How Bazaar?

The past couple of months or so the ladies at Murjan Village (our compound) have been working to put together a bazaar.  There were a few ladies who did most of the work the past few years but they have all moved away.  Because of that, we basically had no idea what we were doing but we decided to go for it.  The money we raise from the bazaar goes to yearly bonuses for all the guys that work on our compound keeping it so beautiful for us.  These poor guys are practically slave labor and are mostly from India or the Philippines living far away from their family. So, we hope from the bazaar to make some money and maybe have some fun.


In the beginning of the planning stages I decided to volunteer to be in charge of getting all of the vendors for the bazaar.  This is a BIG part of the bazaar.  I had to talk to many people and my phone rang almost non-stop for a few weeks.  I had to deal with some interesting language barrier issues, payment negotiating,  and general wheeling and dealing.  We ended up with almost 40 vendors which was great.  


The day before I spent the ENTIRE day setting up and getting everything ready.  This included setting up tables, making sure we had enough spaces for vendors, getting the eating area set-up, etc.  I was definitely not alone in this effort and had help from some wonderful ladies.


At last the day came and it was time for our bazaar.  The morning started early with getting vendors to their tables and set-up.  Of course, everyone wanted to move to a different table. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side.  I let the people that got there early move and make changes and figured those that arrived last would be stuck with what they got.  Most of the vendors were great and had great things for sale.  Only one was a real pain in the rear and I had to call in help from Lonna to get payment out of her.  Needless to say, we decided she won't be invited back next year.  Overall it was a very successful day and even a lot of fun.  We bought a few things as well.  Here are some pictures from our event. 

One of the signs that I made

Heather helping me fix one of the signs ;)

A vendor setting up

One of the rooms with lots of vendors

Entry 

I thought the rocking camel was cool!

Ladies working the bake sale

Leta and Judy working the entry table

People shopping

More people shopping

One of the best stores in Saudi- Desert Designs

Ladies of Murjan and their creative crafts: Toya, Lindsey, Rhonda, and Melissa

Jackie, Christine, and Laura working the entry

Lonna and Darwin pulling the raffle prizes

  

Micah's new painting... The scene in the background is the Jubail Industrial City

My new hand-carved Santa on a Camel

Me and Lonna.  We worked together a lot on this bazaar!

"It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas"

Ok, so it's definitely not beginning to look like Christmas or feel like Christmas here in Saudi.  It's still warm enough to layout by the pool (although it has cooled off) and we won't be seeing any decorations in the mall (one of my favorite things).  However, our apartment has the decorations covered. I know it's a little early to put up my Christmas decorations but living in Saudi changes the rules a little.  Micah and I are going to be gone from Dec. 2 - Dec. 19 so I wanted to have time to appreciate my beautiful Christmas decorations.  It is a lot of work to put everything up and only get to appreciate them for 2 weeks.  So, here is our Christmas apartment:

At least we hope Santa can find Jubail....

. 

Gizmo thinks he is a gift to us.

I was so excited about having my decorations up and ready I decided I wanted to spread the joy.  We had a dinner party for 10 of our friends along with 2 2year olds.  It was a greatly chaotic and fun dinner. After dinner the boys took the kids and went to play Settlers of Catan while the girls stayed at our place and watched "The Santa Claus".  It was a great night with great friends.  We are so blessed. 

Sorry to get everyone while chewing ;)

Hope you all have a blessed Holiday Season!