Launching Into the Unknown

Amani and her family invited Beth and me to break their fast one evening. Ramadan began six weeks after I arrived, in June, when it is blistering hot by anyone’s standard. During Ramadan, Muslims should fast from food and drink from about 4:30 a.m. until around 6:00 p.m. When the weather is brutally hot, it is a very trying time indeed.

On the appointed day, I went to Beth’s house so we could go together to Amani’s. However, since most things start later than the invitation says, we did not rush and were still visiting at Beth’s house when Amani came to get us. “They could not start eating until we arrived!” she informed us. So, we grabbed our things and followed her to her house. It was then that we learned any other meal may start late, but not a Ramadan breakfast. As soon as the call to prayer comes, it is a sign that the faithful can drink, pray, and eat. From then on, I’ve never been late for a Ramadan meal!

Upon arrival, we discovered a large mat on the ground covered with a vast array of foods, many of which I had never seen in the market. The people import specialty items as part of celebrating Ramadan. We had figs floating in sugar syrup, several kinds of beans, apricot leather, the usual stews, salads, and fruit. It was indeed a feast. We joined the family on the ground, reaching into the different pots and bowls, using only the right hand as is customary, and enjoying the delicious food.