Getting the big picture

We have been in Qatar almost two  weeks now and are so thankful for all the continued  support and love we  have received. It's very comforting and encouraging to know that we have people keeping us lifted in prayer.    Slowly but surley, we are adjusting. While it's still blazing hot here, we are learning the best times to go outside and starting to get used to sweating the minute we walk out of the building. 

        Dominic started practice a few days ago and I had the opportunity to go check out the team's facilities which are pretty impressive.  Nola and Pip even got to come along  were extremely  happy to see all the grass covered soccer fields and were able to get off their leashes  to run free for a bit (until pip chased a cat up a 40foot fence).  

     It's truly a blessing to get to see my husband be able to get back to using his God-given talents to play basketball after taking a year off to focus on our family and His relationship with the Lord, especially knowing he is now playing to glorify God and be a much needed light to other players, team staff, and fans.  I'm a proud wife not only because of all his hard work over the summer that I will get to see pay off but more so because I have seen how hard he has studied  God's  word and is dedicated to becoming all Christ died for him to be. 

      We also got to go see the doctor again today and Jincy is doing great! I'm now 37 weeks and we are growing more and more excited by the day to meet our little princess. I was hoping she would arrive early for daddy's birthday on Oct 5th but have changed my hopes after learning today that my doctor will be out of the country from Oct 3rd-10th for a middle eastern holiday called  Eid al-adha. (Also known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, Eid al Adha commemorates Abraham's obedience to God and his willingness to sacrifice his son. As the story goes, God intervened and provided Abraham with a lamb to sacrifice instead, thus many families in Qatar often buy and slaughter an entire animal for the holiday. Eid al Adha is also marked with celebratory meals and family gatherings and the days off work.) So, we will just continue to be patient and hope Jincy does the same! 

   After our doctor's visit today we were in the lobby waiting on some  paperwork when an Arabic muslim man sitting next to my husband handed him an ad paper. My husband said no thanks but the man insisted that he take it so I gave him the "take it" nudge. He then asked if Dominic was Muslim because of his beard, which has been a common question he has been asked since being here. He went on to tell him "no, we are Christian." At this point my ears perked up as I wondered  how the conversation would go from there.    I'll let my husband explain the conversation and experience from his point of view but I must say from the outside looking in, it was a beautiful thing to see and altered some stereotypes of mine. (His account of the conversation below) 

           "What exactly is it with this beard? What used to be a mandatory two visits per week to my barber has changed to an extended absence from his chair as I decided to let my hair and beard grow out until our Jincy arrives. Only Angela knows just how difficult this has been for me, maybe even my father-in-law and pastor who playfully jeer at me from time to time about it. But I have started to embrace the personal challenge of denying myself the refreshing feel of a hair cut, especially since our arrival to Qatar. 

I've learned that when my wife gives me a nudge to do something, it's best just to do it, it always seems to work out better this way. Today proved to be no different, as I decided to accept the ad the Qatari gentleman generously offered me to read, only after Angela insisted of course. I tried my best to look engaged in the ads of household appliances, when he fired the question inquiring if I am a Muslim. I've been asked this question several times here, each time in my mind I am a bit taken off guard, but without hesitation it's as if my heart responds for me that we are Christians. I immediately study his reaction to see how he may receive me, but his calm but serious demeanor eases with a hint of a smile as he refers to my beard as the customary look of a Muslim man. I smile too, and reassure him of our faith in Christianity and the reasoning behind my beard which strikes up for  more laughter. In no time our conversation jumps from one topic to another, from sports, jobs, family and so forth. I learn that his name is Mishaal and he and his wife are expecting a little boy, or so he hopes. He also explains to me the dark cloud of perception hovering over Muslims perceived as being "all terrorist", while pointing to himself, saying maybe I think the same of him. Obviously, he knew I didn't, but his point was made clear of the perception that has caused hate and division to spread around the world. He was adamant about the violence which has occurred is not Islamic beliefs, but evil which exist in all people, despite religion or ethnicity, pointing out the violence which occurs everywhere. We were both in agreement of the ignorance of people, but I was just as as adamant to Him about Jesus , and because of Jesus  I am able to see him as a brother. Before our conversation could go any further, it came to a sudden halt when our paperwork had been completed and handed to us by the Dr. I could tell he didn't want the conversation to end, and quite honestly neither did I. We shook hands, both referring to

each other as brother and friend, and embraced in a hug. As Angela and I exited the Dr.'s office, we were both amazed by the pleasant interaction and conversation we shared, wishing we would have gotten a picture with him. (Not knowing my wife had already snuck one photo of us talking) 

 As we hopped into the van with our driver to head back home, out of the rear window we saw Mishaal approaching us. When I got out of the van, he said he didn't want us to leave without giving us his phone number and said if we needed anything at all not to hesitate to call him. Thinking that would be the end of it,  he expressed how he would love to have Angela and I over for dinner to meet his wife and family. We gladly accepted the invite as warmly as it was offered. Again we shook hands, shared our gratitude, and gave our farewells. I am glad he came back, I got my picture after all." -Dominic Wright 

      In a little less than 2 weeks we have learned so much about another culture, ourselves, and what a loving and Holy God we belong to and serve. While their are many challenges,  (like practicing patience because of the "no rush" mentality here) I can't help but see how valuable our time here will be if we can continue to fully submit our lives to the Lord on a daily basis. 

    Scriptures on our hearts:

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul

    -Matthew 16:24-26

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’" This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”    

   -Matthew 22:37-40 

Taking it all in

If we were at home in the States we would be heading back to church for evening service after a big family meal and a good ol Sunday nap but its after midnight here so we will try going to bed soon. Our bodies still haven't quite figured out that we have gone to the other side of the world and are now 7 hours ahead of what we were used to.   For example, yesterday we laid down for a nap at 9 am after being wide awake at 5am and were shocked to realize it was after 4pm when we finally woke up.  

    Needless to say, we couldn't sleep last night so we were up at 2am cheering on the Florida State Seminoles against Clemson. We couldn't watch the game online so we had my brother , Ray, the ultimate FSU fan and our catalyst for now being Noles, to get on Skype and hold the tablet towards the TV. It worked great and we were so excited to be watching this overtime showdown when suddenly our internet package ran out! The store wasn't open yet to purchase more so we were left wondering who won and couldn't go back to sleep.

    The sun rises here around 5:20am so it's nice to get out shortly after and take Nola & Pip for a walk before the sweltering heat sets in.  Walks with them have been pretty amusing here because people are so shocked and mesmerized to see them since it extremely rare for  anyone here to have pet dogs, especially the size of Nola & Pip.  We have had many people ask to take pictures and one man even tried to purchase them from us for $5,000!

       It's been great to use them as conversation starters with the people of Qatar.  But this morning was special with them because many of the school kids were out waiting on the bus and were very excited to see dogs.  They had never walked a dog before so we let them pet and walk Nola & Pip which brought them great joy and excitement.  This is why we are calling Nola & Pip our mission pups.  

      Qatar is an Islamic nation and while they have recently accepted Christianity into their country there are still many barriers and laws such as not being allowed to hand out Christian material or convert someone to Christianity.  So, even though we knew God sent us here to be a light for Him we weren't sure how we could make much of an impact for Him. This morning though, God spoke to us and said "just exist to show my love." 

     It may not seem like much to us who are used to thinking we have to quote scriptures to someone to get them to believe in Jesus but it can be the planted seed that God waters into a relationship with Him. And with everything going on in the world right now, especially the strife between Muslims and Christians, we see how powerful it can be if we can truly exist to show His love.  This may be the only chance these children (and adults) here can see that many Americans and Christians have peace, joy, and love in our hearts that we want to share with them. This may eventually lead them to searching for themselves about why we bear these fruits and lead them to Jesus.

   When we lived in Georgia we went to a church with a mission statement that read "we exist to show God's love in such a way that people would exchange ordinary living for an extraordinary life through the transforming power of Jesus Christ". We are now seeing how much God can do with us if we simply live by that statement and leave the rest up to Him.   God can use anybody and anything (even chi-weenies) to reach people and it is privilege to be a saved by His grace and now be a part of His works. 

    We also got to go to the doctor today to meet the lady who will deliver our daughter, Jincy Rose, into the world.   It was different at first because we had to sit in separate waiting rooms designated for men and women and were asked to show our marriage certificate because it is illegal here to be pregnant and unmarried. 

    Thankfully, we were at a private facility that allows husbands to come in with their wives and be present at the birth of the baby because government hospitals here don't allow that.  But we were more than thrilled and thankful to learn of the great care Jincy and I will be under for the remainder of the pregnancy and delivery. The nurses, doctor, and facilities  were excellent!   No disrespect to the medical care I received in the U.S but we left this appointment feeling more comfortable and informed than any of my previous appointments in the last 8months.  We had an ultrasound and learned that Jincy now weighs 5.8 pounds and is in a great position for birth.  They also monitored her heart and movements for 20 minutes which was the longest we have heard her precious heart beat.       

           After the appointment the challenge was getting back to our temporary apartment safely because the driving here is a bit scary, but thankfully we made it!   We are looking forward to taking one day at a time and seeing what the good Lord has in store for us. We appreciate your continued prayers and support!! 

Verses on our hearts: 

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

   -2 Cor 12:9

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." 

 - John 13:35

The first 48

My husband and I started our journey to Qatar on the evening of  sept 15th, 2014, at 8 months pregnant it was the very last day my doctor would approve international travel.   Not only were my husband and I traveling to a country we had never been to before, we brought our two chiweenies, Nola and Pip. 
  We left out of Knoxville, Tn after spending the summer in my hometown with my parents and brother. This made leaving more difficult because we grew so close over the summer.  Family meals became very special to us as my mom prepared country style feast almost every night followed by nights of "upstairs" conversations between my husband, brother, and me that never seemed to have a beginning or and end but would always just pick up as one of us walked into the other's room. Sundays were extra special because we got to go to church together, worship, learn, fellowship with our new found spiritual family, and reflect on all the blessings God so generously gives us.   We knew even  our daily workouts in the heat on my childhood basketball court were going to be missed and lifting weights together in the basement with the praise music playing. Oh,  and there was no doubt Nola and Pip would miss the never ending supply of  love and treats they were showered with from the whole family as well as having a huge back yard full of critters to chase. Then, last but certainly not least, we knew this meant  our family and loved ones would not to be present for the birth of our daughter, Jincy Rose.  As a first time mother, this is not only sad to me but scary as well.  
  Many people would quickly say we are crazy for leaving the comforts, joys, and perks of all of this to move to a foreign desert surrounded by dangers of war and terrorism, especially 1 month before having a baby.   I would have to agree with that statement, we are crazy...crazy about Jesus and being sold out to trying to do His will, not ours.  
  Even though my husband will be playing professional basketball  this season for Al Rayyan Sports Club we both know in our heart's that this opportunity is so much bigger than basketball. It's an opportunity to glorify our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, in a land that is new to Christianity. So for us, this is a mission trip for Him to be magnified and glorified and we are just thankful to have a small part in His plan and kingdom building.  We have learned over the past few years that His plans are so much better than our plans and trust in Jeremiah 29:11 that says "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, to give you hope and a future." 

    After approximately 24 hours of traveling that included stops in Washington, Dc and Frankfort Germany we finally arrived in Doha, Qatar. 
We have taken many international trips but this one seemed extra long and grueling. Probably because we brought Nola and Pip in the cabin with us on the flights (that was borderline torturous for them to be contained to those small bags for so long), I'm 8 months pregnant  in full waddle, swollen feet, and must pee every 10 minutes mode, and we had to fly the long way from Germany to Doha due to the current air strikes in Iraq. 
    When we finally arrived and made it through passport checks we were scolded for allowing the dogs to walk on leashes through the airport and were made to put them back in their bags and then were stopped by customs because they detected glass bottle in my husbands suitcase that they thought was possibly alcohol. Thankfully, this quickly turned into a laughing matter when they realized it was just his beloved hot sauce.  Once we were allowed to leave we were anxiously looking for our pick up contact who we assumed would be holding a sign that said Dominic Wright but found no one. Then we realized the guy standing there with the "Qatar Vet" sign for Nola and Pip  was our guy who had thoughtfully stopped by the vet to get their pet import permits to make sure we had no problems brining them in.  He kindly escorted us out of the airport into the parking lot when our excitement and anticipation of breathing in fresh night  air got a sudden reality check by the wave of heat we were hit by to let us know we have arrived to the desert.    
     We were taken to a temporary apartment while our place is being prepared and were very thankful to feel the AC blowing strong. Exhaustion and swollen feet led me to stay in while my husband ventured out to find us dinner. He soon returned with two of my favorite things on earth, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Baskin Robbins Ice Cream. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, not just because of the food but because I was taken back by knowing that even though he was completely worn out he still wanted to take care of me and put a smile on my face. And to me, that's what this trip is all about, the little things that will make us stop and realize that we are so blessed and be encouraged to be a blessing to others however God leads us.

So here we are now in Doha, Qatar safe, sound, and sweaty.    We are still adjusting to the time difference and trying to get settled as we start this journey together for the Lord. We appreciate the  prayers of all our loved ones and hope this blog will  be bless you. 


A couple of verses that our on our hearts: 

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." -Matthew 5:16 

  "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of The Lord  Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." - Colossians 3:17