Raymon,

My good friend. The culture is so new for me and I am still trying to work things out, but with time I will completely understand it. I don't have culture shock, oddly enough (although it has only been two days)... but maybe that's because I love these people more than I expected. The Muslim faith is very misunderstood, even by me, so just being here and seeing it practiced is worth the flight.

There is one family in particular that I spend a lot of time with, their surname is the Saif. The Saif family is from the upperclass. They live with about 5 or 6 other families (all family (sons, daughters, uncles, cousins), most of the family members marry within the family (usually a cousin). The father is Dr. Saif (I don't know his first name and may never know it considering it is impolite to use their first name in public when they are as elite as Dr. Saif is) and he is one of the most kind men I think I have ever met. He pulled me aside the first time I met him (his English is very good (another sign that he is more upper class)) and he told me that he is honored and blessed that I am in his home and that I am now his son and if there was anything that I needed to call him and it will be mine. He told me that his home was my home and to enjoy it as such. He then "gave" me one of his servants to wait on me for whatever I needed, something that I was very uncomfortable with, but understanding their culture all I could do was smile and thank him. Last night I dined with Dr. Saif, his brother, and two other fathers form the household. We had a wonderful conversation about being Muslim and being Mormon. At one point Dr. Saif told me that he loves the Mormon people and he told me that they were wonderful people. He then leaned in close and said that I try to be the best person I can, but I realize that there are much better people then me. Later I had the opportunity to speak to them about Thomas S. Monson (after a lengthy conversation about Mohammed) and as I explained his role and his character I longed for them to meet him, a living prophet. I hope they come to visit me in Utah, for it they do I will do everything in my power and others power :) for them to meet President Monson.

Anyways, Life is good, thanks for asking, Ray. I would love to hear about DC when you get a chance, especially the desert night that you had while you were there. I better go, I have quite a bit to do. Tomorrow I am meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs with one of the doctors I have been working with and then I will be going to Alexandria (and the North Shore) for a campaign to treat the impoverished. Please, Ray and everyone keep me updated.


Much love,

Caleb Manscill