Calm in the Storm

Fortunately, Nottingham was spared the 100+ mph winds, ice, and snow that caused so many problems in Scotland and Northern England this week. However, we did have several days of rain, wind, and generally nasty weather that made it difficult to get out and walk much. Cabin fever was setting in.

On Thursday evening we did venture out on a 15 minute walk to one of the local mosques, where we and all of our students had been invited to dinner. The Imam who came several weeks ago to speak at our Monday evening class about Islam, Dr. Musharraf Hussain Al-Azhari, asked us to join with a young adult group in his community for some mutual conversation and a meal. The food was excellent!

After eating, it was time for evening prayers, and we were welcomed, if we wished, to take off our shoes and go into the prayer room. Although the Muslim women did not go in, Mary and all of our students did, men and women. We sat in the back of the room to watch.

Following the prayers, we went back to the meeting room for some sweets and tea. I was given 15 minutes to talk about Christianity in the U.S., and then there was discussion. There was a lot of common ground, and only because the hour was growing late, I finally pushed the last of our students out the door and on the way home.

Our Muslim neighbors were very gracious hosts, and I'm sure that we will have some further meetings with this group in the spring semester.