Ramadan 2012 and the SHARE HOUSE

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when many Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, or smoking during daylight hours, began last week and will conclude the middle of August with a three-day public holiday celebrating Eid al-Fitr (comparable to our Thanksgiving).  See the blog posting dated August 11, 2011 for more information about Ramadan.

One of the church members, Jesse Morgan, is married to Sema, a muslim.  They and her family have been over to our apartment for dinner.  This past friday we we invited to their home for a break the fast meal.  We had a great time meeting people and visiting.

They live in an interesting house and living situation.  The house has four large bedrooms plus maid's quarters---they rent three rooms which brings in enough income to pay all of the expenses of the house including the rent he pays to the landlord plus the maid and security personel.  There is a large central area where you can sit and relax.  There is also a kitichen area that is shared.  They call the place the SHARE HOUSE.

Not the best pictures--taken with my cell phone!

 This is the lobby area.  There is not wall, just this open garden area which is about 15 feet deep and 30 feet wide.  There are bi-fold doors that can be pulled shut but are usually left open day and night.  The back wall of the garden is at least 20 feet high.  There is overhead watering system to "rain" on the plants when the need arises.

Gail and Sema.  Sema is about 4 months pregant.  Needless to say, everyone is excited!

Jesse and Sema

Sema's mother is second from the left.  The lady in purple is Sema's aunt.  They wear the traditional head covering called a "jillbob".  The other two ladies are Sema's sisters who are about the same age as the aunt.  All very nice and friendly ladies.

The girl on the right is Sema's niece--they wear some very colorful outfits.