Friday, January 23rd, 2015
On the morning of January 23rd the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
awoke to the news that King Abdullah had died overnight. The news was released
at about 0100 (1am) so with the time difference friends in North America knew
before we did. It was probably one of the most surreal moments of my time in
Saudi, purely because of the fact that no matter how people felt about the laws
and rules and treatment of women or expats, I saw individuals who would
normally not agree on a thing, share in grief and sorrow at the loss of their
King. After nearly 3 years I share the words I shared on Facebook that day.
Reading them now I smile, with all the changes the country has and will
continue to experience in the coming months and years. Sometime I wish I was
still there to witness it. Very exciting times.
Julie
As I wake this morning I offer my Condolences to the people of Saudi Arabia as we learn of the passing of King Abdullah. And while some people will take this moment to continue to condemn the things that they find wrong with the country, I will remember the changes I have seen in my short 3 years here. Changes that were brought about by this man. Change is slow, but it is happening. Today I remember that and share in the hopes of many of my friends and colleagues who call Saudi Arabia home, either by birth or by choice, that his reforms will not be lost as the country moves forward.
Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi Raaji'oon
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