An Unusual Christmas Story (Part 8)

  Preparations for Christmas were in full swing. The ladies held a bake and share. There were socials amongst friends. Shopping. Decorating. Cleaning.. And this was in Saudi Arabia where it was most unlikely, right?
  Hubby was released from the hospital on December 19th but would remain in their care as outpatient. Once his valuables were retrieved from the security we would have some cash to repay those who loaned us funds. We would have a bit more cash to shop for some gifts for our hosts. But hubby was not well enough at first to even climb three flights of stairs . Once he was back with us he cheered up and his health improved steadily. I walked with him several times each day. By December 22nd he wanted an outing to a mall so it was arranged for us. A babysitter would stay with the kids. The driver headed to the place where I had seen the KFC. He wanted to see it. He purchased a treat to bring to Buddy. As we headed back, a huge down pour broke out. Flash flooding! Within minutes the roads looked like streams and cars were stalling all over the place. I was getting worried. We were in a raised vehicle that managed to move through the water to a place where the driver could stop and wait a bit for the water to run off. It was so unexpected. We made it back safely. The KFC was a hit and Buddy shared it with his sister.        
   We spent time planning how we would move on from here once hubby was well enough. I was afraid of the next phase of our travels because of what had happened. It was tough for me not to show my fear but I had to be brave. It was good to see he was trying to move forward. The doctor had warned me that there would be times of depression. It was a part of dealing with the blow he had just experienced. Humour was best for him now. I tried hard to keep the mood swings in a positive direction. And I had help.
    Everyone was now in the final stages of their Christmas preparations. It was December 24th when a strange announcement came over the intercom system.
"Please prepare for an upcoming sand storm. Close all windows and doors securely and make sure everyone is indoors. We are cancelling all activities at the community centre as of now. The storm is scheduled to hit within 30 minutes."
I had never experienced anything like this and felt a bit tense as I closed and locked our windows and door. The TV was switched on. A kids Christmas show was being piped, keeping many kids, mine too, in the compound busy while their parents finished up their chores. Soon a strong wind howled around us. It became very dark. At noon it was like midnight!! This lasted for at least 45 minutes. When daylight returned the wind subsided. It was quick but what surprised me was the awful damage it left behind. Everything indoors was coated with a layer of very fine sand. Outside everything was covered in a deeper layer of sand. The swimming pool became one huge and dangerous mud puddle! Instantly there was tons of cleaning ahead. It seemed so unfair. But no one showed they were really upset by it. They were focused on enjoying their Christmas as much as possible. They were miles away from their homes too (some were flying home for a short break). We spent our eve wrapping some little gifts for our hosts and their families.
   December 25th we were to join the host family for dinner. Doug's colleague who had to remain on the site during the holidays would also be there. Our invitation was for 4 p.m. Till then I was busy organizing and cleaning our borrowed items for return. At the latest doctor visit we were told it was safe to travel. Hubby, though weak, was stable so we booked our flight out of Jedda. We were given December 26th. It was difficult to get seats at this time of year and we were glad to be accommodated. The airline issued us complimentary tickets since we had none. Only ticketed travellers would be issued a boarding pass. Our unplanned stopover was nearing an end. And it culminated with a lovely Christmas with Nan, Doug, family and friend . It was a true celebration. There was so much joy and thankfulness. Our lives had become very touched by and for one another. Respect and admiration in abundance. The turkey, the tree, some carols, the toasts, the little useful gifts, the laughter, all genuine. Unusual because of our situation.
  Now there's a part of our experience I've saved for the end because of it's uniqueness but it had happened earlier. Through Doug and the ambassador I was asked to get the bill for hubby's hospital stay. The Embassy offered to pay on our behalf since it was likely to be a lot of dollars. Then we would repay them in Canada. My instructions were to obtain a statement just before hubby's release. I did this. I went to the same desk that had issued letters for our extended visas. I waited.  Almost two hours later a doctor who spoke English and a hospital staff member came to me with what I had dreaded. I was prepared for a huge amount, intensive care being the most costly. And they seemed a bit beside themselves as they gave me the information verbally.
" There will be no charge."
"How come?"
" You and your family are guests of our King."