Ramadan

Yesterday around 8 p.m. our doorbell rang and one of our students had brought us a Syrian dessert, 3x2 inch soft dough pieces with a mild cheese filling, covered with honey water.  It was the first evening of Ramadan and it was the last thing we expected.  His family has to wait till it's completely dark and then they can eat and drink.  The place of the moon determines when Ramadan starts and ends some 30 days later.  All that time they don't eat or DRINK anything during daylight.  Of course  we've concentrated on that aspect, but what we have learned from our new friends is that this is a time of deep reflection and renewal, good deeds, and lots of celebration after the dark.

There are many English youtube songs about Ramadan, but this German song was sent to us by another student and it's a catchy repetitive tune.  The words are:  It's Ramadan, the most beautiful time of the year.  It brings us wonderful things.  It smells like Ramadan all over the world.  Ramadan, which holds us together, is here.  Fasting, praying, reading, giving our best effort, yes Ramadan make our lives complete.

We're also excited that we've been invited to share an evening Ramadan meal with one of our Syrian families.  The time will be decided later.