A Homeschool Fieldtrip...

My friend Melissa and I got together to plan a day out for our kids. We decided to go see a visiting Arabic Arts Expo, in the Islamic Cultural Center of Doha.
The boys and I arrived about 15 minutes early, and had permission to take photos while we waited for the rest of the group, in which we quickly found out what this center's purpose was. It was to educate others (non-Muslims) of what Islam was about.
(You can double-click on the image to enlarge it)

Once we were ready to enter in, (about 20 of us) we were surrounded by a team of Muslims video taping, taking pictures, watching and following every move we made. They were very kind and interested in us, so much that we were invited to several free classes and events. As one man told us, they could arrange customized and private classes for our children.
Another Mom and I were invited to a "ladies tea" there at the center. When I asked what the purpose of the tea was, I was told that it would be a cultural awareness of the teachings of Islam. I kindly and respectfully declined the invite.

Here is the lineage of the Prophets at the center...(so sorry about the flash spots, it was too dark to take without the flash) the PBUT at the bottom means "Praise Be Unto Them" The names of the prophets or the name of Allah are never mentioned without saying, BBHN (Blessed Be His Name) or PBUT, either verbally or in print.

This gentleman was so kind and cordial towards us. He kept the kids laughing and kept us smiling. He asked the kids what the meaning of their names were. One of the girls name was "Grace" and he said, "I know that grace means, undeserved favor from God, but why did your parents name you "Grace"?" Her Mom replied, because it is a beautiful name. Every name in Arabic has meaning, just like in O.T. times. He wrote our names in "Artistic Arabic Calligraphy".

The building pictured on the cards, is the building we were in. It's right in the middle of the city center and it has a large spiral top, at night it's very well lit.

After a very short stay in the Islamic Center.... we then drove down the street to the Corniche where there was a visiting "Robot Zoo", for the first time ever in Doha. All students got in free, yes, even us homeschoolers.

These are some of the insects and animals we saw there....

however, Evan and Ethan were only interested in competing in a race. Ethan was so excited that he beat a girl one whole year older....by a mile!

One more stop for a photo shoot.......then, "see ya later Moms".

We enjoyed a picnic out on the water edge of the Persian Gulf, where the water is a true aqua marine blue and the weather was on the chilly side. It's so beautiful it looks artificial.

It was a fun and educating day in Doha.