I have the foreigner pass

Quite the waterfall, eh?

The month of fasting has begun here, and every time I go anywhere I face the same question:

ARE YOU FASTING?

I'm sure it's an area of curiosity for everyone because they're not used to having someone different around to talk with. Everyone, and I mean everyone here, fasts.

The other day I started to dread going home because I knew I'd run into a host of people who would all ask me that question. And if I was lucky my answer would spark a continued discussion. Which is a beautiful opportunity, yet sometimes feels more like an inconvenience, especially if you're exhausted and have had that conversation a dozen times already that day.

I feel the pressure. Everyone wants me to fast and they don't mind guilt tripping me into doing it. (Oh "You're not able to fast?" "Just do one day!" "You're not strong enough?" "Even the children fast a little.") And I am fasting a few days-- when I'm breaking the fast with someone I fast that day. And it's funny, because when I tell someone that I'll fast whenever I'm breaking fast with an islander... well... it often results in a dinner invitation. 

But in the end we all know that I'm different. My skin is white. My hair is blonde. My language skills are growing but not all there yet. And when I'm ready to, I'll go home... to another country where it's not the norm for people to fast the daylight hours of an entire month.

But there are people here who share my belief system for whom this is home. They've always lived here, and they've lived with this pressure on a consistent basis.

And if I feel the pressure from neighbors, friends, and acquaintances, I'm sure they feel it worse.

Yesterday, on my way to the market, I had three different people tell me to change my belief system. It's extra points for them to persuade someone to change their beliefs. And since their supreme being's eye is on them more closely during this time it's even more important to do "high points" activities.

Of course, I'm not going to change. But I start to worry about those who live with the constant pressure day in and day out. Those who believe as I do yet are the only one in their family to believe that way.

Will you join me in praying for the local brothers and sisters, that they can stand strong in their beliefs during this time?


P.S. Want a prayer guide for this time of fasting that's targeted towards islander needs? Send me an email: abby.turner113@gmail.com

Posing on a hillside.

That moment when...
-- you check the World Cup schedule to see when the power might be expected to come on.