Dust, death and looking ahead

This snap is one the husband took at a petrol station during a dust storm in Saudi Arabia. Just looking at it I can feel the dust on my face.

My great-aunt Marj just passed from this life into the next. I know; some would say, "Great-aunt? How could you have been that close?" Well, I remember her and her husband, Uncle Eddie, giving me a little toy rabbit when I was very young. Eddie passed on some years ago. They were always fun and friendly, and I greatly enjoyed the time I got to spend with them. I remember how I would make tea for Marj, and she would become a bit distressed with me when I'd only use the tea bags once (I still chuckle about that). She was a lovely special lady. She will be missed and not forgotten.

It is times like these when it is very hard living far from home. I looked at the price of a plane ticket to fly home. Even in the current economy, the price has gone up by $500 from the ticket price for the same route last year. At least I get to go home this summer. It feels very frustrating not to be able to be there for people.

In thinking about looking ahead......

Munchkin #2 is having yet another close friend move back to her home country. But, Munchkin #2 is making new friends of the new students coming into her class at school. We even have a playdate scheduled for tomorrow at our flat. So, life is moving forward.

And, my mum is still planning on visiting us in March. I just made hotel reservations for us at our family's favorite spot in Oman. My cousins, who came to visit last year, I think really enjoyed the place. I hope my mum has a very fun and relaxing trip. We're all so grateful that she's coming to see us. I have made friends here, but it can still feel very isolating being so far from family.

Peace and much love and many hugs to all the family back home. I miss you.