Jackson CP5

Last Friday I had a very great day with Omar. We started off by getting my cultural immersion out of the way by going to the Islamic Center of Tallahassee for my very first experience with an Islamic service. While there I saw many familiar faces from the CIES as well as my other conversation partner Awad. It was nice seeing Awad because I had not spoken to him since our first (and last) meeting where there seemed to be some hostility over the very subject of religion. He was thrilled to see me and invited me to attend any time I liked. After the service, I went with Omar and his friend (and fellow CIES student) Amar to publix to buy food. While Amar and Omar were shopping for groceries to prepare that night once their daily fast had ended, we had some hilarious conversation about how hungry both of them were. It was great talking with both of them about their religion and devotion to Ramadan. After we dropped Amar off, me and Omar went and met my roommates (who Omar had previously met at Hobbit's) at Momo's Pizza. Luckily, they were finishing up their food because it smelt extremely good in there and I could tell it was tempting Omar. He discussed with my roommates everything Ramadan and, once again, he connected with my roommate Lizz, who is great in engaging people she isn't particularly familiar with. Finally Omar and I parted ways and agreed to meet later at Milano's to see Ramin's Flamenco band play. When I arrived, Brian and Claire as well as their shared CP Shaun and his two friends were there. Later, more of us trickled in (Sidney as well as Omar). We were all laughing and having a great time watching Ramin play and getting to know each other. My favorite night by far came int he form of an act of generosity from the owner of Milano's. Since Friday was the first day of Ramadan, Omar had been fasting the entire day. Since he got there a little late, by the time he had put in his order (two slices of Halal pizza) the waitress informed us that the kitchen was closed. A few minutes later, the owner of Milano's came out with two slices of cheese pizza for Omar and told him that it was on the house. I was amazed by this act of kindness and it was amazing representation of what the message of the service (as I interpreted it) that Omar had taken me to was: to do as many good deeds as possible within the holy month of Ramadan, not for yourself, but for Allah. I expressed to Omar how taken aback I was by this simple act and he seemed to get a kick out of it. All in all it was a great night filled with great music and the pleasant company of new acquaintances.