Friends

My time back in the islands has been great. I think I have seen more of my island friends in the last week than I normally see in a month. I think some have come looking for me, but most are just natural meetings. Today, Mohamed, called me and told me he was on my island. I hope to see him tomorrow. He is a great guy and have known him for about 2 years now. I dont get to see him very often as he lives pretty far from me. Today Viam called me and wanted to go for a jog. Viam is 18 or 19 (I think) and loves to run like me. We took a nice easy jog around the island. We talked the whole time. It was great run. I saw Ziyad on the road playing with his two boys and Naxim stopped twice on the road when he has seen me walking to the office. My other running buddy, Naseer, has just opened a new store on our island. He will be selling all sorts of sporting equipment. Just before my flight back to the island I bought two running magazines… Runner’s World and Running Times. I gave both of them to him tonight… he quickly began looking at all the advertisements to see what shoes he should be selling in his store. Naseer and his wife had a baby boy just before we left for the USA. I hope to see him before I leave the islands. Tonight my really good friend, Pintu came to the house. We had to talk about work permit and visa stuff. Without this brother, I’m not sure if I could keep all my business stuff straight. He is my bro for sure. Pintu’s wife is going to the doctor tomorrow so pray for her healing. She has a rash that wont go away. My friend T is still in the hospital with dengue too. And those of you who have been praying for me, I am so thankful. I feel really strong right now. I am away from my family and wont connect with them again until early September, but I feel the prayers of protection, comfort and direction. Thank you.