The house is empty and we only have a few suitcases left to pack. Kim and I are returning to the USA with our daughters, but our daughters only know Oman as home. Oman is their home and we will always be thankful for the amazing children that they are as a result of our decision to come her eight years ago.
To all my Omani friends and families, you have taught us so much. You have brought us into your country with smiles and open arms. In my heart, I have learned that Oman = hospitality. Thank you.
To all my fellow expats who, like us, came to Oman for work and opportunity, I pray that your time in this beautiful country is as blessed as ours has been. If you still need to, learn to say yes to its hospitality and warmth. Say yes to the invitation for coffee. Say yes to the invitation to kayak on the sea. Say yes to the invitation to eat on the floor with your hands. Say yes to the invitation to attend a wedding or two. Say yes to the fisherman with a fistful of fish. Say yes to the free ride when your bike tire is flat. Say yes to the invitation to a mountain home for dinner and camping.
And then let it sink in deep… Perhaps you will find yourself saying yes to the person standing on the road needing a ride. Perhaps you will say yes to the next person who asks you for money. You might even catch yourself inviting people into your home and in to your lives and into your hearts… and then, you too will call Oman your home.
