Syrian Lunch

We had lunch with our good friends yesterday at their home in one of the Syrian camps. We love going to see them, we've known them for years and really love their six children who are so much fun!

 The Syrian camp is getting more and more 'permanent' every time we go there. NGOs are increasingly building block homes for families, replacing the tents; parks are being built too. We are always in awe of the Syrian people's skill and inventiveness. Sadly the UN has banned animals- such as chickens and rabbits- from the camp (so we're told) meaning that people who used to keep them are now banned from doing so (for the health of the children apparently). It seems rather sad really. This was their way of life back home and they're trying to make their life here as normal as possible but now have to obey these rules.

Underneath those blankets are quails

K playing the K'ish version of "Round & round the garden"

My friend 'S' is one of my heroines. I just don't know how she has managed with all life has thrown at her over the past several years. She has had to leave her home in Syria to become a foreigner here (not a foreigner like me but a refugee who is often looked down on by locals); she misses her family back home and worries about their situation; she is in her late 20s with 6 children to care for in difficult circumstances- and her children are all just so delightful; she is so generous to us in having so many times cooked feasts for us- and that in a tiny room with a gas cannister and ring for a stove and no sink. I come away from visiting her humbled and grateful for the luxury we live in.

Meqloob (layers of rice, chicken, tomatoes, potatoes & aubergines)

I'm particularly fond of this little cutie- I was there at his birth and he's named after J's K'ish name!
He is SUCH a poser!