The Clash of the Titans

Well sorry its been a bit since I wrote. See I had started a job and from the first day there was trouble with me and my father-in-law. First he didn't want me to even work. Why when my husband was sending money did I need to work? Then when money did not arrive I began to wonder if I had been abandoned in Libya. Finally a few days before starting the job my husband called and said he could send money western union just needed a name to send it to. Sounds easy right? Nope, not if you have no idea where a western union is at. I remembered that my friend had taken me to a big hotel in the city and that the man said that the western union would open in a week. Ok what was the name of the hotel? Took me a month to get that info. Anyway, my father in law was getting upset with me. I had stopped after work one day an picked up some hot chicken to treat the family with and he was livid. I was late and where had I been. I explained but it didn't help. The next day I was angry as they had informed me that my youngest daughter had headlice and I wanted to treat her right away. They said they had no medicine for it so I looked in my medical herbs and remedies book and found a mixture of vinegar and water would kill lice. I needed vinegar. A bit of explaining and finally my sister-in-law knew what I needed. I wanted to see if the corner market had some. I walked to the door and said I would be right back. Oh no, my father informed me. Send one of my sons it was late for women to be out. The store was right outside our gate and yet I could not go outside. They had no idea what I needed so he said wait till tomorrow. Ok, and in anger I stormed upstairs. The next morning I was still angry and spent the day cleaning house as being gone all week, I had a big pile of laundry to do. I finished and still no one had brought vinegar. I asked the kids if they wanted to go swimming. This was one thing my husband had given me permission to do without guidance. Sure they replied. And we dressed and left the house. We walked down to the ocean to find out to our dismay that for as far as the eye could see were men. No ladies. Ok, so now what? I knew that the area we had came was close to my husbands brothers house and we headed in that direction. Soon we were lost. But I had a general idea of where we were at. Finally hot and tired we found the street and came out a few houses up from the family home. A good neighbor saw us and invited us in. We went in a sat for too long as it always goes. Soon it was dark. The family found out where we were and had sent a message for me to come home. I was asked to go to my brother-in-laws house. So off I went. I arrived an was ushered into the room where I was told that I was to no longer work. I was wandering the streets unescorted and I could have been lost. Ok, I apologized. I was sorry I had offended the family. But what about my work? Why must I quit? Father was mad and that was all that mattered. So again, in anger I went home. I called my friend to tell her to let the work know my dilemma. I was not allowed phone calls, to who did I need to call? And during the day we were limited on phone use as what if my brother in law needed to call home or his wife needed to call someone. My cellphone was on its last few minutes and with no money how could I recharge it so I was saving it for a big emergency. Ok. So be it.
The next morning I awoke to wails from the neighboring house. What was happening? I saw a man putting up a tent and thought maybe the family was grieving as when a bride leaves the home. I went downstairs and from my mother-in-law I understood that someone had died. My father-in-law had told me it was someone the kids had met. I felt sorry for the family. Later we dressed and went next door. Many women sat under the tented area. A few cried softly and others wailed. One woman in total grief ran from the area and I pursued her to a post where she had banged her head and pulled her away. She pulled loose and ran outside to the open area. No cover and in a sleeping gown. No site for men to see. I pulled her quickly back into the yard and took her to sit down. She passed out. I checked her pulse and we doused her face with water. I checked the spot and saw she had a large cut on her head. It was swelling. No ice. I ran to my home and got an icepack from our fridge and returned. After a bit of time she was revived. Later another woman began to be distressed and I again I jumped to restrain her from harming herself. Shortly after we left I am sure that I had made a spectacle of myself. I returned to my apartment to rest. A bit later one of my husbands sisters arrived and we were talking about the neighbor's death. To my anguish I learned that he was family. An uncle of my husbands father who had diabetes and he had died during the night. I began to cry. I remembered this man. He spoke with me after my arrival. He spoke excellent English and said how many family members had died waiting to see my husband again and that he hoped to live to see him again. He appeared in good health so why not a few more months and he would arrive. Sadly, his wish was not answered. So for now I am back in the home. Money has arrived to the western union now and I need the transfer number so we can get it. My husband had given the number to the relative who had answered the phone but they had not written it down so we needed to call again for the number. I worked things out with dad. I am to ask to go outside and get his permission. No problem, I understand and I am to take an escort so I won't get lost again. God forbid someone should talk about that Faris families wayward daughter. Oh well life goes on. I have high speed as of today so now I can keep you more informed. And not working leaves me more time for internet now. Oh happy day. On a footnote. I finally got the number and after another day I was able to go get my money. I also went to my job who was glad to see that I was out at least. I informed her that my brother-in-law and a daughter were waiting in the car downstairs. We chatted a bit and I profusely apologized for the problems caused by the family but they understood. Funny the day of the funeral my father-in-law had asked why I was not dressed yet. Huh? You told me not to work! No, he said that in the evening when we had talked he had forgiven me and if I wanted to continue working that was fine just abide by coming straight home. He was to bring food for the family not me. Oh my God, not again. Just like his son. I told him sorry I was not going to go through continual problems of late cabs or I had done something wrong. So I shall sit at home. Its not too bad really. My house has never been cleaner. Maybe I will be a better housekeeper when I go home. Myself I hope we stay here but there are many factors that need to be resolved. You think it is rough for me. Wait till hubby comes home. I have about a hundred relatives who will either kiss him to death or beat him. Lets hope the kisses are first. And another thing, I didn't bring our birthcertificates for the kids. Why did I need them? The kids had passports for Libya. Those are temps I have been told and with no family book I cannot get new ones. Any suggestions? I have sent word to see if certified copies could be sent by email to the Corinthian hotel. I don't know of anything else to do. We may not be able to leave as it is. Dual-Citizenship and all. I did register with the state travel bureau today. If anyone has any ideas let me know. Finally, how to find me. If you are familiar with Tajura find the turnaround with the well in the middle. There are two in the area. There is a large government building on the west side of the turnaround. The road is unfinished about a quarter of the way down the block with another crossover in the middle of the section. There is a small alley next to a building with green doors and writing on it. I think it is a meat market. Something for men I am told. We are walking distance from the Tajura Bank. Ask in that area for the Abdulsalam Mohammed Ali Faris family. Go down the alley and find Jaffars market it has a white car broken down in front that is the alley for our house. On all sides are Faris homes. Maybe some of you ladies living in the area will stop by and visit. Khadijah Teri and Janel Salim have visited me so if they can find the house you can too. If you have daughters around the ages of 12 my daughter Aieysha would be most grateful for english company. I guess I can have visitors! I will try to get someone to go out and take some photos of the main streets so you can find me better. Landmarks are a girlscouts best friend! Thanks for reading and caring everyone.