Cheers to Family!

            Last week, Hannah suggested that we go have authentic Saudi Arabian food! I was ecstatic! I couldn’t wait to see a glimpse into her culture because while I feel like we have done a great job of explaining to each other our different ways of life, experiencing them brings everything to a completely new level.

            On Wednesday, Hannah and I met and headed to Terra, a restaurant on West 7^th. The whole way there, she explained that she cooks every night (either chicken or tilapia with rice) and that Terra is the most authentic place she has been. In fact, she said that she and her friends come weekly to enjoy the buffet of Mediterranean food.

            Terra is a popular place. I knew I had heard of it so a few days leading up to our adventure, I asked some of my friends at TCU if they had been and what it is like. Everyone I talked to raved of the food. They all said that the lunch was simply fabulous, but they all called it Greek food. This made me curious.

            We arrived and were seated next to a couple that was enjoying lunch together. They were both significantly over-weight but very bright and friendly. I noticed that when Hannah and I got up to help ourselves to the buffet they began to whisper saying things like, “what is that head wrapping called again?”

            Hannah pointed out several foods and urged me to try all of them- everything from Tabuli to “meat” (when I asked her what kind she just said “meat”).  When we came back to our table, her plate full and mine overflowing with delicious-looking food, the couple leaned over and loudly began to talk to us.

            “Where are you from?” the man asked.

            “Saudi Arabia.”

            “My roommate in college was from the UAE. Y’all have some very hospitable folks!”

            “Yes.”

            “Isn’t this food great? I mean only $12.99 for all this! And let me tell you, this is quality food!” The woman inquired.

            “It is! And it’s delicious!” I chimed in.

            “Now, this food is Greek. Is Greece near you? You know, they say that American’s are the most ignorant when it comes to geography…” the women continued.

            I was ashamed. While these two were very kind and welcoming to someone different than themselves, they appeared very ignorant, and they represented almost all of the negative stereotypes of Americans, which is something Hannah and I had talked about previously.

            Throughout lunch Hannah and I mostly discussed our families. We talked about how few children Americans have on average compared to Saudi Arabians. Hannah is one of five, which is an “all right” number of kids. Her mother is one of fourteen.  When I gasped in amazement, she replied, “Each child is a gift from God, and with each child, God gives the family a gift. For my mom, my dad got a promotion during one of her pregnancies. Another time, they bought a new house. Another time, my dad came into a bunch of money. Here, people don’t have as many kids. Why?”

            I had never really thought of it. “Kids are a lot of responsibility.”

            “And a lot of money!” she chuckled. I loved hearing about her family and how her culture treats family. She mentioned that her grandmother was 12 when she was married, but she claims, “now things are different! People are getting married at 18 or 19!”

            My jaw dropped. I am nineteen. I can barely brush my hair and get to class everyday. I am NOWHERE near to getting married (and when I say nowhere, I mean nowhere).  She admitted that she is not either, but when God sees it fit to present her with the right man, how could she not?

            Our conversation continued as I drove her back to her apartment. I can truly call Hannah a friend now. We have only met twice but I cherish every minute I get to spend with her! I am still trying to talk her into coming to the game on Saturday because everyone needs to experience a little American football! Either way, I cannot wait for the next time we hang out! She says that next time, she is cooking!