iftar (snacks taken at sundown to break the fast). She explained that this is followed by eating a light meal of an Arabic type soup called Shurba. She was telling me she is looking forward to celebrating EID on April 20th marking the end of Ramadan.

Before we left Gtown the girls and I went to get henna done. This same friend of mine has in laws that own a nice salon where you not only get henna on arms and legs- ladies can also pay to get their makeup "professionally done" (including temporarily putting on fake eyelashes) and then take photos and videos for their Instagram accounts or tiktoks. There were a few ladies doing this very thing while we were there and they asked if Samara could be apart of their photoshoot.  It was fascinating to watch them make poses and change into different dresses. Women have a deep desire to be seen as beautiful even in this strict religion where they are supposed to be completely covered up when they leave their home. It was precious to see these behind the scenes glimpse into the lives of those that live in Gtown.

I have been thinking about how Ramadan coincides with Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday this year. Our family is planning on attending a play called Inheritance with some extended family members here in Virginia. It is about sharing gospel and having this Truth passed down generation to generation. I know a lot of Americans attend church this time of year and often won't other times. It is significant to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus offering His life for our sins today but also every single day. It is not a one time decision to follow Him and live for Him but a surrendering of each and everyday. I continue to pray for salvation for our Muslim friends and neighbors. I also pray for our loved ones to bow down to the One true Lord. I am reminded of Joshua's words to God's people,

"Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshipped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt,  and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household,  we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:14-15

The salon has these green leafy backgrounds to look nice for photoshoots.

Henna lady looking at designs on her phone to use on Samara.

My turn. Photo credit: Ashley Kary 

Samara joining in on the photo sessions. 

Selfie time.

Finished product.