Random Pictures and a Cool Story.

 These 2 pictures were taken from the bus while we were on the day trip to Khobar.  There is A LOT of sand here and we see camels pretty frequently.

This is what the toilets look like.  Luckily there are a few normal looking toilets as well but there was rarely any toilet paper.  We need to remember to pack that along with us next time we leave Abqaiq.  Luckily I was able to find some paper towels. :)

Now for story time...

When  I was at the produce counter (you have all your produce weighed right in the produce area, not at the checkout stand) in Tamimi a man said, "You must have just got back from your vacation?"  I told him that we had actually just arrived 5 days preciously for the first time.  He was so nice and friendly welcoming us to Saudi Arabia.  He is from TX but lives in Ras Tanura which is a different Aramco compound, his name is Julio.  Josh talked to him for a few minutes and then we saw him a few other times when were doing our shopping.  Later on that day when we were having lunch at Chilis he came in and was also having lunch there.  After we got done eating the waiter came over and packaged up our to go boxes and Josh asked for the check.  The waiter smiled and told us our meal had already been paid for.  When we asked who paid for it he pointed over at Julio.  We were so touched by his kindness.  Paying for a meal for 6 people is no small amount!!!  We made sure to thank him and we headed out on our way.  After that we went to Saco world.  Its a HUGE store!  Callie and Levi needed to use the bathroom and I was just about to head to find Josh to make him take Levi.  Usually I just let Levi go in to the mens restroom alone but I felt nervous sending him by himself but I was also not comfortable with taking him into the women's restroom either.  Just in time Julio came around the corner and offered to go with Levi into the bathroom.  It was such a relief because finding Josh and then being able to get back it to the bathroom in time was going to be a challenge!  Well...Levi needed to go #2 and remember we are in the part of the world that doesn't use toilet paper.  Instead they have hoses in each stall so you can spray yourself off.  Poor Levi was left to figure this out on his own.  Julio realized that Levi was taking some time to he went and had to help Levi get cleaned up.  When they came out of the bathroom Levi was grinning from ear to ear and so was Julio.  They had a good laugh together about what a funny experience it was for Levi.

I was so touched by this man's kindness.  Here were are in the Middle East, a place that many people have told us they would be scared to live, and yet we were treated with just as much kindness as anywhere else we have ever been.  Josh and I have talked about this experience several times and will use this as a reminder to look for opportunities to serve others.  I should also add that everyone we encountered while have been here has been so kind.  People are very friendly and very willing to help us... No matter our race, nationality, or religion.