christiana

I live in saudi arabia, a muslim country, but there are some non muslims who come here from their countries to seek a livelihood. One of such is a christian family from my country that moved here from south Africa around 2 years ago. We were the only ones who speak the same language in the town, so naturally, we became friends and call each other regularly and visit sometimes. They are such a nice family with cute little kids who would not want to return to their house each time they come to mine for visit. The ages of the children was 5, 4 and 2. The husband being a very ambitious person decided to pursue higher studies and applied for a phd in the UK. The British consulate is in Jeddah, about 3 hours from where we live. He had to go there to get put in his papers and as they were expecting their 4th baby in a february, the wife decided to accompany him so that she could shop for baby stuff as it is easier and more economical to get it from Jeddah than in the small town we live.

They went and were done with the paperwork at the embassy and the shopping and were on their way back here when they had a tragic accident. For reasons not known to anyone, the car summersaulted and landed on its side. The man and women were thrown out through the window, the kids were locked in the car and could not get out. The cars coming behind stopped to help them and call the police and ambulance service. They got the kids out through the car windows and started giving first aid. This was when it was discovered that the husband was dead. The wife told me she sat next to him on the floor calling on him to get up, begging him not to leave her all alone with the kids, etc. But it was all to no avail. The men who came to rescue them took her away from his side and covered him with their head dresses. Then they were all taken to the nearest hospital in khlais. I have a friend who works in the hospital as a doctor and she was the one who called me after asking her if she knew me when she realized we live in the same town.

This happened exactly 3 weeks ago. It was such a sad and difficult time for the family and those of us that were close to them. The 5 year old had a fractured hand and the 2 year old a leg. They were both in p.o.p. Friends and neighbours were going to her house everyday to console and help out with taking care of the kids and housework because the woman was in pain and could barely walk. Somehow, she was able to get better physically and mentally day by day, She kept repeating to herself that she needs to be strong for the kids and she really was strong, crying only occasionally. The family left Saudi Arabia 5 days ago and the husband's body got home today. I just got off the phone talking to her and was told that the man has been buried according to christian rites. My prayer is that Allah comforts my friend, the kids and all the loved ones the man left behind. Verily, we come from Allah and unto Allah is our return.