GOD'S VENTURER :: by J&S - More videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/SamehAndJoAnneWong

November 19, 2009

Islamic Art & Architecture:: UAE

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Sa3idi_Islamic_Art_Architectur.zip (151 KB)

White marble all the way through the Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi. Beautiful use of light and pattern. See the 99 names of Allah inscribed in the main prayer hall - the mosque was built for the purpose of sharing Islam with visitors from around the world.

Expressive of opulence, yet openness to sharing culture & beliefs...

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November 19, 2009

Sa3idi :: Week 20 in Egypt

In Egypt, I had been inspired to eat flatbread dipped in labnah (thick herbed yogurt) and zaatar (mixture of Syrian spices). It's what Paul the Apostle ate in his new movie...

We watched the new film release called Damascus Speaks - produced by Maissa Salom and Life Agape Media in Syria. It is the story of Paul's conversion (formerly named Saul, known for persecuting the Christians of the early Church) after a radical encounter with Christ. It takes place on the road to Damascus, and many old landmarks of his journey still remain. The film makes the city of Damascus proud with all its shots of spiritual significance.

Damascus Speaks also reveals Syria's heritage according to history paralleling the Bible. Using both reenactments of old and modern-day footage interspersed with the drama, we realize legacy for Syria today, as well as for us personally. Paul had radical example, reckless abandonment to Christ, and continued all his life where no one has gone before.

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November 19, 2009

Sa3idi :: Week 18-19 in Dubai

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Sa3idi_Week_18-19_in_Dubai.zip (167 KB)

Burj El Arab - Most expensive hotel in the world.

Burj Dubai - Tallest man-made structure ever built.

Dubai Mall Aquarium - Largest viewing panel in the world.

Dubai Metro - Longest single track in the world??

It was hard to keep track of all the record-breaking artificial wonders, but surely Dubai is a sight to behold. Some call it "virtual & plastic, need something more down-to-earth." But some just love it ~ fascinating stuff in the 21st century.

You can pretty much get whatever you can think of, like organic cereal or choose from a couple dozen varieties of exfoliating face wash. Start a business in a couple weeks in a Free Zone. Get your iPhone unlocked; find any sort of cuisine you are craving, although not nearly tasting like the real thing.

Our best buy though, was a metro card valid for 5 years! It was symbolic of a little 'stake of inheritance' in the land. En shaalah.

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November 11, 2009

Sa3idi :: Week 17 in Oman

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Sa3idi_Week_17_in_Oman.zip (321 KB)

A mecca for cultures of East Africa, Arabian Peninsula, South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka), and other tribes of the Middle East. Hear Swahili, Hindi, Urdu, English, and of course, Arabic. See pure Islamic architecture, and tribal arabic artifacts. Did you know that frankincense comes from Oman? - back in the day, the Three Wise Men brought it all the way across the Arabian Peninsula to little Bethlehem.

I think Omanis are some of the most friendly people in the Gulf you'll find. Ask them for directions, they could sit with you for hours telling you about their country. Dry riverbeds called "wadi" are hidden treasures. You'll hike along ascending rocky cliffs upstream - pay attention to all the naturally sculpted formations, varying colours and textures in each layer. Then perhaps get ready to jump into a refreshing pool of water to cool off....ahh!

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November 11, 2009

Islamic Art & Architecture :: Oman

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Islamic_Art_Architecture_Oman.zip (514 KB)

Encounter rich colors set within neutral structures. Colors are both traditional and contemporary, depending on location. At the mosque, observe traditional moss-greens, deep-blues, turquoise, bronze. In the souk (bazaar/market), lively stained glass against wood and stone surroundings.

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November 3, 2009

Sa3idi :: Week 16 in Abu Dhabi, UAE

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Sa3idi_Week_16_in_Abu_Dhabi_UA.zip (429 KB)

Land of the excessively rich & high makamaka! With the infusion of recent oil wealth, they are experiencing an infrastructure boom-spurt ("growth-spurt" doesn't quite capture the monstrosity). This emirate will eventually have stuff like forests in the desert...well, Dubai already has snow-skiing in the desert... These photos are taken our way out of the airport - a sight to behold for you gadget geeks ;)

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October 18, 2009

Sa3idi :: Al Hamdulelah!

Success! We're married officially (now in Egypt)!

@ the Minister of Justice ~ finally on October 18, 2009.

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October 18, 2009

Sa3idi :: Week 15 in Egypt

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Sa3idi_Week_15_in_Egypt.zip (285 KB)

Back in Alexandria, resting and recuperating, we are already anxious for our trip to the Emirates next week.

It has been challenging being in Egypt, even for such a short time - it is an exhausting environment (12 million people in Alexandria = think 12 times the population of South Shore, Oahu in the same space). They admit it's 'kinda polluted' now, things regressing and often unreliable. You never know when or who will give you the "real" info you need. We still couldn't get proper marriage documents approved after four weeks of hunting down the right procedure. The Minister of Justice, thus far, has not administered justice to our cause. He remained adamant in a position of legalism over one clause. I was beginning to "depise" the system...

But the way of the Lord is to redeem every experience, and humble us in showing us He can accomplish anything anywhere.

"God has chosen the world's insignificant and despised things - the things viewed as nothing - so He might bring to nothing the things that are viewed as something. So that no one can boast in His presence. (1 Cor.1:27-29)

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October 15, 2009

The Wish List

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The_Wish_List.zip (204 KB)

As we work in the world of media, we find ourselves constantly traveling. Once we settle down at our center in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we’ll figure out how to set up house. Cost of living is heaps less than Hawaii, for sure! As a couple, we are aiming to raise around $1200 USD per month in support for living and travel expenses in 2010.

ACCOMMODATION
This pot goes toward our rent, furniture, housewares, and other costs required to maintain a home.

TRANSPORTATION
Google search for Toyota Vigo? I'm not sure if moped, car, song-tao is the best route, but in any case, we need to be prepared for some expense.

COMMUNICATION
We were able to get an iPhone 3G! It’s not just cool & trendy, we can share our films on-the-spot with interested parties. And it helps us stay in sync with our team on-the-go! Next, we could use accessories that protect our Macbooks. Eventually in Thailand, we will need mobile & Skype credit on a periodic basis to stay in touch locally and internationally.

TRAVEL
Conferences, meetings, visa runs, etc. These require additional airfares and fees beyond daily living expenses.

(to be continued...)

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