our team journal

11 January 2008
Home: Hospital mazes and hyper-markets
Welcome to Bahrain!

And so, Team Bahrain begins: Aaron, Allison, Sarah, and Janean. Here we are, sitting at Gate 6 amused by our honorary 5th member, 20 Questions entertaining us with random questions such as, “Is it bigger than a pound of butter?” or “Does it bring joy to people?” Minding our own business, ignoring the awkward stares of others, our team bonding continues interrupted by a giggly toddler who decides to attack innocent Allison. It was more of a hit-and-run, minus the run. A waddle is more like it, and accompanied with a child’s rendition of the evil laugh, this little tyke succeeded in his endeavors, and his memory will forever be recorded in the happenings of Team Bahrain.

20 Questions in pocket, luggage in tow, we finally land in Bahrain. Minus passport control’s suspicion of Janean’s identity, everyone made it through just fine. Hungry, tired, and full of eager anticipation, we load our cart –

Seven pieces of luggage, check
Five team members, check
Passports, check
Hungry stomachs, double check

Stepping out of the airport, we are quickly greeted as the “three Americans and one Swiss-German-Jordanian.” I suppose no one had difficulties identifying us, obviously. Loading our luggage into two vehicles, we begin our journey through the extensive city of Bahrain toward the American Mission Hospital, which will be home for the next two weeks.

Parking across the street, we strap on our backpacks, roll our suitcases, and trek our way across the street, open the door to the hospital, and breath in the warm air in relief – we’re finally home! Elhamdulallah, right?

Or not. Little did we know what lay ahead: too many corners, a few elevator rides, one bridge, various doors until, at last, room 505 – Home sweet home!

Following sighs of relief as we sink into the living room couches, quick introductions, we make our way to Bahrain Mall – food our goal. Nothing will stop us now. One hour later, here we sit, Allison and Aaron, the Cali couple, enjoy Japanese grill; Janean, the half-Jap from Hawaii and Sarah, the Swiss-German-Jordanian indulge in tasty Persian Grill. Diversity is an understatement.

Finally fed, we begin our journey through the hyper-market. Yes, hyper-market, not to be confused with supermarket. Just imagine the excitement, or lack thereof, as four of us tired and fed, stroll, or lag rather, through too many aisles, filled with too many options, thinking of one thing: bed! With a common goal in mind, we persevere, pay, load up, and head home. Day one, done.

As the journalist of the team, I feel the responsibility to not simply record the happenings of our days, but the shared thoughts, concerns, and overall feeling circulating throughout our team. With everything that was prayed over our team, I am convinced that our time here will not be in vain. Each of us has a role to play, and in my opinion (I’m sure the others will agree), each member was hand-picked for this team. We continually come together in prayer – for Bahrain, for our team, and for the Yemen and Oman teams. We trust that our Father will guide them with wisdom as we all go forth with a common purpose – to glorify Him.

We are very excited to hear the stories when we meet again. Until then, blessings. Tonight, Sarah is starting to feel ill and Aaron still suffers from a death-like cough.


12 January 2008

Of rocking chairs, cheddar cheese, pigeons, and fresh milk.

Waking up to our adamant neighbors determined to introduce themselves, we meet our ledge-dwelling pigeon friends. Although, at 4:30 in the morning, I question the friendliness of our neighbors. By 8:45, we are up and ready to start our two week stay with fellowship at the National Evangelical Church. Consisting of mostly expatriates from India, Philippines, North Africa, and beyond, we enjoy the diversity of the congregation and awe at the almost exclusively western service structure. Regardless of which, we shake a few hands, sip some tea and coffee in the gloomy, slightly rainy weather.

We then enjoyed a nice Filipino, all you can eat buffet with our friend and his family, followed by a much-needed two hour nap. According to our vague schedule, the majority of our time will be split between the hospital, the bookshop that our friend owns, and the mall where we can help at the book kiosk, meet various people at coffee shops, or wherever else. Tonight, Allison and Sarah went to the mall and dedicated their time to praying for those around them. Janean and Aaron began the tedious inventory process at the bookshop.

Sarah is feeling worse, Aarons death-like cough is, as Allison prescribes, still sounds like death. Thankfully, Allison and Sarah bought a few needed groceries: toilet paper, cheddar cheese (Janean’s excitement is embarrassing), subway sandwiches, and most importantly, CINNABONS!!! Our time in Bahrain is off to a tough start, trust me!

Unsure of what’s to come, yet equally excited, we spend time praying together and praying for each other – especially for Sarah who is feeling worse.