I think he's only here for the month of August, we shall see.
He's a 26 year old Syrian doctor, who's been in the States for 2 years doing rotations at different hospitals around the country and will be applying for resident positions in September.
He has a younger brother so was forced to leave Syria before conscription into the Army.
If you're the only son, they don't take you. If there are two or more, they make you.
He didn't want to fight against his fellow countrymen.
I've been getting quite an education.
When we're not talking politics, we're talking food.
He tells me about a favorite dish, then we're both on our computers googling away in English and Arabic, translating pomegranate or eggplant.
I make him fattoush, he brings me chicken kabobs from his favorite carryout.
Catholic, Muslim whatever, a love of food has brought us together.
Today I made a batch of turnip and beet pickles, he just keeps admiring the color.
The color of his childhood, in vinegar. Give them a week, I'll let you know how they taste.
One of my neighbors gave me his CSA box so I threw the white eggplants on the grill then whipped up a baba ghanoush, I roasted peppers and covered then in olive oil and garlic. I can't seem to stop cooking.
My boss told me the Universe takes good care of me.
The world is ours. It's often full of unexplainable horrors but if you look long enough you can see the beauty.
Thank you Universe. I'll try and keep my eyes open.
there really are more things that bring us together than tear us apart....if only we all could find and share them. You've had some wonderful people touch your life and I imagine they would say the same about you.
ReplyDeleteI just love that you share them all with us.
If I lived further south I would say I've been blessed. Guess you'll be able to use this phrase soon?
Deletexo
You've introduced us to another interesting stranger.Welcome and thank you to your new roomy.Lunchtime here and char-grilled capsicum is the go!
ReplyDeleteInteresting strangers are my game.....and i bet your lunch was delicious.
DeleteOh, here we go again, another fascinating chapter in our inter-continental lives! I look forward to whatever you're cooking next.....
ReplyDeleteI used to be happy i could rent the room for extra $$$, that's beginning to see like thwe icing on the cake1
DeleteJust as I was thinking how hopeless it is to read the news because we can never have an impact on "the horrors," you show us how to come together, one by one--in a garden, at a table. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm as surprised as you are, didn't see this one coming. I feel very lucky.
DeleteSyria. Intense and sad and far in every way. I'm glad he found you, and I love the food connecting going on. This post makes me happy. It should go on the op-ed page of all newspapers. Along with that gorgeous pepper picture.
ReplyDeleteSaddest eyes I've ever seen. I'm glad he found me too. He's become quite the garden helper, skinny arms and all. You just want to feed him.
ReplyDeleteBreaking bread together - and putting a bit of baba ganoush on it - certainly tears down borders and opens hearts and minds. sounds like an interesting roomy, even if only short term. Wish as a group we understood our middle eastern neighbors a bit better... and that we tried harder to do so. glad you're good. xoxo
ReplyDeleteWell Come and visit, he'll get you up to snuff!
DeleteWhat a wonderful, heartwarming post. Thanks, Jane! And best wishes to your roomie.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon, I'd pass them on but I don't know if he knows about this blogging gig yet...soon.
Deletebravo jane. bravo. what a great thing you've got going here!
ReplyDeleteI do, glass 3/4 full.
DeleteYou're an unofficial UN ambassador. Syria so sad. I too am glad he found you!
ReplyDeleteI am! You'd think I'd learn another language.
DeleteYou help me see the beauty. Thank you, Jane.
ReplyDeleteFood is truly a connector. Your understanding and heart grows with each new encounter..yes, you are blessed and you share...increasing the blessing!
ReplyDeleteJane, thank you for this simple yet profound post. Truly.
ReplyDeleteI think it's reciprocal, you take care of the universe and the universe takes care of you. It's well deserved, Jane! Glad your holiday was such a success - and your friend's garden - amazing! Your skinny-armed lodger sounds delightful.
ReplyDelete