My first week in Qatar has been amazing, and it’s been such a busy week. We have done so many cool things, like visiting the Qatar National Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the Al Thani Museum, visiting a mosque, dunning in the desert, attending church, and so much more. Through all of it, I’ve learned a lot and had a great time. One thing that really stood out to me is how family oriented the local Qataris are. Family is such a big part of their lives, and it’s cool to see how much it influences their culture. Their Islamic religion is also a huge part of their daily lives and their country’s history. Visiting the mosque and learning about Islam gave me a better understanding of their faith. It also helped me reflect on my own beliefs and think about ways I can share Jesus with others. Another thing that really stood out to me is how focused Qatar is on business. The country is very serious about its economy, and it’s clear that they enforce their laws, which make it quite safe here. Seeing how everything operates here has been really interesting because the Amir makes the final call whereas in the US there are processes. Visiting the Al Thani Museum was also really fun, his car collection is massive, with over 1,000 vehicles. My favorite part of the week was the desert trip. Driving over the dunes, riding camels, and watching the sunset and sunrise was unforgettable. This week has been so worth it. Between the fun moments with my classmates and everything I’ve learned about Qatar’s culture, religion, and economy, it’s been an incredible experience so far and I’m ready for what’s next.
