Nevaeh and Jason's travels to North Africa

Walking to Medina (city).

It was so very special that Jason and Righteous were able to travel to South Sudan earlier this year, as just the 2 of them, Father and daughter. As we are still missing Righteous we can look back on this with grateful hearts and have many other fond memories. Jason and Nevaeh just returned from a bonding opportunity traveling to two countries in North Africa. We are planning for our younger 2 daughters to also get a chance to travel with their Dad once they approach their senior year of high-school and although I am thrilled for them to get to do this- I am in no rush for all our girls to be grown and therefore graduate and leave. I continue to Soak up each day as a family because time truly flies by so fast.

Jason and Nevaeh had a layover in Saudi Arabia. Before taking off from there the flight attendant came on the speaker offered a prayer from the Quran for safe travels. As the plane was in the air the flight attendant would announce whenever they were passing over a religious holy site and encouraged everyone to pray. This was very interesting to witness the boldness of faith so unashamedly. Causes me to reflect, am I willing/called to do the same?

Jason looking out onto the straight of Gibraltar

Once landing at the first destination they connected with a family from the same organization as us. In this country global workers have to have a business as a covering to be there. The husband runs a touring company that takes groups off roading in the desert to see historical sites. Jason and Nevaeh were able to experience something like this to learn and see so much of the culture in just the short time they were there. They got to see where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean and look out across the Mediterranean and see Spain in the distance. One of Nevaeh's favorite parts of this trip was hanging out with fellow MK's even though they were so much younger than her. She has an immediate way to relate with them because Nevaeh was born a third culture kid and has spent her entire life as one. I believe this has made her such well rounded human being and I am very proud of who she is.

Jason and Nevaeh got to see the Phonecian steps.

The second destination Jason and Nevaeh landed in they were once again able to be hosted by a family from the same organization as us. This family also needs to use a business in order to get legal status. The husband runs a language center to provide this. One thing Jason and Nevaeh discovered about this country was that there has been a major push for women's rights.  One way this is shown is that it's against the law for a man to have more than one wife even though his religion allows him to do so. Another example of women's rights is abortion is now legal. It was shocking for Nevaeh to see Muslim women wearing trousers (pants) and to see their heads uncovered. Jason had visited this place previously so it wasn't a surprise to him. Nevaeh found out that the traditional communal baths were still a weekly occurrence and got invited to partake in this but declined. She says that maybe next time she will actually take up on this offer.

Hanging out with a fellow third culture kid. Spain is in the distance. 

 On the way home Jason got a email that he could bid 90$ on an upgrade to first class  on their flight to Saudi Arabia and they got it! Not only could they fully lay down in their seats and put their feet up they both ate delicious meals of lamb and chicken Tikka. They ordered smoothies to drink right when they boarded and had a wide range of snacks available to them any time they wanted. They both said this completely ruined them for normal economy flights but nonetheless they went back to their "slum" seats on their flight from Saudi to Kenya. Overall they had a wonderful trip together and I know it was a once in a lifetime memory they will always share.

Breakfast one morning. 

A different Breakfast 

Nevaeh's helmet ensured her safe ride on the 4wheeler.

Jason loved having Nevaeh as a traveling partner. 

Mediterranean Sea in the background. 

Beautiful, intricate designs. 

Turmeric and other spices in the market. 

Hilwa in the market. Made from oil, sugar, and spices of cardamom and cloves.

Rugs that can be used for prayer mats.

More rugs.

Glorious sunset over the city.

Children's Bible translated in a dialect of Arabic. Yes its read from back to front, right to left.