House Hunting

I have been back and forth with Mr. Man for quite a while about his over whelming desire to own a home. While I can completely understand him wanting to own a home I don't always understand the decisions he makes. At first we looked in Bahrain but it was at the height of the housing market increase during the summer. In a matter of two weeks the house we wanted went from 250,000 BD (2.5 million SR over 600,000 USD) to 350,000 BD (over 900,000 USD). The house was perfect but there is no way I was going to be willingly ripped off.

We quickly learned that there are no set standards in the real estate industry in Bahrain. The owner, due to the demand for housing, could simply quote any prices he wanted, go up in prices during talks, and above all else held much of the new buildings going on in the are. Yes one company, or man, would have an area under his control. The six houses that were for sale in the neighborhood and new builds were all from the same guy. Of course this backfired as now they are sitting on so many new homes and you can barely give their property away at the moment.

Than Mr. Man decided on a huge house in Saudi for 2.5 million SR. I felt it was way too much as we already decided to rent a place in Bahrain. But as many women who share their lives with Arab men when they have their mind set on something it is hard to change it. Time has gone on and Mr. Man has heard nothing back on approval he needs to buy the home so I take it as God guiding us in a whole other direction. A direction which will give me a green backyard inshallah.

At this time we are looking in the states for a home, something with an acre or two, a pond or close to a fishing stream would be ideal. Now if you noticed the budget for a house in Saudi you can imagine what kind of property I could get in the US in the region we are looking at.

How about a 60 Acre Lake Retreat???

Or a Water Front Home??

How about this Lake Front Beauty complete with a heated pool??

An Executive Lake Front Dream

I mean who wouldn't want this home? Ladies check out this kitchen!!

But no reason to be greedy, a nice simple home on 5 acres would do just fine

Now before everyone starts packing their bags to come and join me for a summer vacation I should note that my US budget is drastically different than what I would have in Bahrain or Saudi. Even with an 8,000 USD tax credit for a first home buyer like us I'm reduced to about 1/4 of the budget. But considering the US housing market at the moment even with that budget it can go a long way.

5 Bdrms with a Hot Tub on 3 Acres

Besides the price there are a few things this family needs to consider when we are looking at homes in America which didn't factor into our house hunting on this side of the world. The first one is that we are an obviously Muslim family. Not everyone in the country is open to covering women like myself. I know hard to believe right? But it is true, not everyone in the US is friendly and some hold some harsh feelings when it comes to Muslims. Not an easy thing to ask a non Muslim realtor either because honestly they wouldn't have a clue.

Another issue, Mr. Man is an Arab and a black one at that. I know half of you probably didn't even realise it, but it is true. So I have to wonder how a community would look at Mr. Man if I sent him into town alone to pick up milk. I mean will security follow behind him? Will the locals in the community whisper? Will he feel uncomfortable? And the same goes for my lovely children who don't have a prejudiced bone in their little bodies. I would hate to subject them to such things unknowingly, I am a mother likes that her children are a bit protected from the harsh realities of the world, as I think all children should be.

That is not to say country folks are a bunch of hicks with white sheets packed in the back of their pick up. We have lived in various communities, some very small, with out any issues. But it takes just one backward family to make my life miserable and that is not what buying a vacation home is about. So yes country gals flood my comment section or inbox telling me how open and wonderful you are, for I would agree for the majority it is true. I'm sure that most would make some wonderful neighbors who Jihad could entertain for his entire summer vacation and we are looking forward to it. Especially Jihad he has plans already, big plans for American living I don't know if our future neighbors should be worried or not.

Another thing to consider is Umar, yes the smallest package of the bunch will bring about a greater decision. To stay closer to a bigger city, an hour and a half drive is good, and within a good school district. As we aren't sure how his schooling will go in this part of the world I have to prepare for the possibility that our summer home may one day become a permanent one to ensure Umar gets the best opportunities for his life.

We have decided to look in MO as Mr. Man received all his education in that state. I lived there with him for his last semester and it was quite nice. St Louis has a wonderful zoo that Jihad will flip over. There are so many out door things to do that will keep all of us busy and there is more bang for our buck in that state. Something within a 1 1/2 hour driving distance to St Louis, within a good school district and hopefully within a super fabulous neighborhood with loads of boys Jihad's age that will keep him busy for the summer months.

I'm sending both Mr. Man and Jihad to St. Louis for a week to go check out the homes I select online. I know it is a scary thought, those two having the ability to have the final voice on the home I'm going to live in. Yes pray for us as I will need it, so will Mr. Man if he really messes up in this decision. But either way I'm so looking forward to this chapter in our lives. A home, green grass, summer time as I remember for my own children, and a place for us to go to whenever we may need it. I'll keep you updated as we go along. And if you know a property that sounds like it could be for us, keep in mind we need at least 4 bdrm, than drop me a note letting me know.

Happy Birthday Umar

And it was a good day with loads of cake which Umar found to be great fun just to squeeze it all through his little hands.






Yes we finally did find something that works well with those little pudgy fingers of his. Looks like fun doesn't it? Go ahead, next time you have cake give it a try. Yea I know we aren't all one and I wonder if a soon to be 17 year old like me can get away with a cake squeeze. Yes you read it I finally decided to be 17 instead of my usual 16 this year. I figured at some point I have to grow up, not now of course, but at some point.


Not sure if I mentioned it before but Umar has a love for balls I personally think this is just a guy thing as all tend to have ball issues. Yea I can really go somewhere with that thought but this is a post about a child's b-day party I'll restrain myself. So considering his love of balls I got my boy a small ball pit. Which I might say I went to at least 5 stores to complete this task, what is wrong with Bahrain that they don't sell simple ball pits. During the weekend I was in Saudi and saw nothing but ball pits but didn't want to go through the trouble of bringing it back. HA!! Trouble? Two days latter I made my own with a choo choo train pop up play tent, foam mat squares and two 100 ct bags of balls from 3 different stores. He loved it!






Having several siblings there was no shortage of help for opening presents for a boy who at this point doesn't know what to do with it when put right in front of him. I must say I think he would have been perfectly happy just tossing around a wrapped preset for a bit as the bright colors of the toys-r-us paper was to his liking. In order to avoid the never ending fighting I decided the one who got the present would be the one to open it and that worked out well. Quick hands are also needed to get the paper away from the boy who tries to eat it.







Umar, even though I say is gifted, doesn't know how to read yet. So that was Leyna's job who loves to read books to Umar. Every time she gets a new library book from school she reads it to Umar, he has some terriffic big sisters. She does complain sometimes that he doesn't listen. Not that I have much sympathy in my response "Aggravating isn't it? Now you know how it feels when you don't listen to me!" Never miss a chance mothers to teach children how aggravating they can actually be. She hasn't given up hope that he'll listen to her and I hope that one day I'll be taking pics of him cuddling with his sister as she reads him a story that fascinates him and fills his imagination with wondrous possibilities.

A friend of mine made the cake which I was just going to go buy from a local store. I'm glad that she volunteered as the cakes here I'm not all that happy with. There are several things I miss in the states and nice creamy butter frosting that isn't too sweet is one of them.

She also made him a little blanket which I appreciate more than she knows. This would have been my mothers job, to make Umar a blanket. All of the children have had their own made special by Oma. One when they were born and one latter with their favorite characters on it or something special that personalized the blanket for them. Unfortunately Umar misses out on that and so much more that his Oma would have given him.

Hannah, my dear girl who is just like her Mama, was the photographer. She was serious about her job to. Eventually I would like to get her to take a photography class for I think she would enjoy it. Of course I have to get up and out and start using what I've learned in class. If only there were more hours in the day I could fit all my 'want to dos' in along with all the 'have to dos'.




Jihad was in charge of picking up wrapping paper and putting it in the trace. So not a glamorous job for him I'm sure. But I made it up to him by letting him light the candle, yes indeed I actually put Jihad in charge of fire and the house didn't burn down. Take note at the look on his face too!




As you see birthdays are a small family event. Nothing major, nothing expensive, nothing over the top. The Veiled Chef showed her love with a gift for her 'little man' although she wasn't able to be here. One might notice the absence of Mr. Man, yes he was busy working in Saudi. With five children I've learned long ago that Mr. Man isn't much into these events at all. He has shown for a few but not many. Not that he doesn't care but it just isn't something he was raised with and doesn't put much importance on it. The kids didn't mention his absence so it was normal for them. Now ladies don't get to hard or Mr. Man while I'm house hunting in the US. I think we should fill up the comment section with poor hard working Mr. Man who is so bogged down with work that he has to miss little Umar's party and how he just needs a rest. Time to enjoy his family.. in a new house, with some acres, loads of trees for plenty of shade, walk to a pond or creek for fishing, one floor house like he loves, and close to all the stores where the Mrs likes to shop.

Yes I'm ready to bribe for that sweetening up of Mr. Man with more pics of Umar and cake.

I totally love this pic, it is fun just to find out what you catch latter when you just keep pushing that shutter. This is entitled CHOCOLATE HIGH







*ETA these are not Hannah's pics, she needs more than a class after I viewed them. She needs a miracle but we will get her there.

Twins

Even though I was taking fertility drugs to become pregnant due to my infertility problems I never expected twins. I will never forget the day I found out because it wasn't something we thought would happen that month. First off Mr. Man was offshore (working on oil rigs in Louisiana) for much of that month and was a 'day late' for our scheduled 'meeting' (this caused issues latter because he has a male mind but that is another post) in order to conceive. The cycle before that month came with disappointment and I figured with him not showing up on time things would end the same.

I took a pregnancy test after when I was late which came up negative so I figured it was only my nerves. My mother was moving in and we were planning our fist trip to Saudi so there was a whole lot going on. I went to my Dr. for some blood work because I thought I was having a thyroid issue as I was soo very tired. Since this runs in the family I wasn't really off in suggesting it and the Dr. took some blood work. We were in Houston getting our visas for Saudi when the Dr. left a message. I had to come in urgently when I returned for further testing. A good way to panic a gal like me.

I went in to the Drs office where I was quickly whisked away for an ultrasound with a technician who learned very well how not to let on a thing. I sat and stared at a screen not knowing what I was looking at and saw some dots but was told to wait for the Dr. My mother at my side we sat and waited for the Dr. to finally spit it out. He said "pregnant" and than quickly followed up with "twins". I was shocked and just sat and listened to the Dr. explaining what I saw on the screen in the ultrasound room and heard my mother repeat over and over "twins?". Her repeating of "twins" continued for two more days, she was honestly in joyful shock.

Oh I was told how hard it would be for both the pregnancy and the raising of twins but still I was so utterly happy about my bundles that no amount of 'bad' things could get me down. My pregnancy was totally uneventful I was even induced at 40 weeks because they were not showing any signs of coming out of my body. At 40 weeks my world was changed with the arrival of Hannah and Jihad, in that order.

For twins they were as unalike as you can get. Each are of a different gender, which means I get to see first hand how gender is in nature not just nurture. Jihad was always hyper and on the go, walking at 10 months and ready to run the next day. Always in something it didn't matter what you did to try and keep him out he got in it. A screamer as an infant, Mr. Man would be off working on a rig all week and his job upon return was to walk Jihad back and forth half the night. He was also destructive, would tear through anything he could get his little hands on and think it was the best thing in the world which drove my mother nuts. Even worse was his inability to handle a car ride. Someone always had to sit behind him and sing wheels on the bus the entire time complete with hand motions.

Hannah was an easy baby, rarely cried or complained except at 5pm on the dot no matter where we were she wanted to be home and cuddled at Mama's boob. She was interested in eating, easy play, cuddles and watching her brother go off like a loon always in trouble. She was such a good easy going baby and continued to develop in that mode as time went on.

Their differences continue till this day, Jihad is very athletic, Hannah not so. Jihad is very social and has dozens of friends, Hannah is quiet and selective about who she invites into her world. Hannah is more accommodating to the needs of others and is a very sensitive child. Jihad on the other hand, while sweet and pure of heart, can be stubborn and strong willed. Hannah is more apt to do as she is told the first time around, Jihad however needs to be reminded time and time again. Both are good kids but still so different many find it hard to believe they are twins.

But as twins I thought there would be this incredible bond that books spoke of. Sure they had a short lived secret language that only they understood but nothing of a top code that couldn't be cracked. They always had someone to play with but their playing style for the most part was much different. Although there were plenty of times they could manage to get in trouble together, it was usually Jihad who thought of the idea and Hannah went along for the fun. For the most part they got along as siblings do but no major bonds I would expect for twins.

There are moments though when Hannah will stand up in full twin mode when you mess with her brother, more so than he does. I'll never forget the day that Jihad was late, yet again, getting home while out playing, so I told him he was not allowed to come back in the house. He sat outside, in the dark, on the porch talking to Hannah who was quite unhappy that he was being kicked out of the house. Although this was the same girl who told me how much he bothered her only hours before and how she wished she didn't have a twin. She brought him juice and sat on the porch devising a plan that will get me to let him back in. But no matter what they came up with I refused to let him back in the house. I just got so tired of him constantly coming in late so I figured kicking him out what a good idea, since outside is where he preferred to be.

After a half hour of secret plans and Hannah consoling her brother who sought her out as a fighter for his cause she started to get really upset and twin defence mode kicked in. She forgot that this was the pain she complained of for this was her brother, a twin, after all. She stood and yelled at me "Your the worst mother in the world!!". I couldn't help but laugh as my dear girl was displaying the deep love she has for her brother although in any normal situation she wouldn't admit it even under torture. Don't worry readers I eventually let the boy back in the house who to this day is rather good about keeping track of checking in when he is told.

There are other moments when the 'twin' reality sets in and each will defend the other. But for the most part they are siblings, of the same age, who will throw the other in the fire in order to avoid any fault of their own. "he" did it or "she" did it isn't uncommon in our house as I'm sure is the case for most siblings. But we are talking twins, where is the text book bonding? Does this look like twin bonding to you?

I keep telling Jihad to stop messing with Hannah because one day she is going to get him. She isn't a small girl he can just push around we are talking about a 5 foot girl weighing a 100 lbs and is as solid as a brick wall. She easily knocks the wind out of Mr. Man when he wants to 'play box' with her. She has punched him in the gut a few times, even with her lack of coordination he was left struggling for a breath. So Jihad smaller than her in every way should realize that she can hurt him, but ya know boys think they are invincible. It will take some super man powers for him to get out from under her once she had him pinned down.

Mind you this started with them running around in circles through the living room and kitchen she screaming "give me it" and he was laughing. "Stop it" just didn't register with these loving twins as she screamed and chased him down to the couch. Their Jeddah (Mr. Mans mother) was there telling them to stop "your brother and sister" but they paid no attention to her pleas and she settled with uttering "astagfirallah" for the rest of the ensuing battle. I being the mother I am I got the camera and took some not so good pics of these two in their moment of twin bonding.

No photography course will teach me how to grab a camera and adjust for a low light action situation while my twin darlings are fighting over who knows what. And I tried to understand what it was Hannah was after through the complaints of Jihad "Get OFF ME", the uttering of Jeddah "Astagfirallah", Naomi our maid laughing with "Hannah Hannah" every two seconds and Hannah yelling "Give it to ME!!". Jihad tried to worm his way out from under Hannah but this girl was not giving way at all. She decided to just lay on him for that ensured the boy was going no where. You would think at some point the boy would wise up and give her what she wanted but no, stubborn as a true Arab male he wasn't going to be pushed around by no girl. Being smothered by one is an option but he wasn't going to give in and admit defeat.

Eleven pics latter I still didn't know what Hannah was after but I was left wondering has this boy learned nothing? I mean has he been totally oblivious to the fact that the females in this family get their way one way or another? And don't dare try to do us wrong by not giving us what you should for we will pin you down just as Hannah has done. Doesn't hurt to grab some hair either, for he really hates that. But still this boy will not give in to what he promised to give her. He would rather be pinned to a floor, kicking with a defiant voice amidst various whimpers of pain than to do the right thing by his sister. Have no doubt that Arab blood runs through this boys veins ladies. And as much as I would like to assure that we will have broken this stubborn spirit of his by the time he marries, with an Arab man there really is no guarantee of that.

Ten more pics latter and quite a distance from where this all started Jihad finally had to come to his senses and give Hannah what he should have long ago. She being an American woman had no problems torturing the same boy whom she would protect from harm caused by others for what she felt was hers. There was no giving up, determined as she was because she felt wronged she rode him like a kicking bull holding on with all her might. She also had no problem gloating and continued to pin him down as she displayed what she worked so hard to get from him. Lesson learned, don't wrong my girls.

What was so important that would pit one twin against another in a physical battle of wills you ask? A piece of gum! So if your expecting twins this is what the books won't tell you so good luck to you.

For Some Good News

Loads of good things going on with my little man Umar, besides he is the sweetest baby around. First up I think I mentioned before he had a small hole in is heart, not anything specifically relating to his having Down Syndrome. I saw a pediatrician in Bahrain for a cold who mentioned he didn't hear anything in Umar's heart. So I made an appointment at dreaded Saad and he had an echo today, it is so small the Dr. wouldn't consider an issue at all. He showed me the new tissue that is growing which will continue to close the few mm that is left within six months.

I noted before how I was impatiently waiting for a tooth to come in. Well just yesterday don't you know he has a little tooth that has started to show. He has found it quite amusing and keeps twisting his tongue around his front gums to check it out. I'm so relieved that finally he has a tooth I thought I would have to go in there and cut it out myself.

Umar has also decided to start feeding himself which is a big step I was a bit worried. He still won't hold a bottle but his therapist suggested because he just might associate it with him being cuddled which is probably true. My other kids were all great messy eaters very early on, at 5-6 months I could easily put finger foods in front of them for dinner and they would chow down. A mess and something that some parents don't encourage but I do for two reasons. 1. It is good for fine motor skills 2. It leaves me in peace to eat with out an infant yelling at me for more. Umar is now among the pack that is learning mashed potatoes are really cool to play with, peas aren't so easy to pick up, and it is best to mash it in your hand and shove it in. Some goes where it should and he doesn't have to worry about if it doesn't.

Having short pudgy little fingers doesn't make this a small accomplishment. It isn't easy to grab little bits with your hands and keep them long enough to insert them in your mouth. It takes practice, concentration and effort to pick up a single piece of corn and get it to the place of deposit in order to nourish your body. For months I watched as he struggled to pick up a piece of corn, or a pea or even a cheerio from his table. Tried as he might it just kept slipping out of his fingers or he would get it and loose it half way to his mouth. This is a major accomplishment for my little man. Isn't odd how some things make you realize how much you take for granted. ??

He makes that look good doesn't he?? A fine mess he makes and this Mama could care less that he may wear his food or I have to dig rice out of his seat. I am enjoying it as much as he seems to be.

We are also back to Bayzura his physical therapist in Saad hospital. I missed her although I can't say the same for Umar. The price increase isn't as bad, evidently loosing so many patients made someone wake up. What used to be 150 SR and than went to 375 SR is now at a flat rate of 240 SR for his 45 minute therapy session. I decided that my little man needs that extra push that Bayzura knows how to get out of him. Even if he screams the entire time he is still benefiting. I will continue to work with the woman here in Bahrain and do the things at home she suggests. Inshallah all will work together to get that boy where he wants to be in the next few months...standing!

In other big news by little man is going to be 1 on the 22nd. And yes I'm a Muslim who does participate in birthdays and will be having a big family bash for the boy. I expect him to use his new tooth and his new found love of shoving food in his mouth to tackle his piece of the cake. Pictures are expected to be taken by the bucket load to memorialize his first birthday. I generally don't make a major big deal of my kids b-days, it is small and all about the family. But consider my b-day is on the 26th I've decided to go all out and spoil my boy and myself all in one shot.

This one year mark will also bring about an appointment with his pediatrician. At one years of age children with down syndrome have an xray of their neck in order to determine if there is atlantoaxial instability . If the xray comes back as abnormal than he will continue to have xrays to determine if he should be with held from strenuous activities like sports. He will also have a thyroid test to make sure that is functioning properly. And we will also go back for hearing tests to see if anything has developed with the possible slight hearing loss of last time. I think he just ignored the test for he turns to me when he hears me and doesn't see me.

So that is all for the good news today. If you need anything else to cheer you up just take a look at this boys smile. Tell me it just doesn't make you smile!

When Any Decision Seems Wrong

It was one of those situations which read straight out of a book. A call from a friend who is in immediate fear of her husband needs help. You want to do all you can but than realize how limited the options are when you are a woman, especially a foreign woman, married to a Saudi and living in his land. In an instant your reminded, no matter how comfortable your own world may be, that mothers in Saudi are often left to make one of the most difficult decisions in her life. She has to choose to stay in a home in which she fears for her safety or to leave with her health intact but her children behind.

My heart ached as this mother, my friend, sat in a slump with tears in her eyes and said "I don't see why I'm the one who has to leave my children." No amount of reasoning from any Saudi official can justify the sacrifices of a mother caught in these situations. While there is some hope that a Saudi woman will have some rights to see her children, even if it is only on weekends she at least can remain in the same country. A foreign woman, having no family support in Saudi and no legal right to be in the country besides her husbands sponsorship has to leave the country. Be it in a desperate attempt to save herself from a bad situation or by the force of a husband who no longer wants to remain married to her.

In love thinking 'my husband would never be that' many foreign women land in Saudi Arabia thinking their love will conquer all. While that may hold true for some families it doesn't hold true for all. So what happens when your marriage goes down the tubes and your several children past an easy decision to pick up and leave? What rights do foreign women have in a land that in one breath boasts of family connections and that heaven lies under the feet of ones mothers? Not many to speak of unless you give up your own countries passport and become a Saudi left to fight on your own, with no help from others, be it family too many miles away or friends who simply, out of cultural fear, won't stand up for the weaker in the situation and do the right thing.

I rode in the car along side of my friend wishing I could do more than take her to find a taxi to Bahrain. I felt even worse that I couldn't drive her to the airport myself as the driver didn't have the proper papers. I sat with her as she waited for a taxi, promising to look in on her kids, thinking of ways she can be close to them, possibly return without her husband, and slowly realizing no amount of plans will make any of this right for her. In tears she left like so many other women who have had to make such a difficult choice. Thinking, I'm sure, of only her children, boys who at the age of 21 can finally leave the country on their own not needing their fathers permission, girls who will always need the permission of others. Hopes of a reunion one day in the future, knowing all to well it will be a long time off and in some cases might never even happen.

Nothing I could say or do would comfort my friend. So before you ladies, with hearts full of love and romantic idealism, leave for the land of hot sun and dusty sand ask yourself if you could ever stand to choose between your own sanity and safety and having your children. Unfortunately you too could be making this decision and unlike story books this won't have a happy ending.

Are You Bored And Have Time To Waste?

Than try calling Saad Specialist Hospital at 96638826666 and ask the operator " Can you connect me to the department where I can get a copy of my sons medical file"

Transferred to half of the hospital, hung up on twice, even asked a supervisor of the operators and he still gave me the wrong extension. Waiting on the miracle that someone is going to call me back from the right department. This promise was made by someone of the administrative staff who got tired of me being transferred to their office. Certainly I'm not holding my breath while doing it but miracles have been known to happen.

This Wouldn't Happen In Saudi

While in Bahrain a buy Gulf Daily News every day. I admit I'm one of those readers who tends to turn to the reader comment section first, because it is so very entertaining. The writing is much better than Arab News and perhaps the editor there can take a look at GDN for a smaller scale paper like Arab News.

As I sat last night and read through the happenings I came across the story "Bahrain op for boy as appeal fails" February 28th. I saw the photo of a very somber looking family, one of the sons turning away from the camera. The article told of their story, one son, 15, has become progressively deaf since July of last year when he developed a high fever. The family has been in the news before seeking donations to in order to have their son treated with an operation in the US. They were looking to raise 25,000 BD (67,000 USD) in order to achieve this goal. Unfortunately they raised a mere 650 BD (1730 USD) not nearly enough.

The family is from Pakistan and that is the citizenship they hold. The Pakistani embassy on hearing their story offered to support the family if they went back to Pakistan for the operation. However the family refused the offer and opted to stay in Bahrain. At some point they decided to take up an offer by a Dr. Jamal at Salmaniya Medical Complex which is a Bahrain government hospital. The same hospital that has a bed shortage to the point were several people with sickle cell died waiting for a bed.

This same short supplied hospital has offered to help the family, partially. They will do the actual operation, care for him, and take him through rehabilitation for free. But the family has to pay for the actual implant device that they need which costs 25,000 BD (6700 USD). Seems like a decent enough compromise especially if the hospital is not in the financial position to do it all at their cost. However this is a family that has hit hard monetary times as the father has lost his job and they are dependent on the charity of others for day to day survival.

What made me sit straight up in bed and scream "WHAT???" is that "Mr. Aziz (the father) is originally from Pakistan, but has been living in Bahrain illegally for 35 years and had hoped to be granted Bahrani citizenship to entitle the family to government support"

First I am amazed that a family in such dire straights that 1. they depend on charity to live on 2. they are illegally in a country 3. the husband has no work, that they would turn down an offer from their own country representatives for the help their son needs. Is the desire to have Bahrani citizenship so strong you'll deny your son hearing? As a mother I just can't believe a parent would do that and than have the nerve to seek donations for help in order to fulfill their wants.

I told this story to Mr. Man and I said "not in Saudi" this simply would never happen there. The boy would have never been offered treatment at a government hospital as an illegal. Although the treatment could be offered to a legal resident they would never be asked to pay for the device needed. But no illegal can get medical care at a government hospital unless you've been arrested first and your facing deportation.

In fact I don't think officials would give this family a chance to turn down the offer from the Pakistani government. They would have found the family, arrested them, arranged for deportation and the official story version would be that "Saudi authorities work along side the Pakistani Embassy to return the family home for son's medical treatment".