Happy Father’s Day!!

I am very sorry that I am able to spend today with my dad.  No doubt we would play at the lake and sit on the porch and have a nice chat.  But, due to the many thousands of miles between us, I just don’t think that is feasible.  So, instead, I would like to send my dad a little gift… a happy puppy story!

You know who came to greet me this past Saturday?  Three little fur balls.  And before you get concerned that I have introduced yet more animals into my bite-sized house.  Fear not.  These cuties belong to the neighbor…

Just a few weeks ago as Pablo and I were driving into town, we spotted not one, not two, but five tiny puppies that had been abandoned on our road.  Of course, my first instinct was to grab a box and bring the pups home.  But then I was kindly reminded of a few felines on house arrest and the likely cat-astrophe that would ensue if they were subjected to yet more furry friends.  So, with tears in our eyes, we had to pass those puppies and hope that someone else with a kind heart and a large house would be able to take them in.  And, as luck would have it, that person turned out to be our neighbor!  Of the five pups, two now have new homes and for now the other three are being happily spoiled by the neighbor kids… and by us.  It is impossible not to smile with a puppy around.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

dad

My dad endured the 24+ hour trip from middle America to the Middle East. I am so glad that I got to show him a little bit of my life here. We ate the traditional Arabic mezza and we enjoyed playing in the Red Sea and snorkeling in the world's most pristine reefs. We selected freshly caught hammour, nagil, parrotfish, and shrimp to be prepared for our dinner for six- two Hoosiers, one Mexican, one Norwegian, one German, and one Canadian. We visited the Souk and found the Middle East's version of Walmart. We played in the sun and had the long discussions that only a father and daughter can have. I feel so blessed to have a dad that has supported me in all of my crazy life decisions. I am loving my job, friends, and life here in the Middle East, but I do miss my family and friends back at home just as intensely. Some people chose never to leave their hometown, some people choose travel the world. I think no matter which path you choose, sacrifices have to be made along the way and I guess the trick is sorting out if the sacrifices are worth it.

Thank you family and friends for supporting me. Even if I can't be with you know that my love is the same.