Stuck between a rock and a loud place

So I have some decsion making to do. I'n trying to decide if I want to go to Jerusalem next weekend and risk the Isralie stamp which would block me from visiting other places in the Middle East. I'm also trying to decide whether or not to go to Yemen next or later in the summer when there is a gathering which includes a lot of western Muslims learnig about sufism. But it is a forty day deal and that would put me into august...Ramadaan will be starting up in the end of August and it is really hard to travel and fast. So...I'm not sure. I'm looking forward to seeing India and the rest of the east but it is a bit intimidating because of the language thing once again and I'll have to go back to my akwardness of calling strangers for help and...well I'm just tired of that. But once again, the benifits of seeing these places while I am so close is winning right now. I'm in the middle now and I have to go one way or the other to get home....might as well see some new stuff is my thinking!

I had an experience in the cab the other night that reinstated my faith in people and the reasons for visiting places like this. The driver was an old man...hard of hearing. I bargined hard but felt bad because he didn't seem like he was hustling but needed the money more. When he found out that me and my friend were American Muslims he almost crashed the car in delight! ok...that was a bit scary but the beam in his grin was all worth it. He wished on me 10 babies! Wow...what a gift! ha ha ha. But he was so nice and sweet I gave him some extra money and left the cab feeling really good about meeting him as he drove off hanging out of the window (not watching in front of him) yelling his salaams and well wishes half way down the road. He would have givin us the ride for free I am quite sure...but I insited he took more than the fare.

My Egyptian friend Muhammed has invited me back to his home as well to visit with his kids who call me uncle! Home cooked meals and good family fun...I need to get married soon ha ha ha. But not with 10 babies.

So admist the horns honking, stomach ills, sinus issues, arabic struggles and planning anxiety I find myself still enjoying the whole experience so far...that's a good sign.